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Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens
This article is about the protein. For the Mortal Kombat video game, see Mortal Kombat X. For other uses, see MKX (disambiguation).
Homeobox protein Mohawk, also known as iroquois homeobox protein-like 1, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MKX (mohawk homeobox) gene. MKX is a member of an Iroquois (IRX) family-related class of 'three-amino acid loop extension' (TALE) atypical homeobox proteins characterized by 3 additional amino acids in the loop region between helix I and helix II of the homeodomain.
Function
MKX is a transcription factor that regulates tendon differentiation during embryological development. Knocking out this gene in mouse embryos results in them developing hypoplastic tendons containing less type I collagen. MKX binds directly to the promoter of MyoD and represses its expression, negatively regulating muscle differentiation.
Expression of MKX is maintained in adult tendon tissues, decreasing as a result of ageing or osteoarthritis. Collagen fibres in tendons become more dense and thick following mechanical stimulation as a result of exercise, and MKX is essential in this mechanosensory process.
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