New insights into the control of cell growth; The role of the Axl family

Axl, Dtk and Mer are recently described receptors that constitute a new receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily. They bind the vitamin K-dependent protein growth-arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) that is structurally related to the anticoagulation factor protein S. Studies suggest a role for these receptors in developmental processes, in the function of the hematopoietic and nervous systems and in tumorigenesis.