Glucose metabolite patterns as markers of functional differentiation in freshly isolated and cultured mouse mammary epithelial cells

Three-dimensional Mammary Epithelial Cell Morphogenesis Model for Analysis of TGFß Signaling

Culturing mammary epithelial cells in laminin-rich extracellular matrices (three dimensional or 3D culture) offers significant advantages over that in the conventional two-dimensional (2D) tissue culture system in that it takes into considetation the impact of extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment on the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of mammary epithelial cells. When grown in the 3D culture, untransformed mammary epithelial cells undergo morphogenesis to form a multicellular and polarized acini-like structure that functionally mimics the differentiated alveoli in the pregnancy mammary gland. This process is subjected to regulation by many growth factors and cytokines. The transforming growth factor-ß (TGFß) is a multipotent cytokine that regulates multiple aspects of development and tumorigenesis. In addition to its effects on epithelial cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, it is also a potent regulator of the cell-matrix interaction. Thus, the 3D culture model may recapitulate the complex in vivo epithelial cell microenvironment and allow us to fully evaluate the role of TGFß signaling in multiple aspects of normal and cancerous cell behavior. In this chapter we provide detailed protocols for growing mammary epithelial cells in the 3D Matrigel for analysis of signaling pathways.

The need for complex 3D culture models to unravel novel pathways and identify accurate biomarkers in breast cancer

The recent cataloging of the genomic aberrations in breast cancer has revealed the diversity and complexity of the disease at the genetic level. To unravel the functional consequences of specific repertoires of mutations and copy number changes on signaling pathways in breast cancer, it is crucial to develop model systems that truly recapitulate the disease. Here we discuss the three-dimensional culture models currently being used or recently developed for the study of normal mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer, including primary tumors and dormancy. We discuss the insights gained from these models in regards to cell signaling and potential therapeutic strategies, and the challenges that need to be met for the generation of heterotypic breast cancer model systems that are amenable for high-throughput approaches.

Microenvironmental control of the breast cancer cell cycle

The mammary gland is one of the best-studied examples of an organ whose structure and function are influenced by reciprocal signaling and communication between cells and their microenvironment. The mammary epithelial cell (MEC) microenvironment includes stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). Abundant evidence shows that the ECM and growth factors co-operate to regulate cell cycle progression, and that the ECM is altered in breast tumors. In particular, mammographically dense breast tissue is a significant risk factor for developing breast carcinomas. Dense breast tissue is associated with increased stromal collagen and epithelial cell content. In this article, we overview recent studies addressing the effects of ECM composition on the breast cancer cell cycle. Although the normal breast ECM keeps the MEC cycle in check, the ECM remodeling associated with breast cancer positively regulates the MEC cycle. ECM effects on the downstream biochemical and mechanosignaling pathways in both normal and tumorigenic MECs will be reviewed.

Mammary gland ECM remodeling, stiffness, and mechanosignaling in normal development and tumor progression

Cells of the mammary gland are in intimate contact with other cells and with the extracellular matrix (ECM), both of which provide not only a biochemical context, but a mechanical context as well. Cell-mediated contraction allows cells to sense the stiffness of their microenvironment, and respond with appropriate mechanosignaling events that regulate gene expression and differentiation. ECM composition and organization are tightly regulated throughout development of the mammary gland, resulting in corresponding regulation of the mechanical environment and proper tissue architecture. Mechanical regulation is also at play during breast carcinoma progression, as changes in ECM deposition, composition, and organization accompany breast carcinoma. These changes result in stiffer matrices that activate mechanosignaling pathways and thereby induce cell proliferation, facilitate local tumor cell invasion, and promote progression. Thus, understanding the role of forces in the mammary gland is crucial to understanding both normal developmental and pathological processes.

Mechanotransduction in development: a growing role for contractility

Mechanotransduction research has focused historically on how externally applied forces can affect cell signalling and function. A growing body of evidence suggests that contractile forces that are generated internally by the actomyosin cytoskeleton are also important in regulating cell behaviour, and suggest a broader role for mechanotransduction in biology. Although the molecular basis for these cellular forces in mechanotransduction is being pursued in cell culture, researchers are also beginning to appreciate their contribution to in vivo developmental processes. Here, we examine the role for mechanical forces and contractility in regulating cell and tissue structure and function during development.

