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Review: melanocyte migration and survival controlled by SCF/c-kit expression
H Yoshida1, T Kunisada, T Grimm
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan. hyoshida@virus.kyoto-u.ac.jp
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Symposium Proceedings
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor c-kit are crucial for melanocyte (pigment cell) migration and survival. Studies in mice reveal distinct developmental stages regulated by SCF/c-kit signaling and identify independent melanocyte stem cells.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Melanocytes originate from the neural crest and migrate to the skin.
- Stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor c-kit are critical for melanocyte survival and are encoded by the Sl and W mutant loci, respectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functions of SCF and c-kit in melanocyte migration and survival.
- To elucidate the roles of SCF and c-kit in melanocyte development during mouse ontogeny.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of SCF and c-kit in wild-type and white spotting mutant mice.
- Functional blockade of c-kit using specific monoclonal antibodies.
- Stem cell factor (SCF) transgene expression studies.
Main Results:
- The SCF/c-kit ligand-receptor system plays multiple roles in melanocyte development.
- Distinct c-kit dependent and independent stages in melanocyte development were identified.
- SCF transgene expression revealed spatiotemporally regulated ligand expression and the existence of postnatal c-kit independent melanocyte stem cells.
Conclusions:
- SCF and c-kit signaling are essential for melanocyte development, influencing both migration and survival.
- Melanocyte development involves distinct phases, some dependent on c-kit and others independent.
- Postnatal skin harbors melanocyte stem cells that can develop independently of c-kit signaling.