Keratin 6 is not essential for mammary gland development
Author Information
Author(s): Grimm Sandra L, Bu Wen, Longley Mary Ann, Roop Dennis R, Li Yi, Rosen Jeffrey M
Primary Institution: Baylor College of Medicine
Hypothesis
What is the role of Keratin 6 in mammary gland development?
Conclusion
Loss of both Keratin 6a and 6b leads to an increase in progesterone receptor-positive mammary epithelial cells and decreased proliferation after exposure to steroid hormones.
Supporting Evidence
- K6 is expressed earlier than previously described, by embryonic day 16.5.
- K6a is the predominant isoform expressed in the mammary gland.
- Loss of K6a and K6b leads to an increase in steroid-receptor-positive cells.
- Normal mammary gland development occurs despite the absence of K6a and K6b.
Takeaway
Keratin 6 isn't needed for the mammary gland to grow, but when both types are missing, more cells that respond to hormones appear, and those cells don't divide as much.
Methodology
Immunostaining and tissue transplantation were used to analyze the expression of Keratin 6 and the development of mammary glands in mice.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on the role of Keratin 6 in mice, which may not fully translate to human biology.
Participant Demographics
Mice, specifically wild-type and K6ab-null strains.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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