Cytokine that promotes the differentiation and viability of monocytes and macrophages. Stimulates phosphorylation of MAPK1/ERK2 AND MAPK3/ERK1. Ligand for colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor CSF1R.Tissue specificity: Detected in the sinusoidal epithelium in the red pulp of spleen (at protein level). Predominantly expressed in spleen. Also detected in a range of other tissues including heart, brain, lung, liver, kidney, thymus, testis, ovary, small intestine, prostate and colon.
