Mammary epithelial cell phagocytosis downstream of TGF-β3 is characterized by adherens junction reorganization.

ABSTRACT: After weaning, during mammary gland involution, milk-producing mammary epithelial cells undergo apoptosis. Effective clearance of these dying cells is essential, as persistent apoptotic cells have a negative impact on gland homeostasis, future lactation and cancer susceptibility. In mice, apoptotic cells are cleared by the neighboring epithelium, yet little is known about how mammary epithelial cells become phagocytic or whether this function is conserved between species. Here we use a rat model of weaning-induced involution and involuting breast tissue from women, to demonstrate apoptotic cells within luminal epithelial cells and epithelial expression of the scavenger mannose receptor, suggesting conservation of phagocytosis by epithelial cells. In the rat, epithelial transforming growth

SUBMITTER: Fornetti J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4716300 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature