Human Mammary Epithelial Cells
Human Mammary Epithelial Cells - Related Videos
09:59
Transfer of Mammary Gland-forming Ability Between Mammary Basal Epithelial Cells and Mammary Luminal Cells via Extracellular Vesicles/Exosomes
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Cited by 8 •
2017
This protocol describes methods for purifying, quantitating, and characterizing extracellular vesicles (EVs)/exosomes from non-adherent/mesenchymal mammary epithelial cells and for using them to transfer mammary gland-forming ability to luminal mammary epithelial cells. EVs/exosomes derived from stem-like mammary epithelial cells can transfer this cell property to cells that ingest the EVs/exosomes.
08:51
Mammary Epithelial Transplant Procedure
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Cited by 23 •
2010
This article demonstrates the procedure developed by DeOme KB et al. (1959) and the sparing procedure developed by Brill B et al. (2008) for clearing the 4th inguinal mammary fat pad of a pubescent mouse in preparation for transplantation of mammary fragments, mammary epithelial cells, or mammary tumor cells.
11:56
In Vitro Bioluminescence Assay to Characterize Circadian Rhythm in Mammary Epithelial Cells
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Cited by 12 •
2017
An in vitro bioluminescence assay to determine cellular circadian rhythm in mammary epithelial cells is presented. This method utilizes mammalian cell reporter plasmids expressing destabilized luciferase under the control of the PERIOD 2 gene promoter. It can be adapted to other cell types to evaluate organ-specific effects on circadian rhythm.
04:51
Mouse Mammary Epithelial Cells form Mammospheres During Lactogenic Differentiation
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Cited by 12 •
2009
HC11 lactogenic differentiation can be characterized by the formation of domed structures referred to as mammospheres. The structures can be enumerated by phase contrast microscopy to aid in quantifying lactogenic differentiation.
05:05
Isolation and Culture of Primary Human Mammary Epithelial Cells
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2024
The present study reports an easier, time-saving, and economical protocol to efficiently isolate and grow primary human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) from small amounts of mammary tissue. This protocol is suitable for quickly producing primary HMECs both for laboratory and clinical applications.
FAQs
Epithelial polarity organizes each cell into distinct structural and functional regions, helping cells form coordinated layers within mammary tissue. This organization supports the relationship between cell position, tissue architecture, and specialized activity. Studying polarity in human mammary epithelial cells helps researchers examine how disrupted organization may alter normal gland function or contribute to cellular changes associated with disease.
Cell-cell junctions connect neighboring epithelial cells and help maintain tissue integrity while cells proliferate, differentiate, and perform specialized functions. Their organization also contributes to the formation of stable cellular layers. In medical research, examining junctional changes provides a way to investigate how tissue structure is maintained and how altered cell interactions may accompany malignant transformation.
Regulated proliferation expands the cell population, whereas differentiation gives cells specialized characteristics needed for mammary gland function. These processes must remain coordinated so that tissue growth and cellular specialization occur without losing structural organization. Human mammary epithelial cells therefore provide a useful system for studying how disrupted control of growth or differentiation can relate to breast disease.
Primary cells are obtained from human mammary tissue, while cultured cell lines are maintained as laboratory models. These model types support complementary investigations: primary cells can represent tissue-derived biology, whereas cell lines facilitate controlled studies of tumor biology, therapeutic responses, and cellular changes linked to malignant transformation. The choice depends on the research question and the biological context being examined.
Researchers examine epithelial polarity, junctions, proliferation, and differentiation to understand how mammary tissue becomes organized and remains functional. Primary cells and cultured models allow these cellular processes to be studied under laboratory conditions while focusing on normal development or gland activity. Findings can clarify how coordinated epithelial behavior supports tissue structure and specialized mammary functions.
These cells serve as models for examining tumor biology and the cellular alterations associated with malignant transformation. Researchers can also use primary cells or cultured cell lines to investigate how breast-derived cells respond to therapeutic treatments. Comparing cellular organization, growth, differentiation, and treatment responses helps connect basic epithelial biology with medically relevant questions about breast cancer.