RESUMO
The morphogenesis of branched organs remains a subject of abiding interest. Although much is known about the underlying signaling pathways, it remains unclear how macroscopic features of branched organs, including their size, network topology, and spatial patterning, are encoded. Here, we show that, in mouse mammary gland, kidney, and human prostate, these features can be explained quantitatively within a single unifying framework of branching and annihilating random walks. Based on quantitative analyses of large-scale organ reconstructions and proliferation kinetics measurements, we propose that morphogenesis follows from the proliferative activity of equipotent tips that stochastically branch and randomly explore their environment but compete neutrally for space, becoming proliferatively inactive when in proximity with neighboring ducts. These results show that complex branched epithelial structures develop as a self-organized process, reliant upon a strikingly simple but generic rule, without recourse to a rigid and deterministic sequence of genetically programmed events.
Assuntos
Rim/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Glândulas Mamárias Humanas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Modelos Biológicos , Morfogênese , Próstata/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Animais , Feminino , Humanos , Rim/embriologia , Masculino , Glândulas Mamárias Humanas/embriologia , Camundongos , Próstata/embriologiaRESUMO
The GATA-type zinc finger transcription factor TRPS1 has been implicated in breast cancer. However, its precise role remains unclear, as both amplifications and inactivating mutations in TRPS1 have been reported. Here, we used in vitro and in vivo loss-of-function approaches to dissect the role of TRPS1 in mammary gland development and invasive lobular breast carcinoma, which is hallmarked by functional loss of E-cadherin. We show that TRPS1 is essential in mammary epithelial cells, since TRPS1-mediated suppression of interferon signaling promotes in vitro proliferation and lactogenic differentiation. Similarly, TRPS1 expression is indispensable for proliferation of mammary organoids and in vivo survival of luminal epithelial cells during mammary gland development. However, the consequences of TRPS1 loss are dependent on E-cadherin status, as combined inactivation of E-cadherin and TRPS1 causes persistent proliferation of mammary organoids and accelerated mammary tumor formation in mice. Together, our results demonstrate that TRPS1 can function as a context-dependent tumor suppressor in breast cancer, while being essential for growth and differentiation of normal mammary epithelial cells.
Assuntos
Neoplasias da Mama/fisiopatologia , Carcinogênese/genética , Diferenciação Celular/genética , Células Epiteliais/citologia , Proteínas Repressoras/metabolismo , Animais , Neoplasias da Mama/genética , Caderinas/genética , Sobrevivência Celular/genética , Cromatina/genética , Cromatina/metabolismo , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Feminino , Deleção de Genes , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Glândulas Mamárias Humanas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Complexo Mi-2 de Remodelação de Nucleossomo e Desacetilase/genética , Complexo Mi-2 de Remodelação de Nucleossomo e Desacetilase/metabolismo , Camundongos , Ligação Proteica/genética , Proteínas Repressoras/genética , Transdução de Sinais/genéticaRESUMO
The mammary gland is a highly dynamic organ that undergoes profound changes within its epithelium during puberty and the reproductive cycle. These changes are fueled by dedicated stem and progenitor cells. Both short- and long-lived lineage-restricted progenitors have been identified in adult tissue as well as a small pool of multipotent mammary stem cells (MaSCs), reflecting intrinsic complexity within the epithelial hierarchy. While unipotent progenitor cells predominantly execute day-to-day homeostasis and postnatal morphogenesis during puberty and pregnancy, multipotent MaSCs have been implicated in coordinating alveologenesis and long-term ductal maintenance. Nonetheless, the multipotency of stem cells in the adult remains controversial. The advent of large-scale single-cell molecular profiling has revealed striking changes in the gene expression landscape through ontogeny and the presence of transient intermediate populations. An increasing number of lineage cell-fate determination factors and potential niche regulators have now been mapped along the hierarchy, with many implicated in breast carcinogenesis. The emerging diversity among stem and progenitor populations of the mammary epithelium is likely to underpin the heterogeneity that characterizes breast cancer.
