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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Evaluation of Mammary Gland Development and Function in Mouse Models
08:51

Evaluation of Mammary Gland Development and Function in Mouse Models

Published on: July 21, 2011

The serine/threonine kinase, Krct, affects endbud morphogenesis during murine mammary gland development

Douglas B Stairs1, Kathleen L Notarfrancesco, Lewis A Chodosh

  • 1Department of Cancer Biology, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 19104-6160, USA.

Transgenic Research
|November 30, 2005
PubMed

Insights

The serine/threonine protein kinase STK16/Krct (Kinase related to cerevisiae and thaliana) plays a role in mammary gland development. Overexpression in mice led to duplicated budding structures and altered stromal-epithelial interactions during ductal morphogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • STK16/Krct (Kinase related to cerevisiae and thaliana) is a conserved serine/threonine protein kinase with an unknown function.
  • Understanding Krct's role is crucial for comprehending eukaryotic cell biology and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the function of the STK16/Krct kinase.
  • To investigate the role of Krct in mammary gland development and morphogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Generated a doxycycline-dependent transgenic mouse model for inducible Krct overexpression in mammary glands.
  • Analyzed the effects of modest Krct overexpression during puberty on mammary ductal morphogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Overexpression of Krct resulted in duplication of the terminal endbud axis, leading to multiple budding structures.
  • Aberrant endbuds showed increased periductal stroma, suggesting altered stromal-epithelial interactions.
  • Cellular proliferation and cell type localization in endbuds remained similar to wild-type.

Conclusions:

  • STK16/Krct may regulate stromal-epithelial interactions during mammary gland ductal morphogenesis.
  • Krct's function is linked to the precise spatial organization of developing mammary ducts.

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