PURPOSE: c-kit encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor that is required for the differentiation of
a wide variety of cells during embryogenesis, including pacemaker cells of the gut.
Functional expression of this tyrosine kinase receptor is required for gut peristalsis and c-kit
expression has recently been documented in the adult murine urinary tract. In this study we
analyzed the temporal onset of c-kit expression during ureter morphogenesis in vivo and
determined if c-kit activity is essential for ureteral peristalsis in vitro. MATERIALS AND …