The kit-ligand (steel factor) and its receptor c-kit/W: pleiotropic roles in gametogenesis and melanogenesis

摘要: The c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase belongs to the PDGF/CSF-1/c-kit subfamily. kit-ligand, KL, also called steel factor, is synthesized from two alternatively spliced mRNAs as transmembrane proteins that can either be proteolytically cleaved produce soluble forms of KL or function cell-associated molecules. and are encoded at white spotting (W) (Sl) loci mouse, respectively. Mutations both W Sl locus cause deficiencies in gametogenesis, melanogenesis hematopoiesis. expressed cellular targets mutations, while their microenvironment. In melanogenesis, melanoblasts time they leave neural crest expression continues during embryonic development melanocytes postnatal animals. gametogenesis primordial germ cells, spermatogonia, growing oocytes, implying a role three distinct stages gametogenesis. Many mutant alleles known phenotypes vary degree severity different mutations. While many severely affect cells (PGC), several mild have weak effects on PGCs exhibit differential male female sterility. Steel Panda (Sl(pan)) mutation which RNA transcript levels reduced most tissues analyzed. Sl(pan)/Sl(pan) mice, ovarian follicle arrested one layered cuboidal stage result indicating for oocyte growth. Wsh mutation, affects mast melanogenesis. cell defect results lack expression, pigmentation deficiency appears stem ectopic somitic dermatome migration periphery. It proposed mice early dominant fashion. "sash" belt Wsh/+ animals some other explained by varying density along body axis wild-type embryos.