Mammary Gland Growth Factors: Roles in Normal Development and in Cancer

Abstract

Normal development of the mammary gland proceeds via interactions between the epithelium and the mesenchyme that start during embryogenesis and continue during pubertal outgrowth and differentiation. The function of specific peptide growth factors that bind members of the receptor tyrosine kinase family and the cytokine receptor family are required at each stage. In many cases the peptides are produced in one compartment and act on receptors in the other compartment. One of the striking differences between normal development and cancer is the loss of this cross-talk. Mammary tumor cells often produce a peptide and express the receptor on the same cell leading to autocrine activation of signaling pathways, a mechanism that is characteristic for cancer cells. We will discuss different peptides in the context of normal development and cancer in this review.

Histone Demethylase Jumonji AT-rich Interactive Domain 1B (JARID1B) Controls Mammary Gland Development by Regulating Key Developmental and Lineage Specification Genes

“…Pubertal development of the mouse mammary gland reflects both endocrine actions of various sex and growth hormones in the body and cell-intrinsic properties of mammary epithelial cells (33,34). Using a systemic knock-out mouse for histone demethylase JARID1B, we identified a role for this epigenetic regulator specific to the mammary gland and several components of the female reproductive system.…”

Recent insights into the effect of natural and environmental estrogens on mammary development and carcinogenesis

“…Indeed, in the absence of pituitary hormones little or no mammogenic activity could be recorded (Lamote et al, 2004). Growth factors have been shown to modulate mammary cell survival (epidermal growth factor, amphiregulin, insulin like growth factor, erythropoietin (EPO), tumor necrosis factor-a) (Hynes and Watson, 2010, Pelekanou et al, 2010, Rowzee et al, 2008, Varela and Ip, 1996 or apoptosis (tumor necrosis factor-a, transforming growth factor b) (Rosfjord andDickson, 1999, Varela andIp, 1996). However, the molecular mechanism underlying the influence of sex steroid hormones and/or growth factors remains largely undetermined.…”

Triiodothyronine and breast cancer

“…During pregnancy, mammary glands produce milk due to the high level of estrogen secreted by the placenta. This milk is stored in alveolar secretory units to be supplied later for breastfeeding [21] . During lactation, lipoprotein lipase activity decreases in the adipose tissue and increases in the breast tissue.…”

“…The development of these glands begins in the embryo phase via the extension of ectoderm tissue [20] . This extension is due to allometric growth, which represents the relationship between growth of the ectoderm and the metabolic profile of the epithelial cells [21] . The maintenance and regulation of breast epithelial cells are also controlled by the complex interaction of various hormones including estrogen, progesterone, glucocorticoids, insulin and prolactin [22] .…”