How a Macrophage Nurtures a Mammary Stem Cell (IMAGE)

Princeton University

How a Macrophage Nurtures a Mammary Stem Cell

Caption

Researchers led by Princeton University found that an immune cell known as the macrophage, which normally fights infection by swallowing foreign invaders, nurtures mammary gland stem cells, which drive breast development during puberty and pregnancy. The left panel shows a mammary gland duct that is normal (WT) or is missing the Dll1 gene (Dll1cKO). The middle panel shows the normal duct stained so that the mammary stem cells (blue ovals) and macrophages (brown ovals) are visible. The right panel illustrates how the mammary stem cells (pink) communicate with macrophages (brown), through the binding of Dll1 to Notch receptors and the involvement of Wnt molecules.

Credit

Science/AAAS

Usage Restrictions

Science/AAAS

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.