proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase MER; C-mer; receptor tyrosine kinase MerTK (MERTK, MER)
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Function
- receptor tyrosine kinase encoded by a transforming gene expressed in neoplastic T-cells & B-cells
- appears to be necessary for phagocytosis & efficient clearance of apoptotic cells
Structure
- belongs to the protein kinase superfamily, tyrosine protein kinase family, AXL/UFO subfamily
- contains 2 fibronectin F3 modules
- contains 2 Ig-like C2-type domains (immunoglobulin-like)
- contains 1 protein kinase domain
Compartment
membrane
Expression
- not expressed in normal B- & T-lymphocytes but is expressed in numerous neoplastic B- & T-cell lines
Pathology
- defects in MERTK are a cause of retinitis pigmentosa
- in case of filovirus infection, MERTK seems to function as a cell entry factor
Laboratory
More general terms
References
- ↑ UniProt http://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q12866.html
- ↑ Mutations of the MERTK gene Retina International's Scientific Newsletter http://www.retina-international.com/sci-news/mertkmut.htm
- ↑ Varnum BC et al Axl receptor tyrosine kinase stimulated by the vitamin K- dependent protein encoded by growth-arrest-specific gene 6. Nature 373:623 1995 PMID: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7854420
- ↑ Scott RS et al. Phagocytosis and clearance of apoptotic cells is mediated by MER. Nature 411:207-11 2001 PMID: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11346799