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Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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XK (protein)

Introduction

XK (also known as Kell blood group precursor) is a protein found on human red blood cells and other tissues which is responsible for the Kx antigen which helps determine a person’s blood type.

Clinical significance

Clinical significance

The Kx antigen plays a role in matching blood for blood transfusions.

Mutation of XK protein may lead to McLeod syndrome,[1] a multi-system disorder characterized by hemolytic anemia, myopathy, acanthocytosis, and chorea.[2]

XK is located on the X chromosome (cytogenetic band Xp21.1) and absence of the XK protein is an X-linked disease.[3]

Function

Function

XK is a membrane transport protein of unknown action.[4]

References

References

  1. ↑ Arnaud L, Salachas F, Lucien N, et al. (March 2009). “Identification and characterization of a novel XK splice site mutation in a patient with McLeod syndrome”. Transfusion. 49 (3): 479–84. doi:10.1111/j.1537-2995.2008.02003.x. PMID 19040496.
  2. ↑ Malandrini, A; Fabrizi, GM; Truschi, F; Di Pietro, G; Moschini, F; Bartalucci, P; Berti, G; Salvadori, C; et al. (1994). “Atypical McLeod syndrome manifested as X-linked chorea-acanthocytosis, neuromyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy: report of a family”. Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 124 (1): 89–94. doi:10.1016/0022-510X(94)90016-7. PMID 7931427.
  3. ↑ Ho, MF; Monaco, AP; Blonden, LA; Van Ommen, GJ; Affara, NA; Ferguson-Smith, MA; Lehrach, H (1992). “Fine mapping of the McLeod locus (XK) to a 150-380-kb region in Xp21”. American Journal of Human Genetics. 50 (2): 317–30. PMC 1682457. PMID 1734714.
  4. ↑ Jung, HH; Russo, D; Redman, C; Brandner, S (2001). “Kell and XK immunohistochemistry in McLeod myopathy”. Muscle & Nerve. 24 (10): 1346–51. doi:10.1002/mus.1154. PMID 11562915.
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