c-kit ligand, also known as stem cell factor (SCF) or steel factor (SLF), refers to a protein that is crucial in the regulation and maintenance of hematopoiesis, melanogenesis, and gametogenesis. It acts as a receptor binding cytokine that is mainly produced by various cell types such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, stromal cells, and mast cells.
c-kit ligand acts by binding to and activating its cognate receptor, known as c-kit or CD117, which belongs to the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. This ligand-receptor interaction plays a pivotal role in the development, proliferation, survival, and migration of various cell types, especially stem cells. By doing so, it regulates the production and differentiation of blood cells, including both myeloid and lymphoid lineages.
Furthermore, c-kit ligand promotes the survival and growth of melanocytes, the cells responsible for the synthesis and transfer of skin pigmentation. It also plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of germ cells, contributing to fertility and reproduction.
In addition to these primary functions, c-kit ligand has been implicated in various pathological processes, including certain types of cancers where aberrant expression or mutations can lead to constitutive activation of the c-kit signaling pathway. Such dysregulation can promote uncontrolled cell growth and survival, contributing to disease progression.
