Biological Functions of TAM Receptors

Abstract: TAM receptors are the latest identified receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) subfamily， which includes three members: Tyro3， Axl and Mer. Two high homologous proteins—Gas6 and Protein S， which belong to vitamin K-dependent proteins， are common biological ligands of TAM receptors. TAM receptors are widely expressed in various mammalian tissues， and have been demonstrated to be functional in nervous， immune， reproductive and hematopoietic systems. They play important roles in regulating survival， proliferation and differentiation of cells. In this review， we highlight functions and mechanisms of TAM receptors. Particularly， we illuminate intracellular siganalling pathways regarding to individual TAM receptors.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2010.04.0021