Fibronectin expression modulates mammary epithelial cell proliferation during acinar differentiation.

ABSTRACT: The mammary gland consists of a polarized epithelium surrounded by a basement membrane matrix that forms a series of branching ducts ending in hollow, sphere-like acini. Essential roles for the epithelial basement membrane during acinar differentiation, in particular laminin and its integrin receptors, have been identified using mammary epithelial cells cultured on a reconstituted basement membrane. Contributions from fibronectin, which is abundant in the mammary gland during development and tumorigenesis, have not been fully examined. Here, we show that fibronectin expression by mammary epithelial cells is dynamically regulated during the morphogenic process. Experiments with synthetic polyacrylamide gel substrates implicate both specific extracellular matrix components, including fibrone

SUBMITTER: Williams CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2748963 | biostudies-literature | 2008 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature