Runx2 contributes to the regenerative potential of the mammary epithelium

Ferrari, N. et al. (2015) Runx2 contributes to the regenerative potential of the mammary epithelium. Scientific Reports, 5, 15658. (doi: 10.1038/srep15658) (PMID:26489514) (PMCID:PMC4614940)

Abstract

Although best known for its role in bone development and associated structures the transcription factor RUNX2 is expressed in a wide range of lineages, including those of the mammary gland. Previous studies have indicated that Runx2 can regulate aspects of mammary cell function and influence the properties of cancer cells. In this study we investigate the role of Runx2 in the mammary stem/progenitor population and its relationship with WNT signalling. Results show that RUNX2 protein is differentially expressed throughout embryonic and adult development of the murine mammary gland with high levels of expression in mammary stem-cell enriched cultures. Importantly, functional analysis reveals a role for Runx2 in mammary stem/progenitor cell function in in vitro and in vivo regenerative assays. Furthermore, RUNX2 appears to be associated with WNT signalling in the mammary epithelium and is specifically upregulated in mouse models of WNT-driven breast cancer. Overall our studies reveal a novel function for Runx2 in regulating mammary epithelial cell regenerative potential, possibly acting as a downstream target of WNT signalling.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Blyth, Professor Karen and Cameron, Professor Ewan and Morris, Professor Joanna and King, Dr Ayala and McDonald, Dr Laura and Ferrari, Mr Nicola and Neil, Professor James and Mason, Miss Susan and Sansom, Professor Owen
• Authors: Ferrari, N., Riggio, A., Mason, S., McDonald, L., King, A., Higgins, T., Rosewell, I., Neil, J., Smalley, M. J., Sansom, O. J., Morris, J., Cameron, E., and Blyth, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Scientific Reports
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• ISSN: 2045-2322
• ISSN (Online): 2045-2322
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Scientific Report 5:15658
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License