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Midkine (MDK) growth factor: a key player in cancer progression and a promising therapeutic target

Panagiota S Filippou1,2, George S Karagiannis3,4,5, Anastasia Constantinidou6,7,8

  • 1School of Health & Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, UK. P.Philippou@tees.ac.uk.

Oncogene
|December 6, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Midkine, a growth factor, drives cancer progression and is linked to hallmarks like metastasis and angiogenesis. It shows promise as a cancer biomarker and therapeutic target in personalized medicine.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Midkine is a heparin-binding growth factor involved in tissue homeostasis and disease.
  • It is overexpressed in many human cancers, promoting critical cancer hallmarks.
  • Midkine plays roles in tumor microenvironment modulation, including therapeutic resistance and immunomodulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge on midkine expression and function in cancer.
  • To highlight midkine's potential as a cancer biomarker.
  • To discuss midkine's potential as a therapeutic target in personalized cancer medicine.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on midkine in cancer.
  • Analysis of midkine's role in cancer hallmarks (growth, survival, metastasis, angiogenesis).
  • Evaluation of midkine's utility as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Main Results:

  • Midkine expression is elevated in various human malignancies.
  • Midkine mediates key cancer hallmarks, including cell growth, survival, migration, metastasis, and angiogenesis.
  • Midkine is investigated for its roles in therapeutic resistance and tumor immunomodulation.

Conclusions:

  • Midkine is a significant factor in cancer development and progression.
  • Midkine holds promise as a biomarker for cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment monitoring.
  • Midkine represents a potential future therapeutic target for personalized cancer therapy.

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