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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Quantification of Self-renewal in Murine Mammosphere Cultures

Quantification of Self-renewal in Murine Mammosphere Cultures

Published on: November 26, 2019

Murine mammary epithelial stem cells: discovery, function, and current status.

Jane E Visvader¹, Gilbert H Smith

¹Stem Cells and Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology

|October 8, 2010

Summary

A single mammary stem cell can generate an entire mammary gland outgrowth. This review explores the discovery and characterization of the mammary stem cell hierarchy and its role in development and cancer.

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Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Stem Cell Biology
Cancer Biology

Background:

Mammary gland development involves epithelial outgrowths capable of secretory differentiation.
Early studies demonstrated the regenerative capacity of mammary gland portions.
Recent research indicates a hierarchy of mammary stem/progenitor cells exists.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the discovery and characterization of the murine mammary stem/progenitor cell hierarchy.
To discuss the local and systemic signals regulating stem/progenitor cell behavior.
To suggest future research directions for understanding these cells in development and neoplasia.

Main Methods:

Review of existing scientific literature on mammary stem cells.
Analysis of studies on mammary gland regeneration and transplantation.
Discussion of signaling pathways involved in stem cell maintenance.

Main Results:

Evidence supports the existence of a single mammary stem cell capable of generating a complete mammary tree.
A hierarchy of mammary stem/progenitor cells is established within the mammary epithelium.
Local and systemic signals are crucial for the maintenance and behavior of these stem cells.

Conclusions:

The mammary stem cell hierarchy plays a critical role in normal mammary gland development.
Understanding this hierarchy is essential for investigating mammary gland neoplasia (cancer).
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms governing mammary stem cell function.