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Function

Receptor tyrosine kinase that transduces signals from the extracellular matrix into the cytoplasm by binding to several ligands including LGALS3, TUB, TULP1 or GAS6. Regulates many physiological processes including cell survival, migration, differentiation, and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis). Ligand binding at the cell surface induces autophosphorylation of MERTK on its intracellular domain that provides docking sites for downstream signaling molecules. Following activation by ligand, interacts with GRB2 or PLCG2 and induces phosphorylation of MAPK1, MAPK2, FAK/PTK2 or RAC1. MERTK signaling plays a role in various processes such as macrophage clearance of apoptotic cells, platelet aggregation, cytoskeleton reorganization and engulfment (PubMed:32640697). Functions in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) as a regulator of rod outer segments fragments phagocytosis. Also plays an important role in inhibition of Toll-like receptors (TLRs)-mediated innate immune response by activating STAT1, which selectively induces production of suppressors of cytokine signaling SOCS1 and SOCS3.

Involvement in disease

Retinitis pigmentosa 38

RP38

A retinal dystrophy belonging to the group of pigmentary retinopathies. Retinitis pigmentosa is characterized by retinal pigment deposits visible on fundus examination and primary loss of rod photoreceptor cells followed by secondary loss of cone photoreceptors. Patients typically have night vision blindness and loss of midperipheral visual field. As their condition progresses, they lose their far peripheral visual field and eventually central vision as well.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Post-translational modifications

Autophosphorylated on Tyr-749, Tyr-753 and Tyr-754 in the activation loop allowing full activity. Autophosphorylated on Tyr-872 leading to recruitment of downstream partners of the signaling cascade such as PLCG2 (By similarity).

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Tyr protein kinase family. AXL/UFO subfamily.

Tissue specificity

Not expressed in normal B- and T-lymphocytes but is expressed in numerous neoplastic B- and T-cell lines. Highly expressed in testis, ovary, prostate, lung, and kidney, with lower expression in spleen, small intestine, colon, and liver.

Cellular localization

  • Cell membrane
  • Single-pass type I membrane protein

Alternative names

MER, MERTK, Tyrosine-protein kinase Mer, Proto-oncogene c-Mer, Receptor tyrosine kinase MerTK

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Immunology & Infectious Disease

Molecular weight

110249Da

We found 10 products in 3 categories

Primary Antibodies

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Reactive species

Assay Kits

Target

Reactive species

Detection method