Engelsk definition
A receptor tyrosine kinase that transduces signals from EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX to the CYTOPLASM by binding ligands such as GALECTIN 3. It regulates many physiologic processes that include cell survival, migration, differentiation, and PHAGOCYTOSIS of apoptotic cells and ROD PHOTORECEPTORS in the RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM. Mutations in the MERTK gene are associated with type 38 RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA; it also plays a critical role as an inhibitor of TOLL-LIKE RECEPTORS signaling.