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Epithelial Plasticity During Human Breast Morphogenesis and Cancer Progression
Saevar Ingthorsson1, Eirikur Briem1, Jon Thor Bergthorsson1,2
1Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.
Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia
|November 6, 2016
Summary
This review explores breast development, focusing on epithelial-stromal interactions and branching morphogenesis. Understanding these processes, including epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), is crucial for developing new breast cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Cellular Interactions
Background:
- Breast development involves complex epithelial and stromal interactions.
- In vitro models are needed to study these intricate cellular and matrix communications.
- Branching morphogenesis in breast development shares pathways with cancer progression, such as epithelial plasticity and EMT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cell-cell interactions in breast development, focusing on stem cell niches and branching morphogenesis.
- To discuss the relationship between branching morphogenesis and cancer progression pathways.
- To explore the role of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer stem cells and therapeutic resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on breast development and cancer biology.
- Analysis of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.
- Discussion of epithelial plasticity and EMT/MET pathways.
Main Results:
- Breast development relies on epithelial-stromal crosstalk and branching morphogenesis.
- EMT is critical for cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
- Cancer stem cells may utilize EMT for therapy resistance, potentially explaining relapse.
Conclusions:
- Understanding breast development's branching morphogenesis and EMT/MET regulation is key.
- This knowledge may lead to novel drugs to inhibit cancer cell invasion.
- Further research into EMT mechanisms in cancer stem cells is warranted.
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