Disease relevance of Prok1

• These results show that prokineticin receptors are expressed in nociceptors and cause heat hyperalgesia by sensitizing TRPV1 through activation of PKCepsilon [1].
• Choroidal neovascularization in transgenic mice expressing prokineticin 1: an animal model for age-related macular degeneration [2].

High impact information on Prok1

• We previously described two mammalian secreted proteins, prokineticin 1 and prokineticin 2, that potently contract gastrointestinal smooth muscle [3].
• Prokineticin 1 has also been shown to promote angiogenesis by stimulating proliferation, migration, and fenestration of endocrine organ-derived endothelial cells [3].
• Recently prokineticin 1 (hPK1) was identified as a mitogen of fenestrated endothelium [2].
• PKR1 and its natural ligand, prokineticin 1 may be important for modulation of colonic motility [4].
• Expression of prokineticin receptors in mouse cultured astrocytes and involvement in cell proliferation [5].

Anatomical context of Prok1

• Taken together, it is the first report demonstrating that Prok-1 acts as a gut mucosa/mesenchyme-derived factor and maintains proliferation and differentiation of enteric NCCs [6].
• Prokineticin-1 modulates proliferation and differentiation of enteric neural crest cells [6].

Analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic context of Prok1

• This study investigated the role of prokineticin 1 in colonic contractility as well as sites of expression of its receptor in the mouse proximal colon by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy [4].

References