Stem Cell Factor (SCF) is a cytokine that binds to the c-Kit receptor. SCF can exist both as a transmembrane protein and a soluble protein. SCF promotes mast cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and survival. It also promotes the release of histamine and tryptase, which are involved in the allergic response. SCF acts in a synergistic manner with various growth factors, such as IL-3, IL-6, IL-11, GM-CSF, G-CSF, and Epo to induce myeloid and erythroid lineage colony formation. This cytokine plays an important role in hematopoiesis (formation of blood cells), spermatogenesis, and melanogenesis. Cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of transmembrane SCF promotes stem cell migration and improves cardiac function and animal survival after myocardial infarction. Mutations in this gene in dogs suggest it is a candidate skin cancer susceptibility gene.