Assuntos
Diferenciação Celular , Linhagem da Célula , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/metabolismo , Glândulas Mamárias Humanas/metabolismo , Células-Tronco/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição/metabolismo , Animais , Neoplasias da Mama/genética , Neoplasias da Mama/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Mama/patologia , Transformação Celular Neoplásica/genética , Transformação Celular Neoplásica/metabolismo , Transformação Celular Neoplásica/patologia , Feminino , Regulação da Expressão Gênica no Desenvolvimento , Humanos , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/patologia , Glândulas Mamárias Humanas/patologia , Morfogênese , Células-Tronco Neoplásicas/metabolismo , Células-Tronco Neoplásicas/patologia , Fenótipo , Transdução de Sinais , Células-Tronco/patologia , Fatores de Transcrição/genética , Microambiente TumoralRESUMO
Lactation is an essential process for mammals. In sheep, the R96C mutation in suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) protein is associated with greater milk production and increased mastitis sensitivity. To shed light on the involvement of R96C mutation in mammary gland development and lactation, we developed a mouse model carrying this mutation (SOCS2KI/KI). Mammary glands from virgin adult SOCS2KI/KI mice presented a branching defect and less epithelial tissue, which were not compensated for in later stages of mammary development. Mammary epithelial cell (MEC) subpopulations were modified, with mutated mice having three times as many basal cells, accompanied by a decrease in luminal cells. The SOCS2KI/KI mammary gland remained functional; however, MECs contained more lipid droplets versus fat globules, and milk lipid composition was modified. Moreover, the gene expression dynamic from virgin to pregnancy state resulted in the identification of about 3000 differentially expressed genes specific to SOCS2KI/KI or control mice. Our results show that SOCS2 is important for mammary gland development and milk production. In the long term, this finding raises the possibility of ensuring adequate milk production without compromising animal health and welfare.
Assuntos
Lactação , Glândulas Mamárias Animais , Animais , Feminino , Camundongos , Gravidez , Células Epiteliais/metabolismo , Lactação/genética , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/metabolismo , Leite/metabolismo , Mutação/genéticaRESUMO
Branching morphogenesis is a characteristic feature of many essential organs, such as the lung and kidney, and most glands, and is the net result of two tissue behaviors: branch point initiation and elongation. Each branched organ has a distinct architecture customized to its physiological function, but how patterning occurs in these ramified tubular structures is a fundamental problem of development. Here, we use quantitative 3D morphometrics, time-lapse imaging, manipulation of ex vivo cultured mouse embryonic organs and mice deficient in the planar cell polarity component Vangl2 to address this question in the developing mammary gland. Our results show that the embryonic epithelial trees are highly complex in topology owing to the flexible use of two distinct modes of branch point initiation: lateral branching and tip bifurcation. This non-stereotypy was contrasted by the remarkably constant average branch frequency, indicating a ductal growth invariant, yet stochastic, propensity to branch. The probability of branching was malleable and could be tuned by manipulating the Fgf10 and Tgfß1 pathways. Finally, our in vivo data and ex vivo time-lapse imaging suggest the involvement of tissue rearrangements in mammary branch elongation.
Assuntos
Glândulas Mamárias Animais , Morfogênese , Animais , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/embriologia , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Camundongos , Feminino , Fator 10 de Crescimento de Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Fator 10 de Crescimento de Fibroblastos/genética , Proteínas do Tecido Nervoso/metabolismo , Proteínas do Tecido Nervoso/genética , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/metabolismo , Imagem com Lapso de Tempo , Polaridade Celular , Embrião de Mamíferos/metabolismo , Transdução de SinaisRESUMO
The varying pathways of mammary gland development across species and evolutionary history are underexplored, largely due to a lack of model systems. Recent progress in organoid technology holds the promise of enabling in-depth studies of the developmental adaptations that have occurred throughout the evolution of different species, fostering beneficial phenotypes. The practical application of this technology for mammary glands has been mostly confined to rodents and humans. In the current study, we have successfully created next-generation 3D mammary gland organoids from eight eutherian mammals and the first branched organoid of a marsupial mammary gland. Using mammary organoids, we identified a role for ROCK protein in regulating branching morphogenesis, a role that manifests differently in organoids from different mammals. This finding demonstrates the utility of the 3D organoid model for understanding the evolution and adaptations of signaling pathways. These achievements highlight the potential for organoid models to expand our understanding of mammary gland biology and evolution, and their potential utility in studies of lactation or breast cancer.
