Identification of signaling pathways in early mammary gland development by mouse genetics.
The mammary gland develops as an appendage of the ectoderm. The prenatal stage of mammary development is hormone independent and is regulated by sequential and reciprocal signaling between the epithelium and the mesenchyme. A number of recent studies using human and mouse genetics, in particular targeted gene deletion and transgenic expression, have identified some of the signals that control specific steps in development. This process involves cell specification and proliferation, reciprocal tissue interactions and cell migration. Since some of these events are recapitulated during tumorigenesis, an understanding of these signaling pathways may contribute to the development of targeted therapies and novel drugs.
Robinson
Gertraud W
GW
Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology, National Institute of Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. traudl@nih.gov
D000818:Animals; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000502:physiology; D004475:Ectoderm / Q000502:physiology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000196:embryology; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D005865:Gestational Age; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D042361:Mammary Glands, Human / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout / Q000196:embryology; D008822:Mice, Transgenic / Q000196:embryology; D009024:Morphogenesis; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013045:Species Specificity
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D006133:Growth Substances; C031192:oncofetal antigens