c-Kit Recombinant Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody [ST04-99]

Function

Proto-oncogene c-KIT is the gene encoding the receptor tyrosine kinase protein known as tyrosine-protein kinase KIT, CD117 (cluster of differentiation 117) or mast/stem cell growth factor receptor (SCFR). Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. KIT was first described by the German biochemist Axel Ullrich in 1987 as the cellular homolog of the feline sarcoma viral oncogene v-kit. KIT is a cytokine receptor expressed on the surface of hematopoietic stem cells as well as other cell types. Altered forms of this receptor may be associated with some types of cancer. KIT is a receptor tyrosine kinase type III, which binds to stem cell factor, also known as "steel factor" or "c-kit ligand". When this receptor binds to stem cell factor (SCF) it forms a dimer that activates its intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, that in turn phosphorylates and activates signal transduction molecules that propagate the signal in the cell. After activation, the receptor is ubiquitinated to mark it for transport to a lysosome and eventual destruction. Signaling through KIT plays a role in cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. For instance, KIT signaling is required for melanocyte survival, and it is also involved in haematopoiesis and gametogenesis.

Background References

1. Chi C et al. In vitro morphology, viability and cytokine secretion of uterine telocyte-activated mouse peritoneal macrophages. J Cell Mol Med 19:2741-50 (2015).

2. Drummond CA et al. Reduction of Na/K-ATPase affects cardiac remodeling and increases c-kit cell abundance in partial nephrectomized mice. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 306:H1631-43 (2014).

Sequence Similarity

Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Tyr protein kinase family. CSF-1/PDGF receptor subfamily.

Tissue Specificity

Isoform 1 and isoform 2 are detected in spermatogonia and Leydig cells. Isoform 3 is detected in round spermatids, elongating spermatids and spermatozoa (at protein level). Widely expressed. Detected in the hematopoietic system, the gastrointestinal system, in melanocytes and in germ cells.

Post-translational Modification

Ubiquitinated by SOCS6. KIT is rapidly ubiquitinated after autophosphorylation induced by KITLG/SCF binding, leading to internalization and degradation.; Autophosphorylated on tyrosine residues. KITLG/SCF binding enhances autophosphorylation. Isoform 1 shows low levels of tyrosine phosphorylation in the absence of added KITLG/SCF (in vitro). Kinase activity is down-regulated by phosphorylation on serine residues by protein kinase C family members. Phosphorylation at Tyr-568 is required for interaction with PTPN11/SHP-2, CRK (isoform Crk-II) and members of the SRC tyrosine-protein kinase family. Phosphorylation at Tyr-570 is required for interaction with PTPN6/SHP-1. Phosphorylation at Tyr-703, Tyr-823 and Tyr-936 is important for interaction with GRB2. Phosphorylation at Tyr-721 is important for interaction with PIK3R1. Phosphorylation at Tyr-823 and Tyr-936 is important for interaction with GRB7.

Subcellular Location

Cell membrane, Cytoplasm.

UNIPROT

SwissProt: P10721 Human

Synonyms