The XK gene provides instructions for producing a protein that is found in various tissues of the body, particularly the brain, muscle, and heart. This protein is also present on the surface of red blood cells and carries a molecule known as the Kx blood group antigen. Blood group antigens are found on the surface of red blood cells and determine a number of blood types. When blood cells with unfamiliar antigens enter the bloodstream, the body’s immune system recognizes the cells as foreign and may trigger an immune reaction that destroys the foreign blood cells.
The function of the XK protein is unclear; researchers believe that it might play a role in transporting substances into and out of cells. On red blood cells, the XK protein attaches to another blood group protein, the Kell protein. The function of this blood group complex is unknown.
Other Names
Kell blood group precursor (McLeod phenotype); KX; Kx antigen; membrane transport protein XK; X-linked Kx blood group (McLeod syndrome); X1k; XK, Kell blood group complex subunit (McLeod syndrome); XK-related protein 1; XK_HUMAN; XKR1
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 7504
- OMIM: 314850
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
