PODS® Human DKK-1

PODS® Human DKK-1 contains the polyhedrin protein co-crystalized with Human DKK-1. Dickkopf related protein 1 (DKK-1) is a member of the Dickkopf family of proteins that includes DKK-1, DKK-2, DKK-3, DKK-4, and a related protein Soggy. DKK-1 and DKK-4 are well documented antagonists of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by forming inhibitory complexes composed of the Frizzled proteins and one of two low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins, LRP5 or LRP6. DKK-1 antagonizes Wnt by forming ternary complexes of LRP5/6 with Kremen1 or Kremen2. The balance between Wnt signaling and DKK-1 inhibition is critical for bone formation and homeostasis, resulting that insufficient or excess of DKK-1 activity in bone leads to an increased or decreased bone density, respectively. In adults, DKK-1 is expressed in osteoblasts, osteocytes, and neurons.