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Nodal and Cripto-1: embryonic pattern formation genes involved in mammary gland development and tumorigenesis

Nicholas J Kenney1, Heather B Adkins, Michele Sanicola

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia 23668, USA. nicholas.kenney@hamptonu.edu

Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia
|August 10, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Nodal and Cripto are key signaling molecules in embryonic development. New research suggests they also act as mammary morphogens, potentially influencing cell transformation and tumor formation.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily and Epidermal Growth Factor-Cysteine-rich secretory protein (EGF-CFC) family members, like Nodal and Cripto, are crucial for embryonic axis specification.
  • These molecules function as morphogens, guiding embryonic pattern formation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of Nodal and Cripto in embryonic development and pattern formation.
  • To present new findings on Nodal and Cripto expression and function in mammary gland development.
  • To discuss the implications of Cripto signaling in cell transformation and cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on Nodal and Cripto signaling in embryogenesis.
  • Analysis of gene expression data in mammary ducts.
  • Examination of findings from transgenic mouse studies investigating Nodal and Cripto modulation.

Main Results:

  • Nodal and Cripto-1 are expressed in the mammary duct.
  • Modulation of Nodal and Cripto disrupts mammary gland branching morphogenesis, leading to disorganized epithelium and defective ductal architecture.
  • Overexpression of Cripto and signaling perturbations are linked to cell transformation and tumor formation.

Conclusions:

  • Nodal and Cripto are proposed as candidate mammary morphogens involved in ductal development.
  • Cripto may deregulate growth control pathways early in transformation and activate survival pathways in later stages of cancer phenotypes.

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