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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
09:40
Generation of Mosaic Mammary Organoids by Differential Trypsinization
Published on: March 11, 2020
Of microenvironments and mammary stem cells
Mark A LaBarge1, Ole W Petersen, Mina J Bissell
1Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA. MAlabarge@LBL.GOV
Stem Cell Reviews
|September 18, 2007
Summary
Stem cells in specialized niches maintain tissue homeostasis. This review explores stem cell identification in human and mouse mammary glands, detailing niche location and developmental hierarchy for therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Tissue Homeostasis
Background:
- Adult tissues contain stem and progenitor cells within niches.
- Niches regulate stem cell function and prevent overexpansion.
- Stem cells are crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis throughout life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for identifying stem cells in human and mouse mammary glands.
- To elucidate the location and function of the mammary stem cell niche.
- To explore the developmental hierarchy of mammary gland stem cells.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of stem cell identification techniques in human and mouse mammary glands.
- Review of studies on mammary gland development and stem cell niche interactions.
- Examination of biological needs and ethical constraints influencing research methodologies.
Main Results:
- Different techniques were required for stem cell identification in human versus mouse mammary glands.
- The location of the stem cell niche and a developmental hierarchy were elucidated.
- Understanding the niche provides insights into mammary gland biology.
Conclusions:
- Mammary stem cells and their niches are critical for gland development and function.
- Varied methodologies highlight species-specific biological and ethical considerations.
- Mammary stem cell niches offer potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
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