Receptor tyrosine kinase that transduces signals from the extracellular matrix into the cytoplasm by binding to MST1 ligand. Regulates many physiological processes including cell survival, migration and differentiation. Ligand binding at the cell surface induces autophosphorylation of RON on its intracellular domain that provides docking sites for downstream signaling molecules. Following activation by ligand, interacts with the PI3-kinase subunit PIK3R1, PLCG1 or the adapter GAB1.