SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MALE FERTILITY

摘要

The invention described herein relates to modulation of fertility in male mammals. A genetically altered mouse having a mutation in the Kit/stem cell factor receptor protein is described. In addition, antibodies that specifically bind to a Kit/stem cell factor receptor are described. Methods to diagnose Kit-mediated fertility defects; methods to identify agents that modulate Kit-mediated activation of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase and thereby modulate spermatogenesis; and pharmaceuticals that modulate spermatogenesis by effecting Kit-mediated activation of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase are also described.