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Engineering Three-dimensional Epithelial Tissues Embedded within Extracellular Matrix

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Primary cilia regulate branching morphogenesis during mammary gland development.

Kimberly M McDermott¹, Bob Y Liu, Thea D Tlsty

¹Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Arizona and Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.

Current Biology : CB

|April 13, 2010

Summary

Primary cilia are crucial for mammary gland development and branching morphogenesis. Their dysfunction impairs ductal extension and lobular development by altering Wnt and Hedgehog signaling pathways.

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Evaluation of Mammary Gland Development and Function in Mouse Models

Evaluation of Mammary Gland Development and Function in Mouse Models

Published on: July 21, 2011

Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Cell Biology
Organogenesis

Background:

Mammary gland development involves branching morphogenesis of epithelial ducts.
This process is regulated by hormones, growth factors, and signaling pathways like Wnt and Hedgehog.
Primary cilia are known to coordinate extracellular signaling with cellular physiology in organ development.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of primary cilia in mammary gland branching morphogenesis.
To determine the impact of ciliary dysfunction on ductal development and signaling pathways.

Main Methods:

Observation of primary cilia distribution during mammary gland development.
Analysis of branching defects in mice with intraflagellar transport defects.
Assessment of Wnt and Hedgehog signaling pathway activity in mutant mammary glands.

Main Results:

Primary cilia are present on various mammary cell types during early development and disappear from luminal cells post-branching.
Ciliary dysfunction leads to reduced ductal extension, branching, and lobular-alveolar development.
Mutant glands exhibit increased canonical Wnt and decreased Hedgehog signaling.

Conclusions:

Primary cilia are essential regulators of mammary gland branching morphogenesis.
Ciliary dysfunction disrupts ductal development by altering Wnt and Hedgehog signaling.
Wnt and Hedgehog signaling pathways mediate the effects of ciliary dysfunction on mammary gland development.