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The Role of the C-Kit/Kit Ligand Axis in Mammalian Gametogenesis

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Transgenics in Endocrinology

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

Abstract

The survival of the germline is vital to the survival of all animal species. Failure of germ cells to survive or to differentiate properly in the animal can result in reduced fertility, or in some cases, complete sterility (1). In addition, defects in germline development can predispose individuals to development of cancer. For example, loss of germ cells from the ovary can be associated with premature ovarian failure, but can also dispose affected individuals to the development of ovarian cancer (2). Similarly in the male, loss of germ cells from the developing testis can be associated with the development of testicular teratocarcinoma (3). Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy in young men with a peak incidence from 18–35 yr of age (4, 5). This contrasts with the incidence of ovarian tumors, which show a higher incidence after 50 yr of age, as is the case with most other solid tumors (6). Thus, even in otherwise healthy individuals, survival of the germline is an important feature of adult homeostasis.

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Authors
  1. Peter J. Donovan PhD
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  2. Maria P. de Miguel PhD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Pathology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Martin M. Matzuk MD, PhD

  2. Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Chester W. Brown MD, PhD

  3. Departments of Pathology, and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    T. Rajendra Kumar PhD

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© 2001 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Donovan, P.J., de Miguel, M.P. (2001). The Role of the C-Kit/Kit Ligand Axis in Mammalian Gametogenesis. In: Matzuk, M.M., Brown, C.W., Kumar, T.R. (eds) Transgenics in Endocrinology. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-102-2_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-102-2_7

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

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