The Dickkopf Protein Family In Non-Neoplastic Disorders: Emerging Roles And Therapeutic Targeting

The Dickkopf (DKK) protein family, particularly DKK1 and DKK3, plays significant roles in non-neoplastic disorders, influencing processes such as tissue homeostasis, fibrosis, cardiovascular health, immune responses, and hair biology. DKK1 is implicated in androgenetic alopecia by inhibiting Wnt signaling, leading to hair loss, while DKK2 promotes hair growth. DKK proteins are involved in various diseases, including osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disorders, acting as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Despite their therapeutic promise, challenges remain in understanding their diverse roles and ensuring the safety and efficacy of DKK-targeted therapies, necessitating further large-scale studies.