| Background : |
MER (c-mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase) is a member of the MER/AXL/TYRO3 receptor kinase family and encodes a transmembrane protein with two fibronectin type-III domains, two Ig-like C2-type (immunoglobulin-like) domains, and one tyrosine kinase domain. MER has been identified as a tyrosine kinase potentially involved in the development of glioblastomas. It is expressed at highest levels in ovary, prostate, lung and kidney. Gas6, a growth arrest specific gene, and the related anticoagulation factor Protein S have been identified as ligands for the UFO family of receptors. Mutations in this gene have been associated with disruption of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) phagocytosis pathway and onset of autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP). |
