title: Molecular regulators of pubertal mammary gland development.
abstract: The pubertal mammary gland is an ideal model for experimental morphogenesis. The primary glandular branching morphogenesis occurs at this time, integrating epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Between birth and puberty, the mammary gland exists in a relatively quiescent state. At the onset of puberty, rapid expansion of a pre-existing rudimentary mammary epithelium generates an extensive ductal network by a process of branch initiation, elongation, and invasion of the mammary mesenchyme. It is this branching morphogenesis that characterizes pubertal mammary gland growth. Tissue-specific molecular networks interpret signals from local cytokines/growth factors in both the epithelial and stromal microenvironments. This is largely orchestrated by secreted ovarian and pituitary hormones. Here, we review the major molecular regulators of pubertal mammary gland development.
authors.affiliation: UCD School of Bimolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McNally
authors.forename: Finian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D042361:Mammary Glands, Human / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D011627:Puberty / Q000502:physiology; D012741:Sexual Maturation / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D006728:Hormones; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins