In the Murine and Bovine Maternal Mammary Gland Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 is Activated in Clusters of Epithelial Cells around the Day of Birth

J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 2024 May 9;29(1):10. doi: 10.1007/s10911-024-09561-5.

Abstract

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins regulate mammary development. Here we investigate the expression of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) in the mouse and cow around the day of birth. We present localised colocation analysis, applicable to other mammary studies requiring identification of spatially congregated events. We demonstrate that pSTAT3-positive events are multifocally clustered in a non-random and statistically significant fashion. Arginase-1 expressing cells, consistent with macrophages, exhibit distinct clustering within the periparturient mammary gland. These findings represent a new facet of mammary STAT3 biology, and point to the presence of mammary sub-microenvironments.

Keywords: Macrophage; Mammary; Parturition; STAT3; Spatial statistics; Udder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Epithelial Cells* / metabolism
  • Female
  • Mammary Glands, Animal* / cytology
  • Mammary Glands, Animal* / growth & development
  • Mammary Glands, Animal* / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Parturition / metabolism
  • Parturition / physiology
  • Phosphorylation
  • Pregnancy
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • Stat3 protein, mouse