Defects in sensory nerve numbers and growth in mutant Kit and Steel mice

The roles in the nervous system of the receptor tyrosine kinase Kit and its ligand, Steel factor, are unclear. We have now found first, that sensory nerve populations are reduced in mutant Kit and Steel mice, implicating Steel-Kit interactions in neuronal development. Second, sensory axonal regeneration (which occurs independently of nerve growth factor, or NGF) is impaired, while collateral sprouting (NGF dependent) is normal. Therefore, there …