Gastrokine-2 (GKN2)

Gastrokine-2 (GKN2) is a secreted, BRICHOS domain-containing protein abundant in normal gastric mucosa and down-regulated in gastric cancer and other tumors. GKN2 supports mucosal defense, epithelial homeostasis, and anti-inflammatory regulation and is implicated as a tumor suppressor, particularly in gastric adenocarcinoma. It acts via direct inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and modulation of inflammatory immune responses, often forming heterodimers with trefoil factor 1 (TFF1) which stabilizes the gastric mucus barrier. Loss of GKN2 correlates with increased malignant progression and inflammation, suggesting therapeutic potential in cancer and inflammatory diseases. Based on current knowledge, Gastrokine-2 (GKN2) is an epithelial-derived secreted protein, most relevant as a tumor suppressor and anti-inflammatory modulator in the gastric mucosa, and represents a promising biomarker and candidate therapeutic target in gastric and lung cancer.

Other names

GDDRBLOTTFIZ1UNQ465/PRO813blottinBRICD1BDown-regulated in gastric cancerTrefoil factor interactions(z) 1BRICHOS domain containing 1B

Restoration or enhancement of GKN2 may: suppress cell proliferation, migration, invasion via pathways such as PI3K/AKT, JAK2/STAT3, NF-κB; promote cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (possibly synergistically if combined with trefoil factors); restrain inflammation through immunomodulation (Th1 regulation, myeloid suppressor cell activation).