Stem Cell Factor
Stem Cell Factor (SCF), also known as kit ligand, is a stromal cell-derived cytokine synthesized by fibroblasts and other cell types. It is of clinical significance because it induces differentiation in lymphoid and erythroid progenitor cells and mast cells. Improved in vitro erythropoiesis with SCF has been demonstrated to occur in several types of inherited marrow failure syndromes, including Diamond-Blackfan anemia, Fanconis anemia, dyskeratosis congenita, amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, and transient erythroblastopenia of childhood. It is a glycoprotein that plays a key role in hematopoiesis acting both as a positive and negative regulator, often in synergy with other cytokines. SCF also plays a key role in mast cell development, gametogenesis, and melanogenesis.
Swiss-Prot Accession Number: P21583
