Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) is a small molecular weight cytokine belonging to the CXC family of chemokines, formerly also known as GRO1 oncogene, GROα, KC, and neutrophil-activating protein 3 (NAP-3). In humans, this protein is encoded by the CXCL1 gene.CXCL1 is secreted by human melanoma cells, has mitogenic properties, and has been implicated in melanoma pathogenesis.CXCL1 is expressed by macrophages, neutrophils, and epithelial cells and has neutrophil chemotactic activity. This chemokine signals through the chemokine receptor CXCR2, which triggers its effects.CXCL1 acts on spinal cord development by inhibiting the migration of oligodendrocyte precursors. It is involved in vascular growth, inflammation, wound healing and tumorigenesis. Preliminary studies in mice suggest that CXCL1 reduces the severity of multiple sclerosis and may provide neuroprotection.