Human Macrophage Stimulating 1 Receptor (MST1R) Protein

Background

MST1R, also known as RON receptor tyrosine kinase or Macrophage-Stimulating 1 Receptor, is a member of the MET proto-oncogene family. This receptor belongs to the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family and plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, particularly those involving inflammation, tissue repair, cell survival, and migration. MST1R is primarily expressed in macrophages, epithelial cells, and some immune cell types and mediates its effects through interaction with its ligand, Macrophage-Stimulating Protein (MSP). Ligand binding to MST1R activates intracellular signaling cascades, leading to cell proliferation, survival, and migration, thus influencing immune responses, tissue repair, and inflammatory responses. Research has identified the significance of MST1R in the pathology of various diseases, including cancer and fibrotic disorders, due to its ability to promote cellular processes often dysregulated in malignancy and tissue scarring. In cancer, for example, MST1R is often overexpressed or mutated, leading to enhanced tumor progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Consequently, MST1R has emerged as a target of interest in the development of anti-cancer therapeutics.