Naked Cuticle Homolog 2 (NKD2)

In the mouse, Nkd is a Dishevelled -binding protein that functions as a negative regulator of the Wnt (see WNT1)-beta-catenin-Tcf signaling pathway.The deduced 451-amino acid protein contains an EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding motif. NKD1 shares about 44% overall identity with NKD1, including more than 75% identity in 4 major homology domains, including the EF-hand motif. Northern blot analysis revealed moderate expression of 4.3-, 3.4-, and 2.4-kb transcripts in fetal kidney and lung and in adult lung. Multiple transcripts were generated through the use of alternative polyadenylation sites.Both mouse and human NKD2 have a central EF-hand motif and a histidine-rich C terminus that is interrupted by a conserved glutamate residue. NKD2 also has a putative N-terminal myristoylation site. Mouse and human NKD2 share 75% identity.