MKX (mohawk homeobox) is a transcription factor that functions as a master regulator of tendon and ligament development 1. As a DNA-binding transcription factor, MKX mediates tenogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and serves as a marker for tendon progenitor cells 23. MKX expression is upregulated under hypoxic conditions and mechanical stimulation, where it promotes tenogenic gene expression including tendon-specific markers (SCX, TNMD, COL1A1) 34. In the periodontal ligament, MKX acts as a protective factor during mechanical stimulation by enhancing collagen and extracellular matrix production 4. Loss of MKX function leads to tendon defects and heterotopic ossification, characterized by decreased tenogenic gene expression and aberrant activation of osteochondrogenic pathways 5. Beyond tendon biology, MKX plays a role in brown adipocyte development, with MKX knockdown reducing UCP1 expression 6. Pathologically, MKX is aberrantly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma, where it functions as an oncogene by promoting cell proliferation and suppressing apoptosis through regulation of downstream targets including CCL2 and BCL2L11 7.