Studies with homozygous knockout mice have suggested that stem cell factor (SCF or KITLG), c-Kit, microphthalmia (Mitf), and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) genes regulates melanocytic development. The SCF activation of Kit receptor leads to Mitf phosphorylation through MAP kinase pathway. The activated Mitf recruits p300 and up-regulates Bcl2 transcription, which plays an important role in modulating the development and survival of the melanocyte lineage.
