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Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Analysis of the c-KIT Ligand Promoter Using Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
Published on: June 27, 2017
Hormonal regulation of c-KIT receptor and its ligand: implications for human infertility?
Marília I Figueira1, Henrique J Cardoso1, Sara Correia1
1CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
Abstract:
The c-KIT, a tyrosine kinase receptor, and its ligand the stem cell factor (SCF) play an important role in the production of male and female gametes. The interaction of SCF with c-KIT is required for germ cell survival and growth, and abnormalities in the activity of the SCF/c-KIT system have been associated with human infertility. Recently, it was demonstrated that gonadotropic and sex steroid hormones, among others, regulate the expression of SCF and c-KIT in testicular and ovarian cells. Therefore, the hormonal (de)regulation of SCF/c-KIT system in the testis and ovary may be a cause underpinning infertility. In the present review, we will discuss the effects of hormones modulating the expression levels of SCF and c-KIT in the human gonads. In addition, the implications of hormonal regulation of SCF/c-KIT system for germ cell development and fertility will be highlighted.
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