Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
12:49
Isolation of Intact, Whole Mouse Mammary Glands for Analysis of Extracellular Matrix Expression and Gland Morphology
Published on: October 30, 2017
The extracellular matrix as an adhesion checkpoint for mammary epithelial function
1Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|January 26, 2007
Summary
Mammary gland development relies on cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) via integrins. Ablating alphabeta1-integrins disrupts mammary gland proliferation, organization, and milk secretion.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mammary gland development is regulated by mammary epithelium and extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions.
- Integrins, a family of adhesion receptors, mediate cell-ECM communication, guiding cells through developmental stages.
- These receptors are crucial for sensing developmental context in response to hormones and growth factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cell adhesion to the ECM in mammary gland development.
- To determine the specific function of alphabeta1-integrins in mammary gland checkpoints.
- To explore the downstream signaling pathways involved in mammary gland morphogenesis and function.
Main Methods:
- Specific ablation of alphabeta1-integrins in the luminal epithelium of the mammary gland.
- Analysis of mammary gland proliferation, morphological organization, and milk secretion.
- Investigation of downstream signaling pathways involving small Rho GTPases.
Main Results:
- Alphabeta1-integrins are essential for mammary gland proliferation and accurate morphological organization.
- These integrins play a critical role in milk secretion.
- Downstream signaling via small Rho GTPases mediates cellular polarization and differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Cell adhesion to the ECM, mediated by integrins, is vital for mammary gland development, including alveolar survival, morphogenesis, and function.
- Alphabeta1-integrins are key regulators of mammary gland proliferation, organization, and lactation.
- Understanding these signaling pathways is crucial for addressing challenges in mammary gland development research.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
01:13Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue.
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
01:29The Extracellular Matrix
Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
01:42The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.Composition of the Extracellular MatrixThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules.
01:03Anchoring Junctions
Anchoring junctions are multiprotein complexes that help cells connect to other cells and the extracellular matrix. Anchoring junctions are present on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, providing strong and flexible connections. Focal adhesions are often formed due to cell interactions with the ECM substrata, which initiate signal transduction via kinase cascades and other mechanisms. Together, they provide stability and tissue integrity. There are three types of anchoring junctions:...
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...