KITLG

This gene encodes the ligand of the tyrosine-kinase receptor encoded by the KIT locus. This ligand is a pleiotropic factor that acts in utero in germ cell and neural cell development, and hematopoiesis, all believed to reflect a role in cell migration. In adults, it functions pleiotropically, while mostly noted for its continued requirement in hematopoiesis. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

KIT Ligand

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.

Cell adhesionIEA:UniProtKB-KW
Ectopic germ cell programmed cell deathManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIMP:MGI
Embryonic hemopoiesisISO:MGI
Extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway in absence of ligandManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:MGI
Germ cell developmentManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:MGI
Male gonad developmentIEA:Ensembl
Negative regulation of apoptotic processManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIGI:MGI
Negative regulation of mast cell apoptotic processManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:MGI
Neural crest cell migrationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:MGI
Ovarian follicle developmentISO:MGI
Positive regulation of cell population proliferationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:MGI
Positive regulation of hematopoietic stem cell proliferationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:MGI
Positive regulation of leukocyte migrationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:MGI
Positive regulation of MAP kinase activityManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIGI:MGI
Positive regulation of mast cell proliferationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:MGI
Positive regulation of melanocyte differentiationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:MGI
Positive regulation of myeloid leukocyte differentiationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIGI:MGI
Positive regulation of peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:MGI
Positive regulation of Ras protein signal transductionManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:MGI

Isoform 1: Cell membrane
Isoform 2: Cytoplasm; Cytoplasm, cytoskeleton; Cell projection, filopodium
Soluble KIT ligand: Secreted

Extracellular: 26-214
Helical: 215-237
Cytoplasmic: 238-273

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