protein_function: Ligand for the receptor-type protein-tyrosine kinaseKIT. Plays an essential role in the regulation of cell survivaland proliferation, hematopoiesis, stem cell maintenance,gametogenesis, mast cell development, migration and function, andin melanogenesis. KITLG,SCF binding can activate several signalingpathways. Promotes phosphorylation of PIK3R1, the regulatorysubunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and subsequentactivation of the kinase AKT1. KITLG,SCF and KIT also transmitsignals via GRB2 and activation of RAS, RAF1 and the MAP kinasesMAPK1,ERK2 and,or MAPK3,ERK1. KITLG,SCF and KIT promote activationof STAT family members STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5. KITLG,SCF and KITpromote activation of PLCG1, leading to the production of thecellular signaling molecules diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. KITLG,SCF acts synergistically with othercytokines, probably interleukins.
Stem Cell Factor (also known as SCF, kit-ligand, KL, or steel factor) is a cytokine that binds to the c-Kit receptor (CD117). It is mapped to 12q21.32. SCF was primarily expressed by perivascular cells throughout the bone marrow, and it plays a role in the regulation of HSCs in the stem cell niche in the bone marrow. SCF can exist both as a transmembrane protein and a soluble protein. This gene plays an important role in the hematopoiesis during embryonic development. During development, the presence of the SCF also plays an important role in the localization of melanocytes, cells that produce melanin and control pigmentation. In addition to it, SCF can promote mast cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and survival. It also promotes the release of histamine and tryptase, which are involved in the allergic response.