The stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF1, CXCL12) is a small, pro-inflammatory chemoattractant cytokine that regulates leukocyte trafficking through interactions with its cognate 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors. It functions as the ligand for the G-protein coupled receptor, chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4, and plays a role in many diverse cellular functions, including embryogenesis, immune surveillance, inflammation response, tissue homeostasis, and tumor growth and metastasis. Alternative splicing and differential processing during maturation produce a pair of SDF1 isoforms (SDF1α and SDF1β) that have different properties and biological activities.
