DKK2
DKK2 (dickkopf WNT signalling pathway inhibitor 2) is a secreted member of the dickkopf family that modulates Wnt/beta-catenin signalling. It antagonises canonical Wnt signalling in many settings, though its effect depends on cellular context. Browse Assay Genie's current range of DKK2 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
DKK2 is a secreted glycoprotein of the dickkopf family that regulates the Wnt pathway. It antagonises canonical Wnt signalling by inhibiting the interaction of the co-receptors LRP5 and LRP6 with Wnt, and by forming a ternary complex with the transmembrane protein KREMEN that promotes internalisation of LRP5/6. Its activity is also modulated by direct binding to LRP6. The NCBI Gene summary notes that DKK2 can act as either an agonist or an antagonist of Wnt/beta-catenin signalling, depending on the cellular context and the presence of the co-factor kremen 2.
The human DKK2 gene encodes a protein with two cysteine-rich regions, and the protein is secreted. It belongs to the dickkopf family, whose members include DKK1, DKK3 and DKK4, together with the related DKKL1. The mouse ortholog is Dkk2. Researchers studying this DKK2 protein often use it alongside other family members to separate shared and distinct effects on Wnt signalling.
In vertebrate development, dickkopf proteins locally inhibit Wnt-regulated processes such as antero-posterior axial patterning, limb development, somitogenesis and eye formation, and DKK2 is involved in embryonic development through its interactions with the Wnt pathway. In the adult, dickkopf proteins are implicated in bone formation and bone disease, cancer and Alzheimer disease. The gene has also been listed under the names dickkopf (Xenopus laevis) homolog 2 and dickkopf 2 homolog (Xenopus laevis), reflecting the Xenopus origin of the dickkopf name.
DKK2 can act as an agonist or antagonist of Wnt/beta-catenin signalling, making it a useful modulator for studying context-dependent pathway control.
Dickkopf proteins locally inhibit Wnt-regulated processes including axial patterning, limb development, somitogenesis and eye formation during vertebrate development.
In the adult, dickkopf proteins are implicated in bone formation and bone disease, linking DKK2 to Wnt control of the skeleton.
Dickkopf family proteins are implicated in cancer and Alzheimer disease, giving DKK2 relevance to studies of Wnt dysregulation in disease.
DKK2 is a secreted Wnt pathway modulator. It antagonises canonical Wnt signalling by blocking LRP5/6 interaction with Wnt and by forming a ternary complex with KREMEN that promotes LRP5/6 internalisation. Depending on cellular context and kremen 2, it can instead act as an agonist of Wnt/beta-catenin signalling.
HGNC lists no aliases for DKK2, but earlier names include dickkopf WNT signalling pathway inhibitor 2, dickkopf (Xenopus laevis) homolog 2 and dickkopf 2 homolog (Xenopus laevis). UniProt names the protein Dickkopf-related protein 2. Related family members include DKK1, DKK3 and DKK4.
The mouse ortholog is Dkk2, and the protein belongs to the dickkopf family, which has roles in vertebrate development. In adults, dickkopf proteins are implicated in bone formation and bone disease, cancer and Alzheimer disease. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other dickkopf family members and related Wnt pathway targets with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9UBU2; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.