K
|
| Term |
Definition |
| Kallikrein |
A family of proteins best known for involvement in blood vessel responses to various stimuli. Kallikrein initiates a cascade of molecular events leading to increased vascular permeability, smooth muscle contraction, vasodilation, and pain. C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) is a naturally occurring kallikrein inhibitor. |
| Kaposi Sarcoma |
A skin malignancy that tends to afflict elderly people or those with an abnormal immune system as in AIDS. The tumor has many blood vessels, and is characterized by soft purplish plaques and raised skin lesions that form nodules. In AIDS patients, the tumors can also arise internally and cause severe internal bleeding. " |
| Kennedy Syndrome |
The most common form of adult-onset spinal muscular atrophy syndrome. |
| Keratinocyte |
Skin cell that makes keratin, a protein found in the upper layer of the skin, hair, nails, and animal horns. |
| Keratinocyte Growth Factor 2 (KGF2) |
A growth factor (small hormone like signaling protein) secreted by certain cells which stimulates growth of skin cells (keratinocytes). |
| Kinase |
A class of enzymes which add phosphate to proteins and other molecules inside of cells. Different kinases have specificity for certain targets, and represent an important class of intracellular signaling molecules relevant to many disease processes. |
| Kit |
A kinase (signaling protein that adds phosphates to proteins) involved in regulating cell division and other cellular events. Related to the kinase Abl. |
| Knockout Mouse |
A strain of mouse engineered to lack the expression of a specific gene or genes. |
| Krabbe Disease |
A lethal, demyelinating condition caused by a deficiency of the activity of the enzyme galactosylceramidase. It is more appropriately called Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy. The group of disorders known as leukodystrophies affect growth of the myelin sheath of nerve fibers in the central nervous system. |
