KITLG

Full Name: KIT Ligand

BACKGROUND: This gene encodes the ligand of the tyrosine-kinase receptor encoded by the KIT locus. This ligand is a pleiotropic factor that acts in utero in germ cell and neural cell development, and hematopoiesis, all believed to reflect a role in cell migration. In adults, it functions pleiotropically, while mostly noted for its continued requirement in hematopoiesis. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.

Synonyms: DCUA; DFNA69; FPH2; FPHH; KL-1; Kitl; MGF; SCF; SF; SHEP7