Mammary epithelial cell: influence of extracellular matrix composition and organization during development and tumorigenesis.

TitleMammary epithelial cell: influence of extracellular matrix composition and organization during development and tumorigenesis.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2007
AuthorsKass L, Erler JT, Dembo M, Weaver VM
JournalInt J Biochem Cell Biol
Volume39
Issue11
Pagination1987-94
Date Published2007
ISSN1357-2725
KeywordsAnimals, Cell Lineage, Cell Transformation, Neoplastic, Epithelial Cells, Extracellular Matrix, Female, Humans, Mammary Glands, Human, Neoplasms
Abstract

Stromal-epithelial interactions regulate mammary gland development and are critical for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. The extracellular matrix, which is a proteinaceous component of the stroma, regulates mammary epithelial growth, survival, migration and differentiation through a repertoire of transmembrane receptors, of which integrins are the best characterized. Integrins modulate cell fate by reciprocally transducing biochemical and biophysical cues between the cell and the extracellular matrix, facilitating processes such as embryonic branching morphogenesis and lactation in the mammary gland. During breast development and cancer progression, the extracellular matrix is dynamically altered such that its composition, turnover, processing and orientation change dramatically. These modifications influence mammary epithelial cell shape, and modulate growth factor and hormonal responses to regulate processes including branching morphogenesis and alveolar differentiation. Malignant transformation of the breast is also associated with significant matrix remodeling and a progressive stiffening of the stroma that can enhance mammary epithelial cell growth, perturb breast tissue organization, and promote cell invasion and survival. In this review, we discuss the role of stromal-epithelial interactions in normal and malignant mammary epithelial cell behavior. We specifically focus on how dynamic modulation of the biochemical and biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix elicit a dialogue with the mammary epithelium through transmembrane integrin receptors to influence tissue morphogenesis, homeostasis and malignant transformation.

DOI10.1016/j.biocel.2007.06.025
Alternate JournalInt. J. Biochem. Cell Biol.
PubMed ID17719831
PubMed Central IDPMC2658720
Grant ListCA078731 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA078731-07 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
R01 GM072002-04 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States