It is a protein encoded by the KIT gene located on chromosome 4 and which also codes for many isoforms.

c-kit is part of the family of differentiation clusters (CD). It is a cytokine receptor whose ligand is SCF (Stem Cell Factor) but also a cell surface marker used to identify certain types of hematopoietic multipotent stem cells in the bone marrow. Specifically, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), multipotent stem cells (multipotent progenitors, MPPs), and precursors of the myeloid lineage CFU-GEMM (common myeloid progenitors, CMPs) express c-kit at high levels .

Altered forms of c-kit may be associated with certain types of cancer, such as certain types of gastrointestinal tumors and leukemia (AML), as well as melanomas.