Canine SCF (Stem Cell Factor) ELISpot

SCF (stem cell factor), often known as Kit Ligand, KITL or KITLG, is involved in pathways that control the regulation of cell survival, migration and proliferation, hematopoiesis, stem cell maintenance, gametogenesis, mast cell development, and melanogenesis. The SCF of most vertebrates has a soluble form as well as the membrane bound type I receptor form. Mutations in the SCF pathway may result in a broad range of abnormalities including anemia, and sterility. SCF and KIT interaction has been shown to promote the growth of cancer cells and organoids in culture, and xenograft tumors in mice. SCF is being utilized in many animal model systems, from metastasis research in breast tumor-bearing arthritic mice to the genetic linkage to de-pigmentation in pigs. Interestingly, a second SCF pathway was retained in zebrafish, after a whole genome duplication, and is now undergoing divergent evolution.