Human breast epithelial stem cells and their regulation

J Pathol. 2006 Jan;208(1):7-16. doi: 10.1002/path.1881.

Abstract

This review summarizes the current evidence for the existence of human breast stem cells and the pathways involved in their regulation, and discusses how the disruption of these pathways may result in the generation of a population of cells with the capacity for unlimited self-renewal. Relevant data from mouse model systems are also discussed where appropriate. By understanding the molecular pathways that regulate self-renewal of normal mammary stem cells, it may be possible to target the activation of these pathways in breast tumours.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast / cytology*
  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Cell Division / physiology
  • Epithelial Cells / physiology*
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / genetics
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / physiology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / physiology
  • Genes, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Humans
  • Mammary Glands, Human / cytology
  • Mammary Glands, Human / pathology
  • Models, Biological
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Stem Cells / physiology*

Substances

  • Estrogen Receptor alpha