Cooperation of signalling pathways in embryonic mammary gland development.
Mammary glands become functional only in adult life but their development starts in the embryo. Initiation of the epithelial bud and ductal outgrowth are coordinated through short-range signals between epithelium and mesenchyme. Studies of natural and induced mouse mutants in which early mammary development is perturbed have identified genetic networks that regulate specific steps in these processes. Some of these signals contribute to aberrant mammary development in humans and are deregulated in cancer.
Robinson
Gertraud W
GW
Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 8, Room 101, 8 Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-20822, USA. traudl@nih.gov
D000818:Animals; D001485:Basement Membrane; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000196:embryology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D015398:Signal Transduction; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000502:physiology*