c-Kit, also known as CD117, is a type III receptor tyrosine kinase involved in the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of hematopoietic cells.1,2 It is composed of an N-terminal extracellular domain containing five immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domains, short transmembrane and juxtamembrane domains, and a C-terminal intracellular region containing the kinase domain. It is expressed in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, as well as certain non-hematopoietic tissues.2 c-Kit is activated by the binding of its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), to the extracellular region, which induces autophosphorylation and the recruitment of signaling molecules to the intracellular region.1 c-Kit signal transduction activates a variety of signaling pathways, including the PI3K/Akt, RAS/MAPK, and JAK/STAT pathways.1,2 Homozygous knockout of Kit, the gene encoding c-Kit, is embryonic lethal, with mice developing severe anemia in utero.3 KIT is considered a proto-oncogene and activating mutations have been associated with a variety of cancers.1,2 Cayman’s c-Kit/CD117 Monoclonal Antibody (Clone BA7.3C.9) can be used for flow cytometry (FC) applications.WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
