page_title: Stem cell factor
section_title: Production
hierarchical_section_title: Stem cell factor / Production
caption_attribution_description: English: Alternative splicing of Stem cell factor (SCF) to produce transmembrane and soluble forms.
context_page_description: Stem cell factor is a cytokine that binds to the c-KIT receptor. SCF can exist both as a transmembrane protein and a soluble protein. This cytokine plays an important role in hematopoiesis, spermatogenesis, and melanogenesis.
context_section_description: The gene encoding stem cell factor (SCF) is found on the Sl locus in mice and on chromosome 12q22-12q24 in humans. The soluble and transmembrane forms of the protein are formed by alternative splicing of the same RNA transcript,
  The soluble form of SCF contains a proteolytic cleavage site in exon 6. Cleavage at this site allows the extracellular portion of the protein to be released. The transmembrane form of SCF is formed by alternative splicing that excludes exon 6 (Figure 1). Both forms of SCF bind to c-KIT and are biologically active.
  Soluble and transmembrane SCF is produced by fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Soluble SCF has a molecular weight of 18,5 KDa and forms a dimer. It is detected in normal human blood serum at 3.3 ng/mL.
caption: Figure 1: Alternative splicing of the same RNA transcript produces soluble and transmembrane forms of stem cell factor (SCF).
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