Unraveling the microenvironmental influences on the normal mammary gland and breast cancer

The normal mammary gland and invasive breast tumors are both complex 'organs' composed of multiple cell types as well as extracellular matrix in three-dimensional (3D) space. Conventionally, both normal and malignant breast cells are studied in vitro as two-dimensional monolayers of epithelial cells, which results in the loss of structure and tissue function. Many laboratories are now investigating regulation of signaling function in the normal mammary gland using 3D cultures. However, it is also important to assay malignant breast cells ex vivo in a physiologically relevant environment to more closely mimic tumor architecture, signal transduction regulation and tumor behavior in vivo. Here we present the potential of these 3D models for drug testing, target validation and guidance of patient selection for clinical trials. We also argue that in order to get full insight into the biology of the normal and malignant breast, and to create in vivo-like models for therapeutic approaches in humans, we need to continue to create more complex heterotypic models to approach the full context the cells encounter in the human body.

The organizing principle: microenvironmental influences in the normal and malignant breast

The current paradigm for cancer initiation and progression rests on the groundbreaking discoveries of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. This framework has revealed much about the role of genetic alterations in the underlying signaling pathways central to normal cellular function and to tumor progression. However, it is clear that single gene theories or even sequential acquisition of mutations underestimate the nature of the genetic and epigenetic changes in tumors, and do not account for the observation that many cancer susceptibility genes (e.g. BRCA1, APC) show a high degree of tissue specificity in their association with neoplastic transformation. Therefore, the cellular and tissue context itself must confer additional and crucial information necessary for mutated genes to exert their influence. A considerable body of evidence now shows that cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions are essential organizing principles that help define the nature of the tissue context, and play a crucial role in regulating homeostasis and tissue specificity. How this context determines functional integrity, and how its loss can lead to malignancy, appears to have much to do with tissue structure and polarity.

Control of normal mammary epithelial phenotype by integrins

Mammary epithelial cells contact a specialized extracellular matrix in vivo known as the basement membrane. Interactions with extracellular matrix are mediated through integrins. These cell surface receptors are involved with the formation of adhesion complexes, which link the extracellular matrix with the actin-based cytoskeleton, and are also associated with components of growth factor signaling pathways. Differentiation of breast epithelia into lactational cells requires appropriate hormones and integrin-mediated interactions with basement membrane. Integrins may regulate the ability of lactogenic hormones to trigger their intracellular signaling pathways.

Functional differentiation and primary metabolism of mouse mammary epithelial cells in extended-batch and hollow-fiber culture

Growth, expression of functional differentiation (as characterized by synthesis and secretion of milk proteins), and primary metabolism were studied for a mouse mammary epithelial cell line, COMMA-1D, in extended-batch and hollow-fiber reactor cultures. Batch cultures were performed on Costar polycarbonate membrane inserts, allowing basal and apical exposure to medium. Protein production was induced in both batch and hollow-fiber cultures in hormone-supplemented medium. In batch cultures, high levels of protein production and secretion were maintained for 18 days. Once differentiation was induced, the rate of deinduction was low, even in medium containing epidermal growth factor (EGF) and serum; cells continued to express and secrete proteins for at least 12 days after prolactin and hydrocortisone were removed. Cells in both batch and hollow-fiber cultures were highly glycolytic and exhibited low rates of glutaminolysis. In batch culture on membrane inserts, cells showed polarized metabolism between the apical and basal side, maintaining significant gradients of glucose and lactate. Medium hormonal composition and subsequent differentiation affected both glucose uptake and lactate yield for COMMA-1D in batch culture.

The influence of type I collagen on the growth and differentiation of the human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29 in vitro

