Colony-stimulating factor receptor

Colony-stimulating factor receptor (CSF receptor) is a type of protein and receptor that binds to colony-stimulating factor (CSF), a type of cytokine. CSF receptors are crucial for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. They are primarily found on the surface of hematopoietic stem cells, which are cells that give rise to all other blood cells.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The structure of the CSF receptor is complex, consisting of an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. The extracellular domain is responsible for binding to the CSF, while the transmembrane domain anchors the receptor in the cell membrane. The intracellular domain is responsible for transmitting the signal from the CSF to the inside of the cell.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the CSF receptor is to bind to CSFs and initiate a series of signal transduction pathways within the cell. This leads to the activation of various genes that regulate cell growth, differentiation, and survival. In particular, CSF receptors play a crucial role in the production of white blood cells, which are essential for the immune response.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Abnormalities in the CSF receptor can lead to a variety of medical conditions. For example, mutations in the CSF receptor gene can cause leukemia, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells. In addition, overexpression of the CSF receptor can lead to excessive production of white blood cells, a condition known as leukocytosis.