Wnt-signalling in the embryonic mammary gland

J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 2013 Jun;18(2):155-63. doi: 10.1007/s10911-013-9280-x. Epub 2013 May 10.

Abstract

The first member of the Wnt-family ligands was identified 30 years ago as a factor in mouse mammary tumours whose expression was deregulated due to the promoter activity emanating from the proximal integration of the Mouse Mammary Tumour Virus genome (Nusse and Varmus, Embo J 31:2670-84, 2012). The Wnt-ligands invoke a number of molecular-genetic signalling cascades fundamental to the patterning of developing tissues and organs during embryogenesis as well as during postnatal development. The Wnt-signalling cascade that controls the activities of β-catenin and the T-cell Factor (Tcf)/Lympoid enhancer factor (Lef1) plays a fundamental role in control of all stages of embryonic mammary gland development. We provide here a brief overview of the known aspects of Wnt-signalling activities in the embryonic mammary gland and its interactions with other signalling cascades in this developing tissue.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Humans
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / embryology*
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / metabolism*
  • Mammary Glands, Human / embryology*
  • Mammary Glands, Human / metabolism*
  • Wnt Proteins / genetics
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / physiology*

Substances

  • Wnt Proteins