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Illuminating the Center: Mechanisms Regulating Lumen Formation and Maintenance in Mammary Morphogenesis

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

Abstract

The lumens present in ductal structures are required for transport of fluids and air. Studies in model organisms and cells in culture suggest that lumens can be generated by multiple mechanisms including apoptosis of centrally located cells, and re-modeling of epithelia. Several studies point to a role for apoptosis during lumen formation in the mammary ducts. However, a role for other mechanisms during lumen formation in the mammary ducts is largely unexplored. Understanding how lumens are formed and maintained free of cells is of clinical importance because filling of the luminal space is associated with cancer and inflammation. Thus, further investigation can lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities.

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Abbreviations

ERα:

estrogen receptor α

ECM:

extracellular matrix

EGF:

epidermal growth factor

HGF:

hepatocyte growth factor

MEC:

mammary epithelial cell

MMTV:

Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus

TEB:

terminal end bud

3D:

three-dimensional

TRAIL:

Tumor necrosis factor Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand

VAC:

vacuolar apical compartment

WAP:

whey acidic protein

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dr. Danielle K. Carroll (Harvard Medical School) for critical reading of the manuscript. We thank Jim Duffy for assistance with art work. MJR was supported by funds from Drexel University College of Medicine. SKM was supported by CA098830, The V Foundation Scholar award, Rita Allen Scholar award, FACT, Glen Cove C.A.R.E.S, and LIBC Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 245 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA

    Mauricio J. Reginato

  2. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, One Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA

    Senthil K. Muthuswamy

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  1. Mauricio J. Reginato
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  2. Senthil K. Muthuswamy
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Correspondence to Mauricio J. Reginato or Senthil K. Muthuswamy.

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Reginato, M.J., Muthuswamy, S.K. Illuminating the Center: Mechanisms Regulating Lumen Formation and Maintenance in Mammary Morphogenesis. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 11, 205–211 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10911-006-9030-4

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