Assuntos
Glândulas Mamárias Humanas , Marsupiais , Humanos , Feminino , Animais , Marsupiais/genética , Organoides/metabolismo , Lactação , Eutérios , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/metabolismoRESUMO
Branched epithelial networks are generated through an iterative process of elongation and bifurcation. We sought to understand bifurcation of the mammary epithelium. To visualize this process, we utilized three-dimensional (3D) organotypic culture and time-lapse confocal microscopy. We tracked cell migration during bifurcation and observed local reductions in cell speed at the nascent bifurcation cleft. This effect was proximity dependent, as individual cells approaching the cleft reduced speed, whereas cells exiting the cleft increased speed. As the cells slow down, they orient both migration and protrusions towards the nascent cleft, while cells in the adjacent branches orient towards the elongating tips. We next tested the hypothesis that TGF-ß signaling controls mammary branching by regulating cell migration. We first validated that addition of TGF-ß1 (TGFB1) protein increased cleft number, whereas inhibition of TGF-ß signaling reduced cleft number. Then, consistent with our hypothesis, we observed that pharmacological inhibition of TGF-ß1 signaling acutely decreased epithelial migration speed. Our data suggest a model for mammary epithelial bifurcation in which TGF-ß signaling regulates cell migration to determine the local sites of bifurcation and the global pattern of the tubular network.
Assuntos
Glândulas Mamárias Animais , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1 , Animais , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/farmacologia , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/metabolismo , Morfogênese , Epitélio/metabolismo , Movimento Celular , Células Epiteliais/metabolismoRESUMO
Cell context is key for cell state. Using physiologically relevant models of laminin-rich extracellular matrix (lrECM) induction of mammary epithelial cell quiescence and differentiation, we provide a landscape of the key molecules for the proliferation-quiescence decision, identifying multiple layers of regulation at the mRNA and protein levels. Quiescence occurred despite activity of Fak (also known as PTK2), Src and phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks), suggesting the existence of a disconnecting node between upstream and downstream proliferative signalling. Pten, a lipid and protein phosphatase, fulfils this role, because its inhibition increased proliferation and restored signalling via the Akt, mTORC1, mTORC2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Pten and laminin levels were positively correlated in developing murine mammary epithelia, and Pten localized apicolaterally in luminal cells in ducts and near the nascent lumen in terminal end buds. Consistently, in three-dimensional acinogenesis models, Pten was required for triggering and sustaining quiescence, polarity and architecture. The multilayered regulatory circuitry that we uncovered provides an explanation for the robustness of quiescence within a growth-suppressive microenvironment, which could nonetheless be disrupted by perturbations in master regulators such as Pten.
RESUMO
Post-lactational mammary gland regression encompasses extensive programmed cell death and removal of milk-producing epithelial cells, breakdown of extracellular matrix components and redifferentiation of stromal adipocytes. This highly regulated involution process is associated with a transient increased risk of breast cancer in women. Using a syngeneic tumour model, we show that tumour growth is significantly altered depending on the stage of involution at which tumour cells are implanted. Tumour cells injected at day 3 involution grew faster than those in nulliparous mice, whereas tumours initiated at day 6 involution grew significantly slower. These differences in tumour progression correlate with distinct changes in innate immune cells, in particular among F4/80-expressing macrophages and among TCRδ+ unconventional T cells. Breast cancer post-pregnancy risk is exacerbated in older first-time mothers and, in our model, initial tumour growth is moderately faster in aged mice compared with young mice. Our results have implications for breast cancer risk and the use of anti-inflammatory therapeutics for postpartum breast cancers.
Assuntos
Neoplasias da Mama , Glândulas Mamárias Humanas , Idoso , Animais , Neoplasias da Mama/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Mama/patologia , Feminino , Humanos , Lactação , Glândulas Mamárias Animais , Camundongos , Período Pós-Parto/fisiologia , GravidezRESUMO
Notch3 promotes mammary luminal cell specification and forced Notch3 activation can induce mammary tumor formation. However, recent studies suggest a tumor-suppressive role for Notch3. Here, we report on Notch3 expression and functional analysis in the mouse mammary gland. Notch3 is expressed in the luminal compartment throughout mammary gland development, but switches to basal cells with initiation of post-lactational involution. Deletion of Notch3 caused a decrease of Notch activation in luminal cells and diminished luminal progenitors at puberty, as well as reduced alveolar progenitors during pregnancy. Parous Notch3-/- mammary glands developed hyperplasia with accumulation of CD24hiCD49flo cells, some of which progressed to invasive tumors with luminal features. Notch3 deletion abolished Notch activation in basal cells during involution, accompanied by altered apoptosis and reduced brown adipocytes, leading to expansion of parity-identified mammary epithelial cells (PI-MECs). Interestingly, the postpartum microenvironment is required for the stem cell activity of Notch3-/- PI-MECs. Finally, high expression of NOTCH3 is associated with prolonged survival in patients with luminal breast cancer. These results highlight an unexpected tumor-suppressive function for Notch3 in the parous mammary gland through restriction of PI-MEC expansion.
Assuntos
Células Epiteliais , Glândulas Mamárias Animais , Animais , Células Epiteliais/metabolismo , Feminino , Lactação , Camundongos , Camundongos Transgênicos , Gravidez , Células-TroncoRESUMO
Mastitis is the most frequent disease of cows and has well-recognized detrimental effects on animal wellbeing and dairy farm profitability. With the advent of the postantibiotic era, alternative antibiotic agents, especially probiotics, have received increasing attention in the treatment of mastitis. Based on research showing that Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) has anti-inflammatory effects, this study explored the protective effects and mechanisms of L. reuteri against mastitis induced by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in mice. First, mice with S. aureus-induced mastitis were orally administered L. reuteri, and the inflammatory response in the mammary gland was observed. The results showed that L. reuteri significantly inhibited S. aureus-induced mastitis. Moreover, the concentration of oxytocin (OT) and protein expression of oxytocin receptor (OTR) were measured, and inhibition of OTR or vagotomy reversed the protective effect of L. reuteri or its culture supernatant (LCS) on S. aureus-induced mastitis. In addition, in mouse mammary epithelial cells (MMECs), OT inhibited the inflammation induced by S. aureus by inhibiting the protein expression of OTR. It was suggested that L. reuteri protected against S. aureus-induced mastitis by releasing OT. Furthermore, microbiological analysis showed that the composition of the microbiota was altered, and the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was significantly increased in gut and mammary gland after treatment with L. reuteri or LCS. In conclusion, our study found the L. reuteri inhibited the mastitis-induced by S. aureus via promoting the release of OT, and treatment with L. reuteri increased the abundance of Lactobacillus in both gut and mammary gland.
Assuntos
Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Limosilactobacillus reuteri , Mastite , Infecções Estafilocócicas , Feminino , Humanos , Animais , Bovinos , Camundongos , Ocitocina/farmacologia , Ocitocina/uso terapêutico , Staphylococcus aureus , Mastite/terapia , Receptores de Ocitocina , LactobacillusRESUMO
SignificanceBisphenol A (BPA), found in many plastic products, has weak estrogenic effects that can be harmful to human health. Thus, structurally related replacements-bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF)-are coming into wider use with very few data about their biological activities. Here, we compared the effects of BPA, BPS, and BPF on human mammary organoids established from normal breast tissue. BPS disrupted organoid architecture and induced supernumerary branching. At a proteomic level, the bisphenols altered the abundance of common targets and those that were unique to each compound. The latter included proteins linked to tumor-promoting processes. These data highlighted the importance of testing the human health effects of replacements that are structurally related to chemicals of concern.
Assuntos
Compostos Benzidrílicos , Carcinogênese , Estrogênios , Glândulas Mamárias Humanas , Fenóis , Proteoma , Sulfonas , Compostos Benzidrílicos/toxicidade , Carcinogênese/induzido quimicamente , Estrogênios/toxicidade , Humanos , Glândulas Mamárias Humanas/efeitos dos fármacos , Glândulas Mamárias Humanas/patologia , Organoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Organoides/patologia , Fenóis/toxicidade , Proteoma/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteômica , Sulfonas/toxicidadeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: DNA methylation has been documented to play vital roles in diseases and biological processes. In bovine, little is known about the regulatory roles of DNA methylation alterations on production and health traits, including mastitis. RESULTS: Here, we employed whole-genome DNA methylation sequencing to profile the DNA methylation patterns of milk somatic cells from sixteen cows with naturally occurring Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) subclinical mastitis and ten healthy control cows. We observed abundant DNA methylation alterations, including 3,356,456 differentially methylated cytosines and 153,783 differential methylation haplotype blocks (dMHBs). The DNA methylation in regulatory regions, including promoters, first exons and first introns, showed global significant negative correlations with gene expression status. We identified 6435 dMHBs located in the regulatory regions of differentially expressed genes and significantly correlated with their corresponding genes, revealing their potential effects on transcriptional activities. Genes harboring DNA methylation alterations were significantly enriched in multiple immune- and disease-related pathways, suggesting the involvement of DNA methylation in regulating host responses to S. aureus subclinical mastitis. In addition, we found nine discriminant signatures (differentiates cows with S. aureus subclinical mastitis from healthy cows) representing the majority of the DNA methylation variations related to S. aureus subclinical mastitis. Validation of seven dMHBs in 200 cows indicated significant associations with mammary gland health (SCC and SCS) and milk production performance (milk yield). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our findings revealed abundant DNA methylation alterations in milk somatic cells that may be involved in regulating mammary gland defense against S. aureus infection. Particularly noteworthy is the identification of seven dMHBs showing significant associations with mammary gland health, underscoring their potential as promising epigenetic biomarkers. Overall, our findings on DNA methylation alterations offer novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of bovine subclinical mastitis, providing further avenues for the development of effective control measures.
