The MET gene is important to brain development, particularly in the neocortex and cerebellum.
Mutations to the mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) receptor tyrosine kinase gene have been associated with renal cell carcinoma (a common form of kidney cancer). MET signaling is important to brain development, particularly in the neocortex and cerebellum. Campbell and colleagues (2006) identified a genetic variant, which disrupts MET transcription, is also associated with autism. The variant, a common C allele in the promoter region of the MET gene, caused a 2-fold decrease in MET promoter activity and altered binding of related transcription factor complexes.