The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily. Although it is similar to other receptor tyrosine kinases, the Axl protein represents a unique structure of the extracellular region that juxtaposes IgL and FNIII repeats. It transduces signals from the extracellular matrix into the cytoplasm by binding growth factors such as vitamin K dependent protein growth arrest specific gene 6. It is involved in the stimulation of cell proliferation. This receptor can also mediate cell aggregation by homophilic binding. Axl is a chronic myelogenous leukemia associated oncogene and also associated with colon cancer and melanoma. It is in close vicinity to the bcl3 oncogene which is at 19q13.1-q13.2. The Axl gene is evolutionarily conserved between vertebrate species. This gene has two different alternatively spliced transcript variants (AXL1 and AXL2).