Overexpression of Porcine Kit Gene in Transgenic Mice Does not Affect Melanogenesis

Abstract

The Kit gene is proto-oncogene, encoded stem cell factor and involved in melanocyte development. Also, Kit is expressed in epidermis and proliferation of melanoblasts which occur to pigmentation in skin, eyes and other tissues. Here we established porcine Kit genes overexpressed transgenic mice. The role of Kit gene was regulation in melanogensis remains unclear in porcine. Therefore, present study aims to ectopic expression porcine Kit gene in pigmentation of skin tissues. Our results showed that no effect on melanogenesis in ectopic Kit gene overexpressed transgenic mice. Further studies on Kit gene will provide insight into other specific roles in porcine and mice species.