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.
Chadi
Sead
S
INRA, UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, F-78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France. sead.chadi@jouy.inra.fr
Buscara
Laurine
L
Pechoux
Christine
C
Costa
José
J
Laubier
Johann
J
Chaboissier
Marie-Christine
MC
Pailhoux
Eric
E
Vilotte
Jean-Luc
JL
Chanat
Eric
E
Le Provost
Fabienne
F
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