Recombinant Human Stem Cell Factor (KITLG)

SCF is a stromal cell-derived cytokine synthesized by fibroblasts and other cell types. SCF promotes proliferation and early differentiation of cells at the level of multipotential stem cells. It has been suggested that SCF is essential for optimal production of various hematopoietic lineages, mainly because of its ability to prevent apoptosis when it co-stimulates with other cytokines. The receptor for SCF, designated SCFR(CD117), is the oncogene designated as KIT. The biological activities of SCF are synergised considerably by colony stimulating factors GM-CSF and G-CSF, and also by IL-7, Epo and some other growth and differentiation factors. In combination with IL-7, SCF stimulates the proliferation of pre-B cells. SCF is also a potent chemoattractant for cells (see also: Chemotaxis), for example, mast cells expressing the kit receptor. One response to SCF in these cells is a characteristic rearrangement of the actin filaments of the cytoskeleton.