src-related tyrosine protein kinases as signaling components in hematopoietic cells

The src-related tyrosine protein kinases are thought to be involved in the transduction of signals controlling cell growth as well as in specialized functions in fully differentiated, nonproliferating cells. The association of one of these kinases, p56lck, with the CD4 and CD8 cell-surface receptors in T lymphocytes has provided a model system through which the first function for a src-related tyrosine kinase has been defined. These initial observations in T lymphocytes have led investigators to explore the potential association of the src-related tyrosine kinases with other receptor complexes. Evidence that these kinases may be involved in mediating signaling events through such diverse cellular receptors as those found in B lymphocytes and basophils is currently being pursued.