Assuntos
Mastite Bovina , Infecções Estafilocócicas , Bovinos , Animais , Feminino , Humanos , Staphylococcus aureus , Metilação de DNA , Mastite Bovina/genética , Mastite Bovina/metabolismo , Haplótipos , Infecções Estafilocócicas/genética , Infecções Estafilocócicas/veterináriaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Growth factor receptor-bound 7 (Grb7) is an adaptor protein involved in signal transduction downstream of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, including ERBB, FGFR, and PDGFR pathways. Experimental studies have implicated Grb7 in regulating cell proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion through its large repertoire of protein-protein interactions. RESULTS: Here, we describe the generation and characterization of a Grb7 knockout mouse. These mice are viable and fertile. A lacZ knock-in reporter was used to visualize Grb7 promoter activity patterns in adult tissues, indicating widespread Grb7 expression in glandular epithelium, the central nervous system, and other tissues. The sole defect observed in these animals was a failure of Grb7 knockout females to successfully raise pups to weaning age, a phenotype that was independent of both paternal and pup genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest a regulatory role for Grb7 in mammary lactational physiology.
Assuntos
Proteína Adaptadora GRB7 , Camundongos Knockout , Animais , Feminino , Camundongos , Proteína Adaptadora GRB7/metabolismo , Proteína Adaptadora GRB7/genética , Masculino , Lactação/genética , Insuficiência de Crescimento/genética , Insuficiência de Crescimento/metabolismo , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/metabolismo , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/crescimento & desenvolvimentoRESUMO
The transcription factor STAT3 is activated by multiple cytokines and other extrinsic factors. It plays a key role in immune and inflammatory responses and, when dysregulated, in tumourigenesis. STAT3 is also an indispensable mediator of the cell death process that occurs during post-lactational regression of the mammary gland, one of the most dramatic examples of physiological cell death in adult mammals. During this involution of the gland, STAT3 powerfully enhances the lysosomal system to efficiently remove superfluous milk-producing mammary epithelial cells via a lysosomal-mediated programmed cell death pathway. The lysosome is a membrane-enclosed cytoplasmic organelle that digests and recycles cellular waste, with an important role as a signalling centre that monitors cellular metabolism. Here, we describe key strategies for investigating the role of STAT3 in regulating lysosomal function using a mammary epithelial cell culture model system. These include protocols for lysosome enrichment and enzyme activity assays, in addition to microscopic analyses of the vesicular compartment in cell lines. Collectively, these approaches provide the tools to investigate multiple aspects of lysosome biogenesis and function, and to define both direct and indirect roles for STAT3.