HT-29 Human colonic adenocarcinoma cells when grown on a plastic substratum were anaplastic in appearance and failed to express any morphological or biochemical features that were characteristic of intestinal differentiation. Growth of HT-29 cells subcutaneously in the flank of immune deprived mice gave rise to morphologically heterogeneous tumors which were poorly differentiated but contained approximately 11% of cells with an intestinal phenotype: these showed features typical of cell polarization with well-developed microvilli, tight junctional complexes and desmosomes between adjacent cells. The transfer of cells from plastic onto either a fixed (designated 'non-released') or floating (designated 'released') type I collagen gel induced some morphological features typical of intestinal differentiation; for example goblet-like cells were observed after 9 days, but biochemical markers of differentiation were expressed only modestly. The continued subculture of HT-29 cells on collagen type I gels, which were either attached to the plastic or floating in the medium, induced some morphological features of intestinal differentiation and changes in the activity of brush border-associated enzymes. Alkaline phosphatase activity was enhanced from 1.3 x 10(-3) mumoles/mg/min for cells cultured on plastic substrata to 2.1 x 10(-3) mumoles/mg/min when gels were non-released, and 2.9 x 10(-3) mumoles/mg/min when gels were released after 12 days of culture. This was confirmed by electron microscopical visualization of alkaline phosphatase activity. Elevated levels of aminopeptidase activity were also observed on day 12 (plastic = 26 milliunits/mg; non-released gel = 41 milliunits/mg; released gel = 36 milliunits/mg). Similarly, changes occurred in the secretion of carcinoembryonic antigen from 0.96 x 10(-2) micrograms/mg/48 hours by cells cultured on plastic to 2.3 x 10(-2) micrograms/mg/48 hours by cells cultured on floating collagen gels. The effects of permitting HT-29 cells to undergo polarization were tested by culture on inert filter inserts: morphological features of intestinal differentiation were observed although this did not occur until after 21 days. These studies show that optimization of the growth conditions of anaplastic cells in vitro may provide cultures more representative of the tumor in vivo. This model system may be useful for cell biological and pharmacological studies of colon carcinoma.

A novel regulatory mechanism for whey acidic protein gene expression

When primary mouse mammary epithelial cells (PMME) are cultured on a basement membrane type matrix, they undergo extensive morphogenesis leading to the formation of 3-dimensional alveoli-like spherical structures surrounding a closed lumen. We show for the first time that cells cultured on basement membrane-type matrix express high levels of whey acidic protein (WAP) mRNA and secrete the protein into the lumen. The expression of WAP appears to be dependent upon the formation of the alveoli-like spheres: prevention of sphere formation by fixation or drying of the matrix abolishes the expression of WAP. Co-culturing PMME on native and fixed basement membrane matrix indicates that the suppression of WAP expression is dominant, thereby revealing the existence of a diffusible inhibitor(s). The inhibitory activity is present in the conditioned medium of PMME cultured on plastic surface and floating collagen gels, substrata that do not form alveoli and do not allow WAP expression. These findings are consistent with the model that the synthesis, or the action, of the WAP inhibitory factor is regulated by the tissue-like multicellular organization of mammary cells. When PMME do not have correct 3-dimensional structures, one (or more) inhibitor is secreted into the medium which suppresses WAP expression by an autocrine or paracrine mechanism. Nuclear run-on experiments suggest that the suppression of WAP expression is posttranscriptional. These results have obvious bearings on the understanding of the mechanisms by which cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interaction regulate tissue specific gene expressions.

Both cell substratum regulation and hormonal regulation of milk protein gene expression are exerted primarily at the posttranscriptional level

The mechanism by which individual peptide and steroid hormones and cell-substratum interactions regulate milk protein gene expression has been studied in the COMMA-D mammary epithelial cell line. In the presence of insulin, hydrocortisone, and prolactin, growth of COMMA-D cells on floating collagen gels in comparison with that on a plastic substratum resulted in a 2.5- to 3-fold increase in the relative rate of beta-casein gene transcription but a 37-fold increase in beta-casein mRNA accumulation. In contrast, whey acidic protein gene transcription was constitutive in COMMA-D cells grown on either substratum, but its mRNA was unstable and little intact mature mRNA was detected. Culturing COMMA-D cells on collagen also promoted increased expression of other genes expressed in differentiated mammary epithelial cells, including those encoding alpha- and gamma-casein, transferrin, malic enzyme, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase but decreased the expression of actin and histone genes. Using COMMA-D cells, we defined further the role of individual hormones in influencing beta-casein gene transcription. With insulin alone, a basal level of beta-casein gene transcription was detected in COMMA-D cells grown on floating collagen gels. Addition of prolactin but not hydrocortisone resulted in a 2.5- to 3.0-fold increase in beta-casein gene transcription, but both hormones were required to elicit the maximal 73-fold induction in mRNA accumulation. This posttranscriptional effect of hormones on casein mRNA accumulation preceded any detectable changes in the relative rate of transcription. Thus, regulation by both hormones and cell substratum of casein gene expression is exerted primarily at the post transcriptional level.

