The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine that controls the production, differentiation, and function of macrophages. The active form of the protein is found extracellularly as a disulfide-linked homodimer, and is thought to be produced by proteolytic cleavage of membrane-bound precursors. The encoded protein may be involved in development of the placenta. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants.,CSF1,CSF-1,MCSF,Cell Biology & Developmental Biology,Growth factor,Immunology & Inflammation,Cytokines,Cell Intrinsic Innate Immunity Signaling Pathway,Cardiovascular,CSF1