Assuntos
Células Epiteliais , Lisossomos , Glândulas Mamárias Animais , Fator de Transcrição STAT3 , Lisossomos/metabolismo , Fator de Transcrição STAT3/metabolismo , Feminino , Animais , Células Epiteliais/metabolismo , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/metabolismo , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/citologia , Humanos , Glândulas Mamárias Humanas/metabolismo , Glândulas Mamárias Humanas/citologia , Camundongos , Transdução de SinaisRESUMO
The three-dimensional (3D) structure of the ductal epithelium and the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) are integral aspects of the breast tissue, and they have important roles during mammary gland development, function and malignancy. However, the architecture of the branched mammary epithelial network is poorly recapitulated in the current in vitro models. 3D bioprinting is an emerging approach to improve tissue-mimicry in cell culture. Here, we developed and optimized a protocol for 3D bioprinting of normal and cancerous mammary epithelial cells into a branched Y-shape to study the role of cell positioning in the regulation of cell proliferation and invasion. Non-cancerous cells formed continuous 3D cell networks with several organotypic features, whereas the ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) -like cancer cells exhibited aberrant basal polarization and defective formation of the basement membrane (BM). Quantitative analysis over time demonstrated that both normal and cancerous cells proliferate more at the branch tips compared to the trunk region of the 3D-bioprinted cultures, and particularly at the tip further away from the branch point. The location-specific rate of proliferation was independent of TGFß signaling but invasion of the DCIS-like breast cancer cells was reduced upon the inhibition of TGFß. Thus, our data demonstrate that the 3D-bioprinted cells can sense their position in the branched network of cells and proliferate at the tips, thus recapitulating this feature of mammary epithelial branching morphogenesis. In all, our results demonstrate the capacity of the developed 3D bioprinting method for quantitative analysis of the relationships between tissue structure and cell behavior in breast morphogenesis and cancer.
Assuntos
Bioimpressão , Carcinoma Intraductal não Infiltrante , Humanos , Células Epiteliais , Epitélio , Fator de Crescimento Transformador betaRESUMO
As both perimenopausal and menopausal periods are recognized critical windows of susceptibility for breast carcinogenesis, development of a physiologically relevant model has been warranted. The traditional ovariectomy model causes instant removal of the entire hormonal repertoire produced by the ovary, which does not accurately approximate human natural menopause with gradual transition. Here, we characterized the mammary glands of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)-treated animals at different time points, revealing that the model can provide the mammary glands with both perimenopausal and menopausal states. The perimenopausal gland showed moderate regression in ductal structure with no responsiveness to external hormones, while the menopausal gland showed severe regression with hypersensitivity to hormones. Leveraging the findings on the VCD model, effects of a major endocrine disruptor (polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBDEs) on the mammary gland were examined during and after menopausal transition, with the two exposure modes; low-dose, chronic (environmental) and high-dose, subacute (experimental). All conditions of PBDE exposure did not augment or compromise the macroscopic ductal reorganization resulting from menopausal transition and/or hormonal treatments. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that the experimental PBDE exposure during the post-menopausal period caused specific transcriptomic changes in the non-epithelial compartment such as Errfi1 upregulation in fibroblasts. The environmental PBDE exposure resulted in similar transcriptomic changes to a lesser extent. In summary, the VCD mouse model provides both perimenopausal and menopausal windows of susceptibility for the breast cancer research community. PBDEs, including all tested models, may affect the post-menopausal gland including impacts on the non-epithelial compartments.
Assuntos
Cicloexenos , Glândulas Mamárias Animais , Perimenopausa , Compostos de Vinila , Animais , Feminino , Camundongos , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/efeitos dos fármacos , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/patologia , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/metabolismo , Perimenopausa/efeitos dos fármacos , Perimenopausa/metabolismo , Menopausa/metabolismo , Menopausa/efeitos dos fármacos , Disruptores Endócrinos/efeitos adversos , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Humanos , Éteres Difenil Halogenados/toxicidadeRESUMO
The mammary glands are dynamic tissues affected by pregnancy-related hormones during the pregnancy-lactation cycle. Collagen production and its dynamics are essential to the remodeling of the mammary glands. Alterations of the mammary microenvironment and stromal cells during the pregnancy-lactation cycle are important for understanding the physiology of the mammary glands and the development of breast tumors. In this study, we performed an evaluation of collagen dynamics in the mammary fat pad during the pregnancy-lactation cycle. Reanalysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data showed the ectopic collagen expression in the immune cells and cell-cell interactions for collagens with single-cell resolution. The scRNA-Seq data showed that type I and type III collagen were produced not only by stromal fibroblasts but also by lymphoid and myeloid cell types in the pregnancy phase. Furthermore, the total cell-cell interaction score for collagen interactions was dramatically increased in the pregnancy tissue. The data presented in this study provide evidence that immune cells contribute, at least in part, to mammary collagen dynamics. Our findings suggest that immune cells, including lymphoid and myeloid cells, might be supportive members of the extracellular matrix orchestration in the pregnancy-lactation cycle of the mammary glands.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study evaluated mammary gland collagen dynamics during the pregnancy-lactation cycle using single-cell RNA-sequencing data. We found ectopic collagen expression in immune cells and an increase in collagen interactions during pregnancy. Type I and type III collagen were produced by lymphoid, myeloid, and stromal fibroblast cells during pregnancy. These findings suggest that immune cells, including lymphoid and myeloid cells, play a crucial role in supporting the extracellular matrix in mammary glands during pregnancy-lactation cycles.
Assuntos
Colágeno Tipo III , Colágeno , Gravidez , Feminino , Animais , Colágeno Tipo III/metabolismo , Colágeno/metabolismo , Matriz Extracelular/metabolismo , Lactação/metabolismo , Hormônios/metabolismo , RNA/metabolismo , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/metabolismoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Mammary gland development is a critical process in mammals, crucial for their reproductive success and offspring nourishment. However, the functional roles of key candidate genes associated with teat number, including ABCD4, VRTN, PROX2, and DLST, in this developmental process remain elusive. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted an in-depth investigation into the dynamic expression patterns, functional implications, and regulatory networks of these candidate genes during mouse mammary gland development. RESULTS: In this study, the spatial and temporal patterns of key genes were characterized in mammary gland development. Using time-series single-cell data, we uncovered differences in the expression of A bcd4, Vrtn, Prox2, and Dlst in cell population of the mammary gland during embryonic and adult stages, while Vrtn was not detected in any cells. We found that only overexpression and knockdown of Abcd4 could inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of HC11 mammary epithelial cells, whereas Prox2 and Dlst had no significant effect on these cells. Using RNA-seq and qPCR, further analysis revealed that Abcd4 can induce widespread changes in the expression levels of genes involved in mammary gland development, such as Igfbp3, Ccl5, Tlr2, and Prlr, which were primarily associated with the MAPK, JAK-STAT, and PI3K-AKT pathways by functional enrichment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings revealed ABCD4 as a candidate gene pivotal for regulating mammary gland development and lactation during pregnancy by influencing PRLR expression.
Assuntos
Transportadores de Cassetes de Ligação de ATP , Glândulas Mamárias Animais , Animais , Feminino , Camundongos , Apoptose/genética , Proliferação de Células , Células Epiteliais/metabolismo , Regulação da Expressão Gênica no Desenvolvimento , Redes Reguladoras de Genes , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Glândulas Mamárias Animais/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais , Transportadores de Cassetes de Ligação de ATP/genética , Transportadores de Cassetes de Ligação de ATP/metabolismoRESUMO
The Hippo pathway, a signaling cascade involved in the regulation of organ size and several other processes, acts as a conduit between extracellular matrix (ECM) cues and cellular responses. We asked whether the basement membrane (BM), a specialized ECM component known to induce quiescence and differentiation in mammary epithelial cells, would regulate the localization, activity, and interactome of YAP, a Hippo pathway effector. To address this question, we used a broad range of experimental approaches, including 2D and 3D cultures of both mouse and human mammary epithelial cells, as well as the developing mouse mammary gland. In contrast to malignant cells, nontumoral cells cultured with a reconstituted BM (rBM) displayed higher concentrations of YAP in the cytoplasm. Incidentally, when in the nucleus of rBM-treated cells, YAP resided preferentially at the nuclear periphery. In agreement with our cell culture experiments, YAP exhibited cytoplasmic predominance in ductal cells of developing mammary epithelia, where a denser BM is found. Conversely, terminal end bud (TEB) cells with a thinner BM displayed higher nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratios of YAP. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that genes regulated by YAP were overrepresented in the transcriptomes of microdissected TEBs. Consistently, mouse epithelial cells exposed to the rBM expressed lower levels of YAP-regulated genes, although the protein level of YAP and Hippo components were slightly altered by the treatment. Mass spectrometry analysis identified a differential set of proteins interacting with YAP in cytoplasmic fractions of mouse epithelial cells in the absence or presence of rBM. In untreated cells, YAP interactants were enriched in processes related to ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, whereas in cells exposed to rBM YAP interactants were mainly key proteins related to amino acid, amino sugar, and carbohydrate metabolism. Collectively, we unraveled that the BM induces YAP translocation or retention in the cytoplasm of nontumoral epithelial cells and that in the cytoplasm YAP seems to undertake novel functions in metabolic pathways.