This gene encodes a member of the dickkopf family of proteins. Members of this family are secreted proteins characterized by two cysteine-rich domains that mediate protein-protein interactions. The Dickkopf family of secreted inhibitors of Wnt signaling ensures proper morphological development by antagonizing different stages of the Wnt cascade.Dkk-1 (Dickkopf-1) acts upstream of β-catenin and dishevelled to inhibit Wnt signaling. Dkk-1 is a 266-amino acid (human), secreted protein that containsa 31-residue N-terminal signal peptide, 2 cysteine rich domains, and a putative carboxy-terminal N-glycosylation site.
