Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables cytokine activity and stem cell factor receptor binding activity. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including ectopic germ cell programmed cell death; positive regulation of cell differentiation; and positive regulation of cell population proliferation. Located in extracellular space and plasma membrane. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; central nervous system; genitourinary system; heart; and sensory organ. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Waardenburg syndrome; autosomal dominant nonsyndromic deafness 69; familial progressive hyperpigmentation with or without hypopigmentation; and pigmentation disease. Orthologous to human KITLG (KIT ligand).