Abstract
MICE carrying mutations at the W (Dominant white spotting) and SI (Steel) loci develop abnormalities in three independent systems: neural crest-derived melanocytes, primordial germ cells and haematopoietic stem cells. Consequently, homozygotes of viable mutant alleles have white coats and are sterile and severely anaemic. Tissue recombination studies predict that the W gene is expressed cell autonomously, whereas the product of the SI locus affects the microenvironment in which the stem cells migrate, proliferate and differentiate1-6. The W locus encodes the proto-oncogene c-kit, a member of the tyrosine kinase receptor family7,8.The haematopoietic growth factor SCF (stem cell factor) has been identified as the product of the SI locus and a ligand for c-kit9-11. Here, we report that SCF is expressed during embryogenesis in cells associated with both the migratory pathways and homing sites of melanoblasts, germ cells and haematopoietic stem cells. Both SCF and c-kit are also expressed in a variety of other tissues, including the brain and spinal cord, suggesting that the receptor-ligand system has additional roles in embryogenesis.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 667-669 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Nature |
Volume | 347 |
Issue number | 6294 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1990 Jan 1 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General