Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

In Vitro Bioluminescence Assay to Characterize Circadian Rhythm in Mammary Epithelial Cells
Published on: September 28, 2017
Cloning and functional characterization of STAT5a and STAT5b genes in buffalo mammary epithelial cells
Sheng Li1, Shihai Huang2, Shuye Qiao1
1State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
Abstract:
Signal transducer and activator 5 (STAT5) plays important roles in regulating mammary glandular cell proliferation and milk-protein gene expression. However, the functions of STAT5a and STAT5b genes in lactation of buffalo remain uninvestigated. In this study, full-length STAT5a (2502 bp) and STAT5b (2515 bp) coding sequences were isolated for the first time. The highest STAT5a gene expression was found in buffalo mammary glands and the highest STAT5b gene expression was found in buffalo brains and mammary glands. H&E staining indicated that STAT5a and STAT5b are mainly expressed in epithelial cells of buffalo mammary glands. Next, we investigated the functions of STAT5 by knocking down and overexpressing STAT5 in buffalo mammary epithelial cells (BuMECs). According to our results, STAT5 knockdown resulted in inhibited G1/S transition of BuMECs and significantly lower expression of milk-protein genes, whereas overexpression of STAT5 resulted in significantly higher expression of milk-protein genes. In summary, our results demonstrate that STAT5 can regulate the cell cycle transition of BuMECs and affect the expression of milk-protein genes. Our research lays a foundation for further study of the role of STAT5 in mammary gland development and lactation.
Related Concept Videos
Reproductive Cloning
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic...
Epithelial Tissues and Their Functions
Epithelial tissues provide the body's first line of protection from physical,...
Cell Specific Gene Expression
The Mammary Glands
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Cloning of Dolly the Sheep

