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Pregnancy and stem cell behavior.

Kay-Uwe Wagner·Gilbert H Smith
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Abstract

The identification of cancer-initiating epithelial subtypes (i.e. cancer stem cells) is important for gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the process of neoplastic transformation and tumorigenesis. Since reproductive history has a major impact on breast tumorigenesis, it is reasonable to assume that pregnancy and lactation have enduring effects on the cancer susceptibility of multipotent progenitors. Using the Cre-lox technology as a tool to genetically label pregnancy-hormone-responsive cells, we identified a mammary epithelial subtype that is abundant in parous females. These pregnancy-induced mammary epithelial cells (PI-MECs) originate from differentiating cells during the first pregnancy and lactation cycle. They do not undergo apoptosis during postlactational remodeling, and they persist throughout the remainder of a female's life. In this review, we discuss the biological relevance of PI-MECs in multiparous females and their important stem cell-like features, such as self renewal, as well as their ability to produce progeny with diverse cellular fates. Using appropriate animal models, we further demonstrate that PI-MECs are cellular targets for pregnancy-enhanced mammary tumorigenesis.

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AnimalsBreast NeoplasmsCell Transformation, NeoplasticEpithelial CellsFemaleHumansLactationParityPregnancyStem CellsJournal ArticleResearch Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Review

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Kay-Uwe Wagner, Gilbert H Smith. 2005. Pregnancy and stem cell behavior.. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10911-005-2538-1

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