Minireview: hormones and mammary cell fate--what will I become when I grow up?

Endocrinology. 2008 Sep;149(9):4317-21. doi: 10.1210/en.2008-0450. Epub 2008 Jun 12.

Abstract

Systemic hormones are key regulators of postnatal mammary gland development and play an important role in the etiology and treatment of breast cancer. Mammary ductal morphogenesis is controlled by circulating hormones, and these same hormones are also critical mediators of mammary stem cell fate decisions. Recent studies have helped further our understanding of the origin, specification, and fate of mammary stem cells during postnatal development. Here we review recent studies on the involvement of hormone receptors and several transcription factors in mammary stem/progenitor cell differentiation and lineage commitment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Cell Lineage / physiology
  • Female
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / cytology
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / embryology
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / growth & development
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / physiology
  • Mammary Glands, Human / cytology
  • Mammary Glands, Human / embryology
  • Mammary Glands, Human / growth & development
  • Mammary Glands, Human / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Models, Biological
  • Morphogenesis / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Puberty / physiology
  • Stem Cells / physiology*

Substances

  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones