R-spondin1 is required for normal epithelial morphogenesis during mammary gland development.
The R-spondin (Rspo) proteins constitute a novel class of ligands that induce Wnt signalling. Rspo1 knockout XX mice were previously shown to be sex-reversed, but some remain sub-fertile. These last were unable to feed their pups for some unknown reason. Using these mice and transplanted mammary tissues from Rspo1(-/-) virgin mice in nude mice, we report that the lack of Rspo1 expression results in the absence of duct side-branching development and subsequent alveolar formation, explaining the above mentioned phenotype. Our data demonstrate that local epithelial Rspo1 signalling is required for normal development of the mammary gland.
INRA, UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France. sead.chadi@jouy.inra.fr
Sead
S
Chadi
Laurine
L
Buscara
Christine
C
Pechoux
José
J
Costa
Johann
J
Laubier
Marie-Christine
MC
Chaboissier
Eric
E
Pailhoux
Jean-Luc
JL
Vilotte
Eric
E
Chanat
Fabienne
F
Le Provost
D000818:Animals; D004848:Epithelium / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009024:Morphogenesis; D019699:Thrombospondins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
C518903:RSPO1 protein, mouse; D019699:Thrombospondins