Characterization of Hyaluronan Localization in the Developing Mammary Gland and Mammary Tumors.

ABSTRACT: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is biochemically and biomechanically important for the structure and function of the mammary gland, which undergoes vast structural changes throughout pubertal and reproductive development. Although hyaluronan (HA) is a ubiquitous glycosaminoglycan (GAG) of the mammary gland ECM, extensive characterization of HA deposition in the mammary gland is lacking. Understanding physiologic HA metabolism is critical as this tightly controlled system is often hijacked in cancer. In the current studies, we characterize HA regulation throughout mammary gland development to better understand subsequent dysregulation of HA in mammary tumors. Using immunofluorescence (IF) imaging, we demonstrate that organized HA-rich septa exist in the mammary gland stroma throughout pubert

SUBMITTER: Witschen PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9892096 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature