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Background
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Stem Cell
Factor (SCF) which binds to the c-Kit receptor is produced by fibroblasts and
endothelial cells. The soluble and transmembrane forms of the protein are
formed by alternative splicing of the same RNA transcript and the presence of
both soluble and transmembrane SCF is required for normal hematopoietic
function. SCF plays an important role in hematopoiesis, spermatogenesis and
melanogenesis and it promotes mast cell adhesion, migration, proliferation,
and survival. Soluble canine SCF shares 88%, 93%, 86%, 83%, 76%, 76%, 86% and
88%a.a. sequence identity with porcine, feline, bovine, human, mouse, rat,
goat and equine SCF, respectively. Cells known to express SCF include
endothelial cells, fibroblasts and keratinocytes .
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