KN motif and ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein 4 (KANK4)

KN motif and ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein 4 (KANK4) is a large, highly conserved protein of the KANK family, featuring an N-terminal KN motif, a coiled-coil domain, and C-terminal ankyrin repeats. KANK4 is particularly expressed in endothelial cells of arteries and arterioles, and its expression is upregulated under conditions of increased shear stress or tissue ischemia. KANK4 orchestrates arteriogenesis by physically linking VEGFR2 to the cytoskeletal protein TALIN-1, thereby augmenting VEGFR2 activation, downstream AKT signaling, and endothelial cell proliferation. This mechanistic action highlights KANK4 as a novel and promising therapeutic target for the treatment of arterial occlusive diseases. Beyond vascular biology, KANK4 also influences cell motility and actin cytoskeleton organization, and its upregulation in myofibroblasts is associated with pathological tissue remodeling, such as keloid formation

Other names

KN motif and ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein 4KANK4ANKRD38KIAA0172Ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein 38dJ1078M7.1kidney ankyrin repeat-containing protein 4ankyrin repeat domain 38

For experimental KANK4 modulation: Enhancement of VEGFR2 signaling cascade leading to increased AKT phosphorylation, endothelial cell proliferation, and vessel enlargement in model organisms