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Published on: January 6, 2015
Dkk (Dickkopf) Proteins
Roberta Baetta1, Cristina Banfi1
1From the Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milano, Italy.
Abstract:
Clinical and preclinical studies over the past 3 decades have uncovered a multitude of signaling pathways involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. From these studies, signaling by proteins of the Wnt family has recently emerged as an important player in the development of atherosclerosis. Wnt signaling is characterized by a large number of ligands, receptors, and coreceptors and can be regulated at many different levels. Among Wnt modulators, the evolutionary conserved Dkk (Dickkopf) proteins, and especially Dkk-1, the founding member of the family, are the best characterized. The role of Dkks in the pathophysiology of the arterial wall is only partially understood, but their involvement in atherosclerosis is becoming increasingly evident. This review introduces recent key findings on Dkk proteins and their functions in atherosclerosis and discusses the potential importance of modulating Dkk signaling as part of a novel, improved strategy for preventing and treating atherosclerosis-related diseases. Visual Overview- An online visual overview is available for this article.
Insights
Dickkopf (Dkk) proteins, particularly Dkk-1, are increasingly recognized for their role in atherosclerosis development. Modulating Dkk signaling may offer new strategies for treating atherosclerosis-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Atherosclerosis involves numerous signaling pathways, with Wnt signaling emerging as a key player.
- Dickkopf (Dkk) proteins, especially Dkk-1, are well-characterized Wnt modulators.
- The specific role of Dkks in arterial wall pathophysiology and atherosclerosis is under active investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on Dkk proteins and their functions in atherosclerosis.
- To discuss the potential of targeting Dkk signaling for atherosclerosis prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical and preclinical studies.
- Analysis of Wnt signaling pathways and Dkk protein involvement.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting Dkk signaling.
Main Results:
- Wnt signaling pathways are crucial in atherosclerosis initiation and progression.
- Dkk proteins, particularly Dkk-1, are implicated in the pathophysiology of the arterial wall.
- Evidence suggests Dkk proteins play a significant role in the development of atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Dkk proteins are important modulators in the context of atherosclerosis.
- Targeting Dkk signaling presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into Dkk functions could lead to improved prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis-related diseases.
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