SCF Protein, Human (sf9, His)

The GMP stem cell factor (SCF) protein serves as a ligand for the receptor-type protein-tyrosine kinase KIT, playing a pivotal role in the regulation of diverse cellular processes. Its functions span the control of cell survival and proliferation, hematopoiesis, stem cell maintenance, gametogenesis, mast cell development, migration, and melanogenesis. Upon binding with KIT, GMP SCF activates multiple signaling pathways, including the phosphorylation of PIK3R1 and subsequent activation of the kinase AKT1. The interaction also triggers signaling cascades involving GRB2, RAS, RAF1, and the MAP kinases MAPK1/ERK2 and/or MAPK3/ERK1. Furthermore, GMP SCF and KIT promote the activation of STAT family members (STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5), as well as PLCG1, leading to the production of the cellular signaling molecules diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Acting synergistically with other cytokines, likely interleukins, GMP SCF forms a homodimer non-covalently linked and a heterotetramer with KIT, facilitating KIT dimerization and subsequent activation through autophosphorylation.