C-Kit is a type 3 transmembrane receptor for MGF (mast cell growth factor, also known as stem cell factor). c-Kit contains 5 Ig-like C2-type (immunoglobulin-like) domains.and 1 protein kinase domain. It belongs to the protein kinase superfamily, tyr protein kinase family and CSF-1/PDGF receptor subfamily. C-Kit contains 5 Ig-like C2-type (immunoglobulin-like) domains and 1 protein kinase domain. C-Kit has a tyrosine-protein kinase activity. Binding of the ligands leads to the autophosphorylation of KIT and its association with substrates such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Antibodies to c-Kit are widely used in immunohistochemistry to help distinguish particular types of tumour in histological tissue sections. It is used primarily in the diagnosis of GISTs. In GISTs, c-Kit staining is typically cytoplasmic, with stronger accentuation along the cell membranes. C-Kit antibodies can also be used in the diagnosis of mast cell tumours and in distinguishing seminomas from embryonal carcinomas. Mutations in c-Kit gene are associated with gastrointestinal stromal tumors, mast cell disease, acute myelogenous lukemia, and piebaldism. Defects in KIT are a cause of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). AML is a malignant disease in which hematopoietic precursors are arrested in an early stage of development. Note=Somatic mutations that lead to constitutive activation of KIT are detected in AML patients.
