C-Kit

C-Kit (pronounced: see-kit), also known as CD117 or stem cell factor receptor (SCFR), is a type of protein that in humans is encoded by the KIT gene.

Etymology

The term "C-Kit" is derived from the name of the gene that encodes it, which is the KIT gene. The "C" in C-Kit stands for "cellular", distinguishing it from the v-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (v-kit), a viral gene that it closely resembles.

Function

C-Kit is a type of protein known as a receptor tyrosine kinase. These proteins are located on the surface of cells and play a key role in the communication of signals within the cell. Specifically, C-Kit is involved in the regulation of cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. It is particularly important in hematopoiesis, the process by which blood cells are formed.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the KIT gene, and therefore in the C-Kit protein, have been associated with a variety of cancers, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors, mastocytosis, and acute myeloid leukemia. As such, C-Kit is often a target for cancer therapies.

Related terms

• Protein: A large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order.
• Gene: The basic physical and functional unit of heredity. Genes are made up of DNA.
• Receptor tyrosine kinase: A high-affinity cell surface receptor for many polypeptide growth factors, cytokines, and hormones.
• Hematopoiesis: The formation of blood cellular components.
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumor: A type of tumor that usually begins in cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Mastocytosis: A condition characterized by an excessive number of mast cells in the body.
• Acute myeloid leukemia: A type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow with excess immature white blood cells.

This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.