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Molecular mechanism of mammary gland involution: An update.
Molecular mechanism of mammary gland involution: An update.
- Source :
-
Developmental biology [Dev Biol] 2019 Jan 15; Vol. 445 (2), pp. 145-155. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Nov 15. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- The mammary gland (MG) is a unique organ responsible for milk synthesis, secretion, and involution to prepare the gland for subsequent lactation. The mammary epithelial cells (MECs), which are the milk synthesizing units of the MG, proliferate, differentiate, undergo apoptosis and regenerate following a cyclic pathway of lactation - involution - lactation, fine-tuning these molecular events through hormones, growth factors and other regulatory molecules. The developmental stages of the MG are embryonic, prepubertal, pubertal, pregnancy, lactation and involution, with major developmental processes occurring after puberty. The involution stage includes interesting physiological processes such as MEC apoptosis, matrix remodeling, and the generation of cells regaining the shape of a virgin MG. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is the established master regulator of this process and aberrant expression of STAT3 leads to subnormal involution and may induce neoplasia. Several studies have reported on the molecular mechanism of MG involution with substantial knowledge being gained about this process; however, a deep understanding of this phenomenon has yet to be attained. This review focuses deeply on the molecular details of post-lactational regression, the signaling pathways involved in the lactation-involution cycle, and the latest developments in STAT3-associated MG neoplasia. Deep insight into the involution process will pave the way towards understanding the biology, apoptosis, and oncogenesis of the MG.<br /> (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Animals
Apoptosis genetics
Breast Neoplasms etiology
Cytokines genetics
Cytokines physiology
Disease Progression
Epithelial Cells cytology
Epithelial Cells physiology
Extracellular Matrix physiology
Female
Glycolipids metabolism
Glycoproteins metabolism
Humans
Lactation genetics
Lactation physiology
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor genetics
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor physiology
Lipid Droplets
Mammary Glands, Animal anatomy & histology
Mice
MicroRNAs genetics
Models, Biological
Pregnancy
STAT3 Transcription Factor genetics
STAT3 Transcription Factor physiology
Signal Transduction
Transforming Growth Factor beta physiology
Mammary Glands, Animal growth & development
Mammary Glands, Animal physiology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1095-564X
- Volume :
- 445
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Developmental biology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 30448440
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.11.002