KITLG
GeneName
KITLG
Summary
KITLG, also known as SCF (stem cell factor) or MGF, is a 31kDa cytokine that plays a crucial role in various biological processes. It is primarily expressed in the extracellular region and is involved in cell adhesion, hematopoiesis, and the development of male gonads. KITLG functions by binding to its receptor, promoting growth and differentiation of stem cells and various immune cells, including mast cells and leukocytes. It is secreted and can be found in the cytoplasm, cytoskeleton, and on the plasma membrane, facilitating interactions that drive cell migration and proliferation, particularly in the context of embryonic development and immune responses.
Importance
KITLG is relevant to: - Stem cell biology and regenerative medicine due to its role in hematopoietic progenitor cell differentiation and proliferation - Male fertility and gonadal development as it is essential for spermatogenesis - Immune responses, particularly in mast cell function and migration, influencing allergic reactions and inflammation - Melanocyte biology and pigmentation, impacting skin and hair colouration - Cancer research, as alterations in KITLG signalling can affect tumour microenvironments and metastasis
Top Products
For researchers investigating KITLG, we recommend the well-cited polyclonal antibody, Anti-SCF antibody (ab64677). This antibody has garnered 32 citations, highlighting its reliability and trust within the scientific community. It is particularly effective for Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunocytochemistry (ICC), making it a versatile choice for various experimental needs. Its proven performance in these applications ensures that you can confidently utilise it in your research on KITLG. The Recombinant human SCF protein (Active) ELISA Kit (ab259391) is an excellent option for researchers looking to measure KITLG in their experiments.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The use of Abcam antibody ab64677 for KITLG detection highlights its relevance in both human and mouse studies. Specifically, it has been applied in immunohistochemistry for human intervertebral disc tissue and in Western blotting for mouse Sertoli cells, indicating its utility in research related to reproductive biology and tissue analysis.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Developmental stage
Acts in the early stages of hematopoiesis.
Function
Ligand for the receptor-type protein-tyrosine kinase KIT. Plays an essential role in the regulation of cell survival and proliferation, hematopoiesis, stem cell maintenance, gametogenesis, mast cell development, migration and function, and in melanogenesis. KITLG/SCF binding can activate several signaling pathways. Promotes phosphorylation of PIK3R1, the regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and subsequent activation of the kinase AKT1. KITLG/SCF and KIT also transmit signals via GRB2 and activation of RAS, RAF1 and the MAP kinases MAPK1/ERK2 and/or MAPK3/ERK1. KITLG/SCF and KIT promote activation of STAT family members STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5. KITLG/SCF and KIT promote activation of PLCG1, leading to the production of the cellular signaling molecules diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. KITLG/SCF acts synergistically with other cytokines, probably interleukins.
Involvement in disease
Hyperpigmentation with or without hypopigmentation, familial progressive
FPHH
A disorder characterized by hyperpigmented patches in the skin, present in early infancy and increasing in size and number with age. Hyperpigmentation has variable intensity, and sometimes is associated with cafe-au-lait macules and larger hypopigmented ash-leaf macules.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Deafness, congenital, unilateral or asymmetric
DCUA
An autosomal dominant form of non-syndromic, sensorineural deafness characterized by inability to hear affecting one ear. Some patients suffers from asymmetric, bilateral hearing loss.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Waardenburg syndrome 2F
WS2F
A form of Waardenburg syndrome, an auditory-pigmentary disorder characterized by sensorineural deafness, pigmentary disturbances of the hair, skin and eyes, and absence of dystopia canthorum which is the lateral displacement of the inner canthus of each eye. WS2F is an autosomal recessive form with variable expressivity, characterized by congenital or neonatal-onset sensorineural hearing loss.
None
The disease may be caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Post-translational modifications
A soluble form (sKITLG) is produced by proteolytic processing of isoform 1 in the extracellular domain.
Found in two differentially glycosylated forms, LMW-SCF and HMW-SCF. LMW-SCF is fully N-glycosylated at Asn-145, partially N-glycosylated at Asn-90, O-glycosylated at Ser-167, Thr-168 and Thr-180, and not glycosylated at Asn-97 or Asn-118. HMW-SCF is N-glycosylated at Asn-118, Asn-90 and Asn-145, O-glycosylated at Ser-167, Thr-168 and Thr-180, and not glycosylated at Asn-97.
A soluble form exists as a cleavage product of the extracellular domain.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the SCF family.
Cellular localization
- Isoform 1
- Cell membrane
- Single-pass type I membrane protein
- Isoform 2
- Cytoplasm
- Cytoplasm
- Cytoskeleton
- Cell membrane
- Single-pass type I membrane protein
- Cell projection
- Lamellipodium
- Cell projection
- Filopodium
- Soluble KIT ligand
- Secreted
Alternative names
MGF, SCF, KITLG, Kit ligand, Mast cell growth factor, Stem cell factor, c-Kit ligand