KIT receptor (stem cell factor receptor) (KIT (or c-KIT, CD117))

The KIT receptor (stem cell factor receptor, c-KIT, CD117) is a type III receptor tyrosine kinase essential for the development, proliferation, and survival of hematopoietic stem cells, mast cells, melanocytes, and germ cells[1][4][7]. It is activated by its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), leading to receptor dimerization, autophosphorylation, and downstream signaling via PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and JAK/STAT pathways[1][4]. Aberrations in KIT, including gain-of-function mutations, drive neoplastic transformation in diseases such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), mastocytosis, and other conditions[1][6][7]. Numerous small molecule inhibitors targeting the KIT tyrosine kinase domain have been developed and are clinically utilized in KIT-dependent cancers and mast cell disorders[3][6][7]. The receptor is a diagnostic and predictive biomarker in several cancers, guiding targeted therapy selection based on mutation and expression status[3][6][7].

Other names

c-KITCD117stem cell factor receptorSCFR

Inhibition of KIT tyrosine kinase activity, blocking downstream signaling and proliferation of KIT-expressing cells - Induction of apoptosis in malignant/mutated mast cells