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Midkine and pleiotrophin: two related proteins involved in development, survival, inflammation and tumorigenesis

Takashi Muramatsu1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan. tmurama@med.nagoya-u.ac.jp

Journal of Biochemistry
|September 3, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Midkine (MK) and pleiotrophin (PTN) are proteins involved in cell growth and organ development. Their elevated expression in tumors and after injury suggests roles in disease and potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Midkine (MK) and pleiotrophin (PTN) are structurally similar low molecular weight proteins.
  • They regulate cell growth, survival, migration, neurogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions.
  • Protein-tyrosine phosphatase zeta (PTPzeta) acts as a receptor for MK and PTN, activating downstream ERK and PI3 kinase signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the biological functions and potential applications of Midkine (MK) and pleiotrophin (PTN).
  • To investigate the binding characteristics of MK to its receptor PTPzeta.
  • To highlight the significance of MK and PTN in pathological conditions and therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Structural analysis of MK and PTN.
  • Investigation of cell signaling pathways (ERK, PI3 kinase).
  • Binding affinity studies using chondroitin sulfate structures.

Main Results:

  • MK and PTN promote cell growth, survival, and migration.
  • The E unit of chondroitin sulfate on PTPzeta provides a high-affinity binding site for MK.
  • Increased expression of MK and PTN is observed in human tumors and following ischemic injury.

Conclusions:

  • MK and PTN are implicated in tumor progression and ischemic injury.
  • Their roles in cell migration and inflammation suggest involvement in neointima formation and renal injury.
  • MK and PTN hold potential as tumor markers, therapeutic targets, and in treating neurodegenerative diseases, enhancing in vitro development, and preventing HIV infection.

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