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Identification of multipotent mammary stem cells by protein C receptor expression
Daisong Wang1, Cheguo Cai1, Xiaobing Dong1
1The State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
Nature
|October 21, 2014
Summary
Researchers identified protein C receptor (Procr) as a marker for multipotent mammary stem cells (MaSCs) in mice. These Procr-positive MaSCs possess high regenerative capacity and could play a role in breast cancer initiation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Stem cell research
- Oncology
Background:
- Mammary stem cells (MaSCs) are crucial for mammary gland development and regeneration.
- The existence and characteristics of multipotent MaSCs have been debated, with their precise identity remaining unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel population of multipotent mammary stem cells.
- To investigate the role of protein C receptor (Procr) in marking these stem cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Wnt target gene analysis to identify Procr as a marker.
- Performed transplantation assays to assess regenerative capacity.
- Employed lineage tracing to determine differentiation potential.
Main Results:
- Protein C receptor (Procr) marks a unique population of multipotent mouse MaSCs.
- Procr-positive cells exhibit basal localization, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition features, and low basal keratin expression.
- These cells demonstrate significant regenerative capacity and differentiate into all mammary epithelial lineages.
Conclusions:
- Defined a novel multipotent mammary stem cell population marked by Procr.
- These findings may have implications for understanding breast cancer initiation.
