c-Kit (CD117) is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family, consisting of an extracellular ligand-binding domain, a transmembrane region, and an intracellular tyrosine kinase activity domain. It is predominantly located on the surface of hematopoietic cells, germ cells, and mast cells, among others. Through binding to its ligand stem cell factor (SCF), c-Kit activates signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and JAK/STAT, regulating cell growth, differentiation, migration, and survival. The specific expression of the c-Kit gene is crucial for maintaining physiological functions, while mutated forms are often associated with the development of various tumors (such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors) and other diseases. Therefore, c-Kit and its signaling pathways have become important targets for cancer therapy, with specific inhibitors developed for clinical use.