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Mammary Stroma in Development and Carcinogenesis

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Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Mammary glands of adult human females are secretory organs comprised of interdependent epithelial and mesenchymal cells. These cells constitute an assemblage of collecting ducts that end in terminal duct lobular units with hollow alveolar ductules that can differentiate to produce and expel milk. Systemic and maternal hormones, autocrine and paracrine growth factors, and cytokines regulate virtually all phases of mammary gland development. During organogenesis, epithelial and mesenchymal cells interact to form precursors of the parenchyma and stroma in the mature gland. Organogenesis precedes five stages of postnatal development: puberty, pregnancy, lactation, involution, and menopause. Each stage requires a specific set of morphogenetic changes in glandular structure and function. Cycles of cell proliferation, differentiation, and involution may recur until menopause. In addition, physiological responses such as inflammation and pathological events such as tumorigenesis are remarkable for their similarities to embryonic morphogenesis. Here we take a succinct look at the ever-improving understanding of stroma–epithelial interactions and mesenchyme function in mammary gland biology.

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Abbreviations

BMP4:

Bone morphogenetic protein 4

DMM:

Dense mammary mesenchyme

E:

Embryonic day

FGF10:

Fibroblast growth factor 10 protein

Fgf10:

Fibroblast growth factor 10 gene

FP:

Fat pad precursor

Gli3:

Glioma-associated zinc finger 3 transcription factor

ME:

Mammary epithelium

Nu/Nu:

Immunodeficient athymic Foxn1nu mouse

PTHrP:

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide

SCID:

Severe combined immunodeficiency

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mie University, Tsu-shi, Mie-ken, Japan

    Teruyo Sakakura

  2. Graduate School of Regional Innovation Studies, Mie University, Tsu-shi, Mie-ken, Japan

    Yuka Suzuki

  3. Integrative Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan

    Robert Shiurba

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  1. Teruyo Sakakura
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  2. Yuka Suzuki
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  3. Robert Shiurba
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Correspondence to Robert Shiurba.

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Sakakura, T., Suzuki, Y. & Shiurba, R. Mammary Stroma in Development and Carcinogenesis. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 18, 189–197 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10911-013-9281-9

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