title: Gene expression in the third dimension: the ECM-nucleus connection.
abstract: Decades ago, we and others proposed that the dynamic interplay between a cell and its surrounding environment dictates cell phenotype and tissue structure. Whereas much has been discovered about the effects of extracellular matrix molecules on cell growth and tissue-specific gene expression, the nuclear mechanisms through which these molecules promote these physiological events remain unknown. Using mammary epithelial cells as a model, the purpose of this review is to discuss how the extracellular matrix influences nuclear structure and function in a three-dimensional context to promote epithelial morphogenesis and function in the mammary gland.
authors.affiliation: Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, MS 977R225A, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. vaspencer@lbl.gov
authors.forename: Virginia A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Spencer
authors.forename: Ren
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Mina J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bissell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D042361:Mammary Glands, Human / Q000502:physiology; D009928:Organ Specificity / Q000502:physiology; D050799:STAT5 Transcription Factor / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D050799:STAT5 Transcription Factor