Background of the antigen
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 such as vitamin K dependent protein growth arrest specific gene 6. It is involved in the stimulation of cell proliferation. This receptor can also mediate cell aggregation by homophilic binding. Axl is a chronic myelogenous leukemia associated oncogene and also associated with colon cancer and melanoma.The Axl gene is evolutionarily conserved between vertebrate species. This gene has two different alternatively spliced transcript variants (AXL1 and AXL2).
