Transcriptional regulators in mammary gland development and cancer.
The mammary gland represents a remarkable developmental system for the study of genetic programs underlying proliferation, differentiation and inductive tissue interactions. Mammary gland ontogeny occurs predominantly in the adult and involves a complex cycle of morphogenesis, with the continuous production, differentiation and apoptosis of mammary epithelial cells occurring with each pregnancy. Perturbations in pathways controlling any of these processes may lead to neoplasia. Substantial progress has been made in defining signaling pathways important for mammopoiesis, in particular those that mediate the effects of peptide and steroid hormones. However, much less is known about the transcriptional regulators that dictate cell specificity, proliferation and differentiation within the mammary gland. This review will discuss recent insights into the transcriptional networks important for mammary gland development and consider how deregulation of specific transcription factors contributes to the pathogenesis of breast cancer.
Visvader
Jane E
JE
VBCRC Laboratory, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Vic Parkville 3050, Australia. visvader@wehi.edu.au
Lindeman
Geoffrey J
GJ
D000818:Animals; D001940:Breast / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005801:Genes, Homeobox; D006801:Humans; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development; D015674:Mammary Neoplasms, Animal / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009376:Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000502:physiology; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000502:physiology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology
D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone; D014157:Transcription Factors