Cellular Interactions in Mammary Gland Development

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The development of the mammary gland is a multistage process tightly orchestrated by hormones, and mainly occurring during puberty, pregnancy and lactation. It also requires a constant and controlled bidirectional crosstalk between the cells that form the gland. We have shown that the composition of the junctional nexus involved in these interactions varies in a stage-dependent manner, thus suggesting stage-dependent role and regulation of the junctions' components. However, while many of those components have been identified, many others remain to be discovered. More importantly, the mechanisms controlling the arrangement and function of the junctional nexus throughout mammary gland development are poorly understood. The main objective of this research program is thus to identify those mechanisms, focusing on hormones and interacting proteins. In addition, some environmental pollutants are similar to hormones and can mimic their actions. These pollutants are called endocrine disruptors. Understanding the mechanisms by which an exposure to endocrine disruptors can modulate the establishment and function of cellular interactions will allow us to determine how critical those mechanisms are for the normal development and function of the mammary gland. To achieve our research objectives, we will use innovative models to mimic the mammary gland structure developed by our lab combined with animal models. Together, results from this research program will lead to a better understanding of mammary gland physiology, function and organogenesis, particularly of how hormones and cellular junctions are governing the development of the mammary gland. We will also improve the scientific knowledge related to cellular interactions and crosstalk.