SCF Proteins

Protein Information

Stem cell factor (SCF) is the ligand of the c-Kit oncogene and is expressed by various structural and inflammatory cells in the airways. Binding of SCF by the c-Kit receptor leads to homodimerization of the receptor and the activation of signalling pathways such as PI-3, PLC-gamma, Jak/STAT, and MAP kinase pathways. SCF expression leads to the induction of mast cell survival and the expression and release of histamine, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The inhibition of the SCF/c-Kit pathway leads to a decrease in histamine levels, mast cell and eosinophil infiltration, IL-4 production and airway hyperresponsiveness, suggesting this pathway may be a useful therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases such as asthma. At least two isoforms of SCF are known to exist.

Synonyms

710-712; blz; c-Kit ligand; Clo; cloud gray; Con; contrasted; CSF; DCUA; DFNA69; DKFZp686F2250; familial progressive hyperpigmentation 2; FPH2; FPHH; Gb; grizzle-belly; hematopoietic growth factor KL; H-SCF; Kit ligand; Kitl; Kitlg; kit-ligand; KL-1; Mast cell growth factor; MGF; M-SCF; Processed kit ligand; SCF; SF; SHEP7; sKITLG; Sl; SLF; Soluble KIT ligand; Steel factor; steel factor/kit ligand; stem cell factor; stem cell factor KL-1; stem cell factor, CSF