SCF, also known as stem cell factor or kit ligand, is a cytokine that plays a critical role in the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and early progenitor cells. SCF is primarily produced by bone marrow stromal cells and functions by binding to the c-kit receptor on the surface of hematopoietic cells. Dysregulation of SCF signaling has been implicated in various types of cancer and hematological disorders.