Figure 6. LIMK plays an important role in BMMC maturation, growth and survival.

(A) LDMNCs from WT, Limk1−/−, Limk2−/− and Limk1−/−:Limk2−/− mice were cultured in the presence of IL-3 (10 ng/mL) for 3 weeks. At indicated time points, maturation was analyzed by staining the cells with antibodies that recognize KIT and IgE receptor followed by flow cytometry. Shown is dot blot profile from one of four independent experiments. (B) BMMCs from WT, Limk1−/−, Limk2−/− and Limk1−/−:Limk2−/− mice were starved for 6 hours in serum- and cytokine-free media and cultured in the presence or absence of SCF (50 ng/mL). After 48 hours, proliferation was evaluated by [³H] thymidine incorporation. Bars represent the mean [³H] thymidine incorporation in BMMCs (CPM + SD) from one representative experiment performed in triplicate. Similar results were observed in four independent experiments. *p < 0.05, WT vs. Limk1−/− or Limk2−/−, **p < 0.05, Limk1−/− or Limk2−/− vs. Limk1−/−:Limk2−/−.