Both cell substratum regulation and hormonal regulation of milk protein gene expression are exerted primarily at the posttranscriptional level

The mechanism by which individual peptide and steroid hormones and cell-substratum interactions regulate milk protein gene expression has been studied in the COMMA-D mammary epithelial cell line. In the presence of insulin, hydrocortisone, and prolactin, growth of COMMA-D cells on floating collagen gels in comparison with that on a plastic substratum resulted in a 2.5- to 3-fold increase in the relative rate of beta-casein gene transcription but a 37-fold increase in beta-casein mRNA accumulation. In contrast, whey acidic protein gene transcription was constitutive in COMMA-D cells grown on either substratum, but its mRNA was unstable and little intact mature mRNA was detected. Culturing COMMA-D cells on collagen also promoted increased expression of other genes expressed in differentiated mammary epithelial cells, including those encoding alpha- and gamma-casein, transferrin, malic enzyme, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase but decreased the expression of actin and histone genes. Using COMMA-D cells, we defined further the role of individual hormones in influencing beta-casein gene transcription. With insulin alone, a basal level of beta-casein gene transcription was detected in COMMA-D cells grown on floating collagen gels. Addition of prolactin but not hydrocortisone resulted in a 2.5- to 3.0-fold increase in beta-casein gene transcription, but both hormones were required to elicit the maximal 73-fold induction in mRNA accumulation. This posttranscriptional effect of hormones on casein mRNA accumulation preceded any detectable changes in the relative rate of transcription. Thus, regulation by both hormones and cell substratum of casein gene expression is exerted primarily at the post transcriptional level.

Human mammary epithelial cells in culture: differentiation and transformation

Large quantities of normal and malignant human mammary epithelial tissues are readily available as surgical discard material. We have developed culture conditions that permit long term, active proliferation of these HMEC in a serum-free medium. Thus, large pools HMEC can be stored frozen for repetition of experiments from the same individual's cell population, and for use of the same cell pool by multiple investigators. Of all the specimens that we have thus far examined, we have observed no instances of spontaneous transformation to immortality, nor any karyotypic abnormalities in the cells derived from reduction mammoplasties. However, exposure of normal HMEC to the chemical carcinogen, benzo(a)pyrene did lead to expression of an extended life in culture, and two instances of transformation to immortality. These two established cell lines contain some chromosomal abnormalities, yet retain a relatively stable karyotype upon continued passage in culture. Transformation to malignancy was achieved by exposing these cell lines to tumor viruses and oncogenes. Both the normal HMEC, and the HMEC transformed in vitro, are now being utilized to understand the factors controlling expression of mammary specific properties, response to and production of various growth factors, and the nature of the progressive events leading to malignancy. The maximal usefulness of this, and other human epithelial cell systems, for elucidating the mechanisms of normal and diseased human cellular physiology will require continued efforts to optimize the culture conditions so that they resemble as closely as possible the processes occurring in humans in vivo.

Casein gene expression in mouse mammary epithelial cell lines: dependence upon extracellular matrix and cell type

The COMMA-D mammary cell line exhibits mammary-specific functional differentiation under appropriate conditions in cell culture. The cytologically heterogeneous COMMA-D parental line and the clonal lines DB-1, TA-5, and FA-1 derived from the COMMA-D parent were examined for similar properties of functional differentiation. In monolayer cell culture, the cell lines DB-1, TA-5, FA-1, and MA-4 were examined for expression of mammary-specific and epithelial-specific proteins by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. The clonal cell lines were relatively homogeneous in their respective staining properties and seemed to represent three subpopulations found in the heterogeneous parental COMMA-D line. None of the four clonal lines appeared to represent myoepithelial cells. The cell lines were examined for expression of beta-casein mRNA in the presence or absence of prolactin. The heterogeneous COMMA-D line, but none of the clonal lines, was induced by the presence of prolactin to produce significantly increased levels of beta-casein MRNA. The inducibility of beta-casein in the COMMA-D cell line was further enhanced by a reconstituted basement membrane preparation enriched in laminin, collagen IV, and proteoglycans. Individual matrix components of laminin, fibronectin, heparan sulfate, heparan, or hyaluronic acid were not effective as substrata for the induction of beta-casein mRNA. These results support the hypothesis that the functional response of inducible mammary cell populations is a result of interaction among hormones, multiple extracellular matrix components, and specific cell types.

Transferrin is a major mouse milk protein and is synthesized by mammary epithelial cells

We have identified a major mouse milk protein as transferrin (Tf) using immunoprecipitation, 2-dimensional electrophoresis, Ouchterlony diffusion and V-8 protease digests. We show that Tf is synthesized by mammary epithelial cells themselves and that its synthesis and secretion is regulated distinctly from that of other milk proteins. In culture, the kinetics of Tf synthesis and secretion are distinct from that of beta-casein; furthermore, Tf is relatively insensitive to lactogenic hormones whereas beta-casein is hormone-dependent. In vivo, however, Tf is regulated by pregnancy. While the virgin gland produces small amounts of Tf, its production is greatly increased during pregnancy and lactation. Thus, Tf synthesis in the mammary gland is modulated by as yet unknown factors in vivo. These observations are discussed in terms of Tf's possible role in mammary gland growth, differentiation and function.

