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Glycoprotein contributions to mammary gland and mammary tumor structure and function: Roles of adherens junctions, ErbBs and membrane MUCs
Author(s) -
Carraway Kermit L.,
Ramsauer Victoria P.,
Carothers Carraway Coralie A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
journal of cellular biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.028
H-Index - 165
eISSN - 1097-4644
pISSN - 0730-2312
DOI - 10.1002/jcb.20612
Subject(s) - adherens junction , mammary gland , function (biology) , microbiology and biotechnology , glycoprotein , mammary tumor , membrane , chemistry , biology , medicine , biochemistry , cadherin , cancer , breast cancer , cell
Mammary function is dependent on its three‐dimensional organization, which is established and maintained by cell adhesive junctions linked through the membrane to the cell cytoskeleton. These junctions serve not only as structural elements, but also function as initiators and integrators of cell signals. In this review we discuss three types of glycoproteins whose interactions impinge on the function of mammary cell–cell junctions, cadherins, ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases and membrane mucins, as a microcosm of events regulating mammary cell behaviors. Actions of these components are integrated by the critical signaling element β‐catenin. When functioning properly, these glycoproteins, β‐catenin and associated signaling pathways mesh into a highly structured program for development and function of the gland. However, disruption or dysfunction of these glycoproteins or the signaling elements can lead to disorganization of the epithelia and ultimately to neoplasia. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.