TAM family receptor tyrosine kinase (TAM (for the family); individual members are Tyro3, Axl, and Mer)

The **TAM family receptor tyrosine kinases** comprises three closely related single-pass transmembrane proteins—Tyro3 (also known as Sky/Dtk/Rse), Axl ("UFO"), and Mer ("Mertk")—that share structural features including two immunoglobulin-like domains and two fibronectin type III domains extracellularly plus a conserved intracellular protein tyrosine kinase domain[1][2]. These receptors bind vitamin K-dependent ligands such as growth arrest-specific 6 protein (**Gas6**) and Protein S[1]. They play critical roles in regulating cellular processes like proliferation/survival/apoptosis balance; mediating phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages/dendritic cells; modulating innate immunity via negative feedback on inflammatory signaling[1][2][3]. The TAM receptors are overexpressed in many cancers where they promote tumor progression/metastasis/drug resistance but also have important functions during neural development/myelination/immune homeostasis[1]. Therapeutic targeting is being explored primarily for oncology but also potentially for autoimmune/inflammatory diseases[4].

Other names

Tyro3-Axl-Mer kinasesTyro3 receptor tyrosine kinaseAxl receptor tyrosine kinaseMer receptor tyrosine kinaseUFO (for Axl)Mertk (for Mer)Anexelekto (Axl)Ark (Axl)Tyro7 (Axl)

Drugs targeting TAM kinases typically act as small molecule inhibitors that block the ATP-binding site of the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain to inhibit downstream signaling. This can reduce tumor cell survival/proliferation/motility or modulate immune responses by affecting phagocytosis or inflammatory signaling pathways [1].