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The mysterious SCF: why is it crucial for embryonic development?
During the development of the human body, the interaction and signal transmission between cells play a crucial role. Among them, Stem Cell Factor (SCF), as a cytokine, has been confirmed to play a key role in multiple biological processes, especially in embryonic development, blood production, and reproduction.
SCF is not only a key signal that regulates stem cell function, but also coordinates the normal development of multiple cell types at different stages of embryonic development.
Generation and structure of SCF
The SCF gene is located on the Sl locus in mice and on chromosome 12 (12q22-12q24) in humans. The cytokine can exist in membrane-bound and soluble forms, both of which are formed by alternative splicing of the same RNA transcript. The soluble form of SCF has a protease cleavage site through which the extracellular portion of the protein can be released.
The role of SCF in development
SCF plays an important role in blood production during embryonic development. Sites where blood production occurs, such as fetal liver and bone marrow, express SCF. Experiments have shown that mice lacking SCF will die from severe anemia, and mice lacking the SCF receptor (c-KIT) also suffer the same fate. SCF may serve as a guidance signal to guide hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into their stem cell niche.
During embryonic development, SCF not only guides stem cells, but also participates in the positioning of melanocytes and the synthesis of their product, melanin, and plays an important role in the control of pigments.
The relationship between SCF and stem cells
SCF also regulates HSC survival in the stem cell niche in the bone marrow. In in vitro experiments, SCF has been shown to enhance HSC survival and promote their self-regeneration. HSCs at all stages expressed the same levels of c-KIT receptor. Surrounding stromal cells release various ligands such as SCF to keep HSCs in the small environment.
Expression of SCF in mast cells
Mast cells are the only terminally differentiated hematopoietic cells that express c-KIT receptors. Mice lacking SCF or c-KIT have severe defects in mast cell production, with numbers less than 1% of normal levels. In contrast, injection of SCF increased the number of mast cells at the injection site more than 100-fold.
SCF not only promotes the adhesion, migration and proliferation of mast cells, but also triggers the release of histamine and trypsin related to allergic reactions, demonstrating its multiple functions in immune responses.
Clinical significance
The clinical use of SCF is gaining attention, especially in the culture of stem cells and hematopoietic precursors. Expanding these cells, which can be used in future bone marrow transplants, has the potential therapeutic effect of improving blood production. However, injections of SCF can cause allergy-like symptoms, which complicates treatment.
Ultimately, the multiple roles played by SCF in different biological processes led to the scientific community attaching great importance to it. As our understanding of SCF and its mechanisms continues to deepen, can we use this knowledge to unlock more mysteries of the development of life?
