Generation of a functional mammary gland from a single stem cell

摘要: The existence of mammary stem cells (MaSCs) has been postulated from evidence that the gland can be regenerated by transplantation epithelial fragments in mice. Interest MaSCs further stimulated their potential role breast tumorigenesis. However, identity and purification proved elusive owing to lack defined markers. We isolated discrete populations mouse on basis cell-surface markers identified a subpopulation (Lin-CD29hiCD24+) is highly enriched for transplantation. Here we show single cell, marked with LacZ transgene, reconstitute complete vivo. transplanted cell contributed both luminal myoepithelial lineages generated functional lobuloalveolar units during pregnancy. self-renewing capacity these was demonstrated serial clonal outgrowths. In support cancer, stem-cell-enriched expanded premalignant tissue MMTV-wnt-1 mice contained higher number MaSCs. Our data establish within Lin-CD29hiCD24+ population are multipotent self-renewing, properties define them as