Gene of the month: C-KIT.

KIT is a gene coding for tyrosine kinase receptor, which was identified as the ligand of stem cell factor. Its role in disease was first identified in gastrointestinal stromal tumor. However, later, this gene was found to be implicated in many other benign and malignant tumors. C-KIT has been studied as the first biomarker for targeted therapy. Herein we review its structure, function and role in various non-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases.