Stem cell factor/c-Kit interactions regulate human islet-epithelial cluster proliferation and differentiation

The stem cell factor c-kit signaling pathway (SCF/c-kit) has been previously implicated in normal hematopoiesis, melanogenesis, and gametogenesis through the formation and migration of c-kit+ cells. These biologic functions are also determinants in epithelial–mesenchymal transitions during embryonic development governed by the Snail family of transcription factors. Here we show that the activation of c-kit by SCF specifically induces the expression of Slug, a Snail family member. Slug mutant mice have a cell-intrinsic defect with pigment deficiency, gonadal defect, and impairment of hematopoiesis. Kit+ cells derived from Slug mutant mice exhibit migratory defects similar to those of c-kit+ cells derived from SCF and c-kit mutant mice. Endogenous Slug is expressed in migratory c-kit+ cells purified from control mice but is not present in c-kit+cells derived from SCF mutant mice or in bone marrow cells from W/Wv mice, though Slug is present in spleen c-kit+ cells of W/Wv (mutants expressing c-kit with reduced surface expression and activity). SCF-induced migration was affected in primary c-kit+ cells purified from Slug−/− mice, providing evidence for a role of Slug in the acquisition of c-kit+ cells with ability to migrate. Slug may thus be considered a molecular target that contributes to the biologic specificity to the SCF/c-kit signaling pathway, opening up new avenues for stem cell mobilization.

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Effect of stem cell factor (c-kit ligand) on clonogenic leukemic precursor cells: Synergy with other hematopoietic growth factors

American Journal of Hematology ◽

10.1002/ajh.2830470416 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 47 (4) ◽

pp. 328-330 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Hua-Kang Wu ◽

Shigeru Chiba ◽

Hisamaru Hirai ◽

Fumimaro Takaku ◽

Yoshio Yazaki

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Growth Factors ◽

Stem Cell Factor ◽

Precursor Cells ◽

Hematopoietic Growth Factors ◽

Kit Ligand ◽

Factor C

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A novel thrombopoietin–stem-cell factor fusion protein possesses enhanced potential in stimulating megakaryocyte proliferation and differentiation

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry ◽

10.1042/ba20070063 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 48 (3) ◽

pp. 135

Author(s):

Yumin Zhang ◽

Yuhui Zang ◽

Wei Peng ◽

Bin Chen ◽

Jie Zhu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Fusion Protein ◽

Stem Cell Factor ◽

Proliferation And Differentiation

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Role of stem cell factor in somatic–germ cell interactions during prenatal oogenesis

Zygote ◽

10.1017/s0967199400003373 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 4 (04) ◽

pp. 349-351 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Massimo De Felici ◽

Anna Di Carlo ◽

Maurizio Pesce

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Germ Cells ◽

Stem Cell Factor ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Primordial Germ Cells ◽

Significant Progress ◽

Proliferation And Differentiation ◽

Complex Events ◽

Mechanisms Of Migration

During embryogenesis germ cells originate from primordial germ cells (PGCs). The development of mammalian PGCs involves a number of complex events (formation and segregation of PGC precursors, PGC migration and proliferation) which lead to the differentiation of oocytes or prospermatogonia (for a review see De Feliciet al., 1992). During recent years developments in methods for isolation, purification and culture of mouse PGCs have led to significant progress in the understanding of molecular mechanisms of migration, proliferation and differentiation of these cells (for reviews see De Felici, 1994; and De Felici & Pesce, 1994a). In this paper we describe the key role played by stem cell factor (SCF) in PGC development and early folliculogenesis.

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