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KITLG

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.

Post-translational modifications

A soluble form is produced by proteolytic processing of isoform 1 in the extracellular domain.

The identity of N- and O-linked saccharides are not reported in PubMed:1708771. The O-linked polysaccharides are probably the mucin type linked to GalNAc.

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

  • Kit ligand
  • Hematopoietic growth factor KL
  • Mast cell growth factor
  • Stem cell factor
  • c-Kit ligand
  • MGF
  • SCF
  • Kitl
  • Mgf
  • Kitlg

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Oncology

Molecular weight

30712Da