This gene encodes the human homolog of the proto-oncogene c-kit. C-kit was first identified as the cellular homolog of the feline sarcoma viral oncogene v-kit. This protein is a type 3 transmembrane receptor for MGF (mast cell growth factor, also known as stem cell factor). Mutations in this gene are associated with gastrointestinal stromal tumors, mast cell disease, acute myelogenous lukemia, and piebaldism. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],
Function:
Catalytic activity:ATP + a [protein]-L-tyrosine = ADP + a [protein]-L-tyrosine phosphate.,Disease:Defects in KIT are a cause of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) [MIM:606764].,Disease:Defects in KIT are a cause of piebaldism [MIM:172800]. Piebaldism is an autosomal dominant genetic developmental abnormality of pigmentation characterized by congenital patches of white skin and hair that lack melanocytes.,Disease:Defects in KIT have been associated with testicular tumors [MIM:273300]. It includes germ cell tumor (GCT) or testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT).,Function:This is the receptor for stem cell factor (mast cell growth factor). It has a tyrosine-protein kinase activity. Binding of the ligands leads to the autophosphorylation of KIT and its association with substrates such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (Pi3K).,online information:CD117 entry,similarity:Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Tyr protein kinase family.,similarity:Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Tyr protein kinase family. CSF-1/PDGF receptor subfamily.,similarity:Contains 1 protein kinase domain.,similarity:Contains 5 Ig-like C2-type (immunoglobulin-like) domains.,subunit:Interacts with APS. Interacts with MPDZ (via the tenth PDZ domain). Interacts with PTPRU.,
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Cellular Localization:
Cytoplasmic, Membranous
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Tissue Expression:
[Isoform 3]: In testis, detected in spermatogonia in the basal layer and in interstitial Leydig cells but not in Sertoli cells or spermatocytes inside the seminiferous tubules (at protein level) (PubMed:20601678). Expression is maintained in ejaculated spermatozoa (at protein level) (PubMed:20601678).
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Research Areas:
>>MAPK signaling pathway ;
>>Ras signaling pathway ;
>>Rap1 signaling pathway ;
>>Phospholipase D signaling pathway ;
>>PI3K-Akt signaling pathway ;
>>Hematopoietic cell lineage ;
>>Melanogenesis ;
>>Pathways in cancer ;
>>Acute myeloid leukemia ;
>>Breast cancer ;
>>Central carbon metabolism in cancer