title: Mammary gland development is delayed in mice deficient for aminopeptidase N.
abstract: Development of the mammary gland requires the coordinated action of proteolytic enzymes during two phases of remodelling. Firstly, new ducts and side-branches thereof need to be established during pregnancy to generate an extensive ductal tree allowing the secretion and transport of milk. A second wave of remodelling occurs during mammary involution after weaning. We have analysed the role of the cell surface protease aminopeptidase N (Anpep, APN, CD13) during these processes using Anpep deficient and Anpep over-expressing mice. We find that APN deficiency significantly delays mammary gland morphogenesis during gestation. The defect is characterised by a reduction in alveolar buds and duct branching at mid-pregnancy. Conversely over-expression of Anpep leads to accelerated ductal development. This indicates that Anpep plays a critical role in the proteolytic remodelling of mammary tissue during adult mammary development.
authors.affiliation: Metabolic Health Division, Rowett Institute of Nutrition & Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK. A.kolb@abdn.ac.uk
authors.forename: Andreas F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Kolb
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sorrell
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lassnig
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lillico
authors.forename: Ailsa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carlisle
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Neil
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Mathias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: C Bruce A
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Whitelaw
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018826:CD13 Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000235:genetics*; D011247:Pregnancy; D059748:Proteolysis
chemical_list: D018826:CD13 Antigens