Influence of a reconstituted basement membrane and its components on casein gene expression and secretion in mouse mammary epithelial cells

When primary mouse mammary epithelial cells are cultured on plastic, they rapidly lose their ability to synthesize and secrete most milk proteins even in the presence of lactogenic hormones, whereas cells cultured on released type I collagen gels show greatly enhanced mRNA levels and secretion rates of beta-casein and of some other milk proteins. We show here that culture on a reconstituted basement membrane from Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm tumor (EHS) allows greater than 90% of cells to produce high levels of beta-casein. By comparison, 30-40% of cells on released type 1 gels and only 2-10% of cells on plastic express beta-casein after 6 days in culture. Because only 40% of cells from late pregnant gland produced beta-casein before culture, the EHS matrix can both induce and maintain an increased level of casein gene expression. Individual basal lamina components were also evaluated. Type IV collagen and fibronectin had little effect on morphology and beta-casein mRNA levels. In contrast, both laminin and heparan sulfate proteoglycan increased beta-casein mRNA levels (1.5- to 4-fold and 2- to 8-fold, respectively). However, for heparan sulfate proteoglycan, increased message was not accompanied by increased secretion of beta-casein. Profound morphological differences were evident between cells cultured on plastic and on EHS matrix, the latter cells forming ducts, ductules, and lumina and resembling secretory alveoli. These results emphasize the vital role of the extracellular matrix in receiving and integrating structural and functional signals that can direct specific gene expression in differentiated tissues.

In vivo-like growth of human tumors in vitro

We show that diverse human tumors obtained directly from surgery or biopsy can grow at high frequency in vitro for long periods of time and still maintain many of their in vivo properties. The in vivo properties maintained in vitro include three-dimensional growth; maintenance of tissue organization and structure, including changes associated with oncogenic transformation; retention of differentiated function; tumorigenicity; and the growth of multiple types of cells from a single tumor.

Comparative analysis of casein synthesis during mammary cell differentiation in collagen and mammary gland development in vivo

Substrata upon which epithelial cells are cultured modulate their morphology,growth, and ability to differentiate. Mouse mammary epithelial cells cannot be induced to synthesize caseins, a marker of cell differentiation, when grown on a plastic surface. An analysis was made of the effect of time within a collagen matrix on the ability of normal mammary epithelial cells to be induced to synthesize caseins and that response was compared to mammary gland development in vivo. Primary cultures of mammary cells from unprimed virgin BALB/c mice were embedded in rat-tail collagen gel mixtures and maintained in growth medium. Induction medium containing lactogenic hormones was added at various times. The cells were monitored every 3-7 days over a period of 8 weeks for cell growth, casein synthesis, and ability to grow in vivo in cleared mammary fat pads. Casein accumulation was assayed quantitatively by an ELISA competition assay and qualitatively by the immunoblot procedure using specific antisera prepared against purified mouse caseins. No marked differences in cell numbers and transplantability potential were observed among cells cultured for various times in collagen. Mammary cells grown in collagen for up to 8 weeks retained the capacity to grow in vivo as normal ductal outgrowths. The duration of culture within collagen prior to hormonal stimulation did influence the kinetics of casein synthesis. Cells cultured for 1 week in growth medium did not accumulate detectable levels of casein until after 3 weeks of induction, whereas cells cultured for 2 or 4 weeks responded by accumulating caseins after 2 weeks and 3 days of induction, respectively. While the levels of total caseins that accumulated under optimal conditions of induction in culture approached levels found during lactation in vivo, the relative proportion of specific casein polypeptides synthesized in culture was altered from alpha casein (43K) in favor of the beta casein (30K) species. These results suggest that a period of culture within collagen is required to permit mammary epithelial cells to become responsive for hormone-induced differentiation. It is possible that during growth within the collagen the cells synthesize and deposit extracellular matrix components important in modulating gene expression.

Induction of transformation and continuous cell lines from normal human mammary epithelial cells after exposure to benzo[a]pyrene

Rapidly growing primary cultures of normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) were exposed to 1 microgram of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) per ml for two or three 24-hr periods. The B[a]P-treated populations consistently contained cells displaying a longer period of active growth in culture compared to the untreated control cells. Widespread heterogeneity in morphology and growth patterns was evidenced in these "extended life" (EL) cultures, with multiple sequential changes in these parameters occurring during the course of their life in culture. Two apparently immortal continuous cell lines have thus far emerged from these EL cultures. These lines have been characterized to be of human mammary epithelial origin and derived from the originally treated HMEC specimen. The continuous lines do not appear to be malignantly transformed as they do not cause tumor formation in nude mice and show little or no anchorage-independent growth. Nonetheless, they have acquired several properties characteristic of tumor-derived HMEC, which distinguish them from their normal progenitors. These cell lines, as well as the EL strains, may provide useful substrates for studies to determine what agents can induce further transforming events. Additionally, analysis of the multiple steps occurring in the El cultures, as well as in the emergence of the continuous cell lines, could potentially elucidate the processes occurring during human epithelial cell carcinogenesis and escape from senescence.

Phenotypic stability of mouse mammary tumor cells cultured on collagen gels

This study demonstrates that phenotypic characteristics of androgen-responsive (AR) Shionogi mouse mammary tumors and androgen-independent (AI) derivatives can be maintained in culture. Cells were seeded onto collagen gels in medium containing 2% dextran-charcoal-treated fetal bovine serum with or without 0.01 micrograms/ml dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Androgen-responsive tumors grew more rapidly than AI tumors in vivo and consequently, cells from AR tumors cultured in DHT-containing medium grew faster than cells in DHT-deprived medium and cells from AI tumors. Androgen-responsive tumors had a sheetlike growth pattern; AI tumors formed clumps or irregular cords of cells. Cells from AR tumors cultured in the presence of DHT formed confluent pavements, whereas cells maintained in the absence of DHT and cells from AI tumors formed clusters or cords of cells. Ultrastructurally, cells of AR tumors were elongated; cells of AI tumors were smaller and rounder. These cellular morphologies persisted in culture. Tumorigenicity of cells was assayed by injecting cells s.c. into host mice. Tumors arising from cells of freshly dissociated AR tumors and cells of AR tumors cultured in the presence of DHT appeared more rapidly and grew faster in intact males than in castrated males and intact females. Tumors arising from cells cultured in the absence of DHT and from freshly dissociated or cultured cells of AI tumors had identical rates of appearance and growth in all hosts. This culture system permits these cells to retain their state of malignant progression in vitro and should be a useful model for studying the origin of heterogeneity within tumors and its role in tumor behavior.

Comparison of collagen gels and mammary extracellular matrix as substrata for study of terminal differentiation in rabbit mammary epithelial cells

Mammary epithelial cells were prepared by collagenase digestion of tissue from mid-pregnant rabbits and cultured for up to 6 days on either collagen gels or an extracellular matrix prepared from the same tissue. The behaviour of the cells in serum-supplemented medium containing combinations of insulin, prolactin, hydrocortisone, estradiol and progesterone were monitored by measuring rates of casein synthesis, lactose synthesis, DNA synthesis and protein degradation. After 6 days, epithelial cells on floating collagen gels showed substantial increases in casein synthesis and DNA synthesis over freshly-prepared cells, following a decline during the first 3 days when the collagen gels are contracting. The optimum hormone combination for casein synthesis was insulin + prolactin + hydrocortisone, whereas for optimum DNA synthesis the additional presence of estradiol and progesterone was required. Cells on extracellular matrix showed increased rates of both casein synthesis and DNA synthesis by day 6 in the presence of insulin + prolactin + hydrocortisone, with additional estradiol + progesterone having an inhibitory effect. Whereas on day 2 rates of intracellular protein degradation were generally lower in cells on extracellular matrix, by day 6 rates of protein degradation were lowest in cells cultured on collagen gels with insulin + prolactin + hydrocortisone. In all cases, rates of lactose synthesis fell to low levels as the culture proceeded. Pulse-chase labelling of freshly-prepared cells with [32P]orthophosphate in medium containing serum and insulin + prolactin + hydrocortisone demonstrated that newly-synthesized casein was degraded during its passage through the epithelial cell. The influences of the collagen gels and extracellular matrix and of the hormone combinations on epithelial cell differentiation and secretory activity are discussed.

Modulation of secreted proteins of mouse mammary epithelial cells by the collagenous substrata

It has been shown previously that cultures of mouse mammary epithelial cells retain their characteristic morphology and their ability to produce gamma-casein, a member of the casein gene family, only if they are maintained on floