The c-Kit (CD117) proto-oncogene is a 145 kD receptor tyrosine kinase family closely related to platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). It is a transmembrane receptor and the cellular homolog of the HZ4-feline sarcoma virus transforming gene (v-Kit). c-Kit is expressed on hematopoietic stem cells (multipotent hematopoietic stem cells, myeloid and/or erythroid lineage progenitors, and T-and B- cell precursors), mast cells, and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. c-Kit regulates a variety of biological responses such as chemotaxis, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and adhesion.
