Description
Mast/stem cell growth factor receptor Kit (c-Kit), a member of the protein kinase superfamily, Tyr protein kinase family and CSF-1/PDGF receptor subfamily, is also known as piebald trait protein (PBT), p145 c-kit, tyrosine-protein kinase Kit and CD117,which contains five Ig-like C2-type (immunoglobulin-like) domains and one protein kinase domain.
CD117 acts as cell-surface receptor for the cytokine KITLG/SCF and 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.
In response to KITLG/SCF binding, CD117 can activate several signaling pathways.
Furthermore, Activated KIT promotes phosphorylation of the protein phosphatases PTPN6/SHP-1 and PTPRU, and of the transcription factors STAT1, STAT3, STAT5A and STAT5B