Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand Promotes Proliferation of a Putative Mammary Stem Cell Unique to the Lactating Epithelium

• DOI: 10.1002/stem.1092
• Publication Date: 2012-04-03T14:25:04Z
• Authors: Elizabeth Thomas; Tracey Lee-Pullen; Paul Rigby; Peter Hartmann; Jiake Xu; Nikolajs Zeps
• Keywords: Placental lactogen; Prolactin receptor

Abstract In mice, CD49fhi mammary stem cells (MaSCs) asymmetrically divide to generate CD49f+ committed progenitor that differentiate into CD49f− phenotypes of the milk-secreting tissue at onset pregnancy. We show primary epithelial (PMECs) isolated from lactating uniquely respond pregnancy-associated hormones (PAH) compared with nonlactating tissue. Differentiation PMEC in extracellular matrix produces luminal form differentiated alveoli. The PAH prolactin and placental lactogen specifically stimulate division cells, while receptor activator nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand (RANKL) stimulates basal cells. nondifferentiating conditions, we observed a greater proportion multipotent self-renewing RANKL treatment activated RANK pathway these cultures. Furthermore, deposition calcium nodules These data imply MaSC unique breast exists humans, which generates progeny discrete lineages distinct response PAH. Disclosure potential conflicts interest is found end this article.