Stem cell factor (SCF) is a growth factor that is essential for hematopoiesis, melanogenesis and fertility. SCF is also known as mast cell growth factor (MCGF), steel factor (SLF), or kit ligand (KL). The larger form of SCF is expressed in fibroblasts, brain and thymus, while the smaller form is found in spleen, testis, placenta and cerebellum. The SCF ligand is essential for the development of germ cells, hematopoietic progenitor cells and melanocyte precursors. SCF can stimulate the proliferation of mature mast cells as well as the maturation and proliferation of immature mast cells.
