Regulation of Msx-1, Msx-2, Bmp-2 and Bmp-4 during foetal and postnatal mammary gland development

Development. 1996 Sep;122(9):2729-37. doi: 10.1242/dev.122.9.2729.

Abstract

Expression of the Msx-1 and Msx-2 homeobox genes have been shown to be coordinately regulated with the Bmp-2 and Bmp-4 ligands in a variety of developing tissues. Here we report that transcripts from all four genes are developmentally regulated during both foetal and postnatal mammary gland development. The location and time-course of the Bmp and Msx expression point to a role for Msx and Bmp gene products in the control of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Expression of Msx-2, but not Msx-1, Bmp-2 or Bmp-4 was decreased following ovariectomy, while expression of the human Msx-2 homologue was regulated by 17beta-oestradiol in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The regulation of Msx-2 expression by oestrogen raises the possibility that hormonal regulation of mammary development is mediated through the control of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Estradiol / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental* / drug effects
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • MSX1 Transcription Factor
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / embryology
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / growth & development*
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Morphogenesis
  • Ovariectomy
  • Pregnancy
  • RNA, Antisense / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • MSX1 Transcription Factor
  • MSX2 protein
  • RNA, Antisense
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Transcription Factors
  • Estradiol