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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

Published in:

01-11-2010 | embryo biology

Stem cell factor/c-Kit signaling in in vitro cultures supports early mouse embryonic development by accelerating proliferation via a mechanism involving Akt-downstream genes

Authors: Jung Jin Lim, Jin Hee Eum, Jeoung Eun Lee, Eun Sun Kim, Hyung Min Chung, Tae Ki Yoon, Kye-Seong Kim, Dong Ryul Lee

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 11/2010

Abstract

Purpose

Stem cell factor (SCF)/c-Kit regulates the proliferation and survival of germ cells or stem cells; however, little is known about the role of SCF/c-Kit in pre-implantation embryo development.

Methods

Using exogenous SCF supplementation and c-Kit siRNA injection, we investigated the role and mechanism of SCF/c-Kit in pre-implantation mouse embryos.

Results

Addition of soluble SCF to the culture medium improved blastocyst formation. c-Kit gene silencing reduced the rate of blastocyst formation and delayed embryonic development. The number of proliferating cells in c-Kit gene-silenced blastocysts decreased, whereas the number of apoptotic cells in blastocysts obtained from both experimental and the control groups was not affected. RT-PCR, immunostaining and western blotting revealed that proliferation-related Akt downstream targets were substantially affected by c-Kit gene silencing.

Conclusion

SCF/c-Kit signaling through Akt downstream targets is likely involved in mediating the cleavage and proliferation of blastomeres during mouse pre-implantation embryogenesis.

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Title: Stem cell factor/c-Kit signaling in in vitro cultures supports early mouse embryonic development by accelerating proliferation via a mechanism involving Akt-downstream genes
Authors: Jung Jin Lim
Jin Hee Eum
Jeoung Eun Lee
Eun Sun Kim
Hyung Min Chung
Tae Ki Yoon
Kye-Seong Kim
Dong Ryul Lee
Publication date: 01-11-2010
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 11/2010
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-010-9449-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Stem cell factor/c-Kit signaling in in vitro cultures supports early mouse embryonic development by accelerating proliferation via a mechanism involving Akt-downstream genes

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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