Description
SDF-1 (stromal cell-derived factor-1), also called CXCL12, is small cytokine belonging to the chemokine family. The two forms, SDF-1 alpha/CXCL12a and SDF-1 β/CXCL12b, are produced in cells by alternate splicing of the same gene. SDF-1 signal through its receptor CXCR4, and have been shown to chemoattract B and T cells, induce migration of CD34+ stem cells. Additionally, SDF-1 and its receptor CXCR4 are involved in human disease states (e.g. HIV/AIDS) and cancer metastasis