Long-lived cells in premalignant breast tissue divide asymmetrically
Author Information
Author(s): Bussard Karen M, Boulanger Corinne A, Kittrell Frances S, Behbod Fariba, Medina Daniel, Smith Gilbert H
Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
Hypothesis
Long-lived epithelial cells are present in immortal, premalignant cell populations, undergo asymmetric division, retain their template DNA strands, and cycle both during allometric growth and during pregnancy.
Conclusion
A subpopulation of long-lived, label-retaining epithelial cells is present in immortal premalignant cell populations, which persist during pregnancy and retain their original DNA.
Supporting Evidence
- Cells that retained a 5-BrdU label and cells labeled with [3H]-thymidine were found in all mice.
- Double-labeled cells were found in the intact mammary glands of both pregnant and nulliparous mice.
- LRECs distributed their second label to daughter cells, and this effect persisted during pregnancy.
- Label-retaining cells were present in nonmammary tissues, indicating a broader presence of these cells.
Takeaway
Some cells in the breast can live a long time and keep their original DNA while they divide, which helps them stay healthy.
Methodology
The study used 3-week-old Balb/C female mice, implanted with premalignant epithelial cells, and labeled with 5-BrdU and 3H-TdR to identify label-retaining cells.
Limitations
The study may have limitations in the generalizability of findings due to the specific mouse model used.
Participant Demographics
3-week-old immune-competent female Balb/C mice.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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