Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
11:13
Indirect Immunofluorescence on Frozen Sections of Mouse Mammary Gland
Published on: December 1, 2015
The molecular culprits underlying precocious mammary gland involution
Kate D Sutherland1, Geoffrey J Lindeman, Jane E Visvader
1VBCRC Laboratory, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia.
Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia
|February 27, 2007
Summary
Mammary gland involution involves cell death and tissue remodeling. This review examines genes that trigger precocious involution in mice, revealing complex signaling networks regulating apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and molecular genetics.
- Cellular and molecular mechanisms of tissue remodeling.
Background:
- Mammary gland involution returns the gland to its pre-pregnant state through apoptosis and structural changes.
- Forced weaning synchronizes involution, enabling biochemical pathway analysis.
- Recent advances highlight signaling pathways, apoptosis regulators, and matrix metalloproteinases in involution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review genes whose alteration in mouse models causes premature mammary gland involution.
- To elucidate the complex signaling networks governing apoptosis during involution.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing literature on mammary gland involution.
- Focus on studies using genetically modified mouse models (targeted deletion or overexpression).
- Examination of genes influencing precocious involution.
Main Results:
- Perturbation of specific genes in mouse models can induce precocious involution.
- Data suggest a complex interplay of signal transduction pathways regulating apoptosis.
- Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors play roles in involution.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the triggers and perpetrators of apoptosis in mammary involution is ongoing.
- Genetically modified mouse models are crucial for dissecting involution pathways.
- A complex network of signaling pathways synergistically regulates mammary gland involution.
Related Concept Videos
01:12The Mammary Glands
The female breast is a hemispheric projection of variable size positioned anterior to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles. A fascia layer composed of dense, irregular connective tissue connects it to these muscles.
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...