Midkine (MDK) mRNA (MDK mRNA)

Midkine (MDK) mRNA is the transcript of the MDK gene, encoding a 13-kDa heparin-binding growth factor that plays a pivotal role in cell growth, survival, and migration (UniProt P21741). While highly expressed during embryogenesis to support neural and mesodermal development, its expression is minimal in healthy adult tissues but becomes significantly upregulated in various pathological conditions, particularly in many types of human cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer (PubMed: 31434015). The overexpression of MDK mRNA promotes tumor progression by stimulating angiogenesis, conferring resistance to apoptosis, and facilitating metastasis (PubMed: 24603444). Therapeutic targeting of MDK mRNA, primarily through antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) like LY01610, aims to selectively degrade the transcript and prevent the synthesis of the Midkine protein (Luye Pharma). This approach is designed to inhibit oncogenic signaling pathways while minimizing effects on healthy tissues where MDK expression is low. Beyond oncology, MDK mRNA is also implicated in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, making it a versatile target for drug development and a potential biomarker for disease severity and treatment response.

Other names

Neurite growth-promoting factor 2 mRNANEGF2 mRNAMK mRNAAmphiregulin-associated protein mRNARetinoic acid-responsive gene mRNA

Antisense oligonucleotide-mediated degradation of mRNA to inhibit protein translation