sg ii

Expression system: E. coli
Length: 418-617, Partial
Activity: Not Tested

Kit ligand, also known as Hematopoietic growth factor KL, Mast cell growth factor, Steel factor, Stem cell factor, c-Kit ligand, Kitlg and KITL, is a single-pass type I membrane protein that belongs to the SCF family. KITL kit ligand also belongs to the family of dimeric transmembrane growth factors. The soluble form of KIT ligand is a secreted protein. Mast cells are thought to participate in a variety of immune responses, such as parasite resistance and the allergic reaction. Mast cell development depends on stem cell factor (Kit ligand) and its receptor, c-Kit. KITL kit ligand stimulates the proliferation of mast cells. KITL kit ligand is able to augment the proliferation of both myeloid and lymphoid hematopoietic progenitors in bone marrow culture. Efficient cell surface presentation of KITL kit ligand is essential for the migration, proliferation, and survival of melanocytes, germ cells, hemopoietic stem cells, and mastocytes. KITL kit ligand acts synergistically with other cytokines, probably interleukins. KITL kit ligand plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of the melanocyte lineage in adult skin. It exerts permanent survival, proliferation and migration functions in Kit receptor-expressing melanocytes. KITL kit ligand misexpression in some hyperpigmented lesions may open the avenue for Kitl-dependent treatment of pathological skin conditions.