AXL receptor tyrosine kinase

Tyrosine-protein kinase receptor UFO is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the AXL gene. The gene was initially designated as UFO, in allusion to the unidentified function of this protein.

Function

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily. Although it is similar to other receptor tyrosine kinases, the Axl protein represents a unique structure of the extracellular region that juxtaposes IgL and FNIII repeats. It transduces signals from the extracellular matrix into the cytoplasm by binding growth factors like vitamin K-dependent protein growth-arrest-specific gene 6 (GAS6). It is involved in the stimulation of cell proliferation. This receptor can also mediate cell aggregation by homophilic binding. The Axl gene is evolutionarily conserved between vertebrate species. This gene has two different alternatively spliced transcript variants.

Clinical significance

Axl is a chronic myelogenous leukemia-associated oncogene and also associated with colon cancer and melanoma. It is in close vicinity to the BCL3 oncogene, which is at 19q13.1-q13.2. There is ongoing research to develop possible drugs to target this signalling pathway and treat cancers.

Interactions

AXL receptor tyrosine kinase has been shown to interact with TENC1. Axl is an essential epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-induced regulator of breast cancer metastasis and patient survival.