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Evidence for a multipotent mammary progenitor with pregnancy-specific activity
Breast Cancer Research : BCR
|August 17, 2013
Summary
We identified pregnancy-activated multipotent progenitors in virgin mouse mammary glands. These cells expand during pregnancy, contributing to mammary gland development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Stem cell biology
- Epithelial tissue development
Background:
- The mouse mammary gland is a key model for epithelial development.
- Mammary stem cells and progenitors are known, but the hierarchy is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize mammary stem cells and progenitors.
- To understand their role in mammary gland development and pregnancy-induced expansion.
Main Methods:
- Used MMTV-rtTA system for inducible H2BGFP expression in mouse mammary glands.
- Sorted mammary epithelial cells (MECs) by flow cytometry for CD24, CD29, and H2BGFP.
- Analyzed sorted populations for in vivo repopulation, lineage marker expression, and gene expression.
Main Results:
- CD24+/CD29+ cells showed similar repopulation regardless of GFP expression.
- H2BGFP+ MECs within the CD24+/CD29(lo) population formed mammary structures, enhanced in pregnant recipients.
- Transcriptional analysis showed H2BGFP+ MECs are distinct and enriched for stem and progenitor gene signatures.
Conclusions:
- Identified a population of MECs with pregnancy-activated multipotent progenitors.
- These progenitors are present in virgin glands and contribute to mammary gland expansion during pregnancy.
