Molecular regulators of pubertal mammary gland development

Abstract

The pubertal mammary gland is an ideal model for experimental morphogenesis. The primary glandular branching morphogenesis occurs at this time, integrating epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Between birth and puberty, the mammary gland exists in a relatively quiescent state. At the onset of puberty, rapid expansion of a pre-existing rudimentary mammary epithelium generates an extensive ductal network by a process of branch initiation, elongation, and invasion of the mammary mesenchyme. It is this branching morphogenesis that characterizes pubertal mammary gland growth. Tissue-specific molecular networks interpret signals from local cytokines/growth factors in both the epithelial and stromal microenvironments. This is largely orchestrated by secreted ovarian and pituitary hormones. Here, we review the major molecular regulators of pubertal mammary gland development.

Keywords::

• Amphiregulin
• ductal morphogenesis
• estrogen receptor
• EGFR
• fibroblast growth factor
• mammary gland
• puberty
• stem cell
• terminal end-bud (TEB)

Acknowledgements

There is a very large body of primary and review literature in this area. Thus all authors could not be cited. We apologize to those who we have not referenced.

Declaration of interest: Studies carried out in the authors’ laboratory were funded by Science Foundation Ireland, the Health Research Board, Ireland, and the European Union (FP5-RTN). The authors declare no conflicts of interest.