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Updated: Nov 30, 2025

Analysis of Protein-protein Interactions and Co-localization Between Components of Gap, Tight, and Adherens Junctions in Murine Mammary Glands
Published on: May 30, 2017
Integrin-mediated adhesion and mechanosensing in the mammary gland
Oona Paavolainen1, Emilia Peuhu1
1Institute of Biomedicine and Cancer Research Laboratory FICAN West, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland; Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.
Abstract:
The mammary gland is dynamically remodelled during its postnatal development and the reproductive cycles. This inherent plasticity has been suggested to increase the susceptibility of the organ to carcinogenesis. Morphological changes in the mammary epithelium involve cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration which, in turn, are affected by cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Integrin adhesion receptors function in the sensing of the biochemical composition, patterning and mechanical properties of the ECM surrounding the cells, and strongly influence cell fate. This review aims to summarize the existing literature on how different aspects of integrin-mediated adhesion and mechanosensing, including ECM composition; stiffness and topography; integrin expression patterns; focal adhesion assembly; dynamic regulation of the actin cytoskeleton; and nuclear mechanotransduction affect mammary gland development, function and homeostasis. As the mechanical properties of a complex tissue environment are challenging to replicate in vitro, emphasis has been placed on studies conducted in vivo or using organoid models. Outright, these studies indicate that mechanosensing also contributes to the regulation of mammary gland morphogenesis in multiple ways.
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