Recombinant Proteins
Product List
GKN1 Human
Gastrokine 1 Human Recombinant
GKN1 is fused to a 24 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
GKN2 Human
Gastrokine 2 Human Recombinant
GKN3P Human
Gastrokine 3 Human Recombinant
Introduction
Gastrokines (GKNs) are a family of stomach-specific proteins primarily produced by gastric mucus-secreting cells. They play crucial roles in maintaining gastric mucosal homeostasis and have been identified as potential tumor suppressors. The family includes several members, such as Gastrokine 1 (GKN1), Gastrokine 2 (GKN2), and Gastrokine 3 (GKN3) .
Key Biological Properties: Gastrokines are highly conserved proteins with a significant role in gastric mucosal protection. GKN1, for instance, is composed of 185 amino acid residues and is characterized by its resistance to proteolytic enzymes and high thermal stability .
Expression Patterns: GKN1 is predominantly expressed in the gastric mucosa, specifically in the mucus-secreting cells of the stomach lining . It is absent in gastric cancer tissues and derived cell lines, making it a potential biomarker for gastric cancer .
Tissue Distribution: While primarily found in the stomach, GKN1 has also been detected in other tissues, such as the smooth muscle of the chicken gizzard, indicating a broader distribution than previously thought .
Primary Biological Functions: Gastrokines are involved in maintaining the integrity of the gastric epithelium. GKN1, for example, protects the gastric mucosa and regulates cell proliferation and differentiation .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: GKN1 plays a role in immune regulation by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related genes and enhancing the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents like fluorouracil (5-FU) .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Gastrokines interact with various molecules and cells to exert their effects. GKN1, for instance, has been shown to bind to exosomal proteins and is internalized in the gastric epithelium through exosome-driven transfer .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: GKN1 interacts with trefoil factors, forming heterodimers that play a role in gastric mucosal homeostasis and inflammation . It also activates downstream signaling pathways, such as the p16/Rb and p21 pathways, leading to cell senescence and inhibition of cell proliferation .
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of GKN1 is regulated at the transcriptional level by factors such as NKX6.3 . The promoter region of the GKN1 gene contains binding sites for various transcription factors that modulate its expression.
Post-Translational Modifications: GKN1 undergoes post-translational modifications, including proteasomal degradation and interactions with microRNAs (miRNAs), which further regulate its activity and stability .
Biomedical Research: Gastrokines, particularly GKN1, are valuable in biomedical research due to their role in gastric cancer. They serve as potential biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of gastric cancer .
Diagnostic Tools: The measurement of circulating GKN1 levels in serum can be used as a diagnostic marker for gastric cancer .
Therapeutic Strategies: GKN1 has therapeutic potential in gastric cancer treatment. Its ability to induce apoptosis and enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy makes it a promising candidate for targeted therapies .
Development to Aging and Disease: Gastrokines play a crucial role throughout the life cycle. During development, they contribute to the formation and maintenance of the gastric mucosa. In aging and disease, the loss of GKN1 expression is associated with the progression of gastric cancer . Restoration of GKN1 expression in cancer cells induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth .
