Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) as a Regulator of Lactogenic Differentiation

Abstract

The degree of differentiation of mammary epithelial cells is dependent on their response to basement membrane and stromal protein-induced signals. Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2), a known stromal mediator, is highly upregulated by dexamethasone and is required for the lactogenic differentiation of mouse mammary epithelial cells. Using a Tet-off system to overexpress CTGF/CCN2 in the HC11 cell background, we found that its elevated expression enhanced multiple markers of lactogenic differentiation, including beta-casein transcription, mammosphere formation, and stabilization of Stat5 activity. Elevated levels of CTGF/CCN2 partially abrogated the requirement of matrix proteins for the transcription of beta-casein, suggesting that CTGF/CCN2 contributes to lactogenic differentiation through a regulation of cell:matrix adhesion.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 09, 2009
Accession Number
ADA539529

Entities

People

  • Bethanie L. Morrison

Organizations

  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biological Factors
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Connective Tissue
  • Endocrine Glands
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Medical Personnel
  • Peptide Growth Factors
  • Peptides
  • Proteins

Readers

  • Molecular Biology and Genetics