Dome formation in cell cultures as expression of an early stage of lactogenic differentiation of the mammary gland.

ABSTRACT: The study of the development of the mammary gland at the molecular level in the animal is difficult because of the complex tissue organization of the gland. We have previously developed an in vitro system for genetic analysis of mammary cell differentiation, based on the cell line LA7 clonally derived from a rat mammary adenocarcinoma. This cell line, after induction with DMSO, differentiates forming structures called domes. This process is under strict gene regulation, and we have previously identified several of the genes involved. In the present paper, we have defined the meaning of dome formation in relation to mammary development, by showing that treatment of LA7 cells with the lactogenic hormones hydrocortisone and prolactin induces dome formation; in the animal, these hormones prece

SUBMITTER: Zucchi I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC124351 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature