NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE CONTROL OF CELL-GROWTH - THE ROLE OF THE AXL FAMILY

Axl, Dtk and Mer are recently described receptors that constitute a ne w receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily. They bind the vitamin K-dependen t protein growth-arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) that is structurally re lated to the anticoagulation factor protein S. Studies suggest a role for these receptors in developmental processes, in the function of the hematopoietic and nervous systems and in tumorigenesis.