MERTK
MERTK (MER proto-oncogene, tyrosine kinase; also known as Mer, RP38, c-Eyk and Tyro12) is a cell-surface receptor tyrosine kinase of the AXL/UFO subfamily. It transduces signals from the extracellular matrix into the cytoplasm and regulates cell survival, migration, differentiation and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Browse Assay Genie's current range of MERTK research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
MERTK is a receptor tyrosine kinase that passes signals from the extracellular matrix into the cell by binding several ligands, including LGALS3, TUB, TULP1 and GAS6. Ligand binding at the cell surface induces autophosphorylation of MERTK on its intracellular domain. This creates docking sites for downstream signalling molecules. After activation, MERTK interacts with GRB2 or PLCG2 and induces phosphorylation of MAPK1, MAPK2, FAK/PTK2 or RAC1.
Through this signalling, MERTK regulates cell survival, migration, differentiation and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, a process called efferocytosis. It contributes to macrophage clearance of apoptotic cells, platelet aggregation, cytoskeleton reorganisation and engulfment. In the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), MERTK regulates phagocytosis of rod outer segment fragments. MERTK also helps restrain the innate immune response. It inhibits Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated signalling by activating STAT1, which selectively induces the suppressors of cytokine signalling SOCS1 and SOCS3.
The MERTK gene belongs to the MER/AXL/TYRO3 receptor kinase family and sits in the HGNC groups for fibronectin type III domain containing, I-set domain containing and AXL receptor tyrosine kinase family genes. The encoded transmembrane protein has two fibronectin type-III domains, two Ig-like C2-type domains and one tyrosine kinase domain. It was previously named c-mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase. Mutations in the gene have been associated with disruption of the RPE phagocytosis pathway and with the onset of autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa. Mouse and rat orthologs are both named Mertk.
MERTK mediates macrophage clearance of apoptotic cells and engulfment, making it a central receptor for studying efferocytosis.
MERTK regulates RPE phagocytosis of rod outer segments, and its mutations are linked to autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa.
MERTK inhibits TLR-mediated innate responses by activating STAT1 and inducing SOCS1 and SOCS3.
Ligand-induced autophosphorylation recruits GRB2 and PLCG2 and drives MAPK, FAK/PTK2 and RAC1 phosphorylation in cell survival and migration.
MERTK is a receptor tyrosine kinase that binds ligands such as GAS6, LGALS3, TUB and TULP1. It regulates cell survival, migration, differentiation and efferocytosis. In the retinal pigment epithelium it controls phagocytosis of rod outer segment fragments, and it also dampens TLR-mediated innate immunity.
The MERTK gene is also known as Mer, RP38, c-Eyk and Tyro12. Its previous name was c-mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase, and UniProt lists the protein as tyrosine-protein kinase Mer. It belongs to the AXL/UFO subfamily of tyrosine protein kinases.
Mutations in MERTK have been associated with disrupted RPE phagocytosis and autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa. Orthologs named Mertk exist in both mouse and rat. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other TAM family receptors, MERTK ligands and downstream signalling partners with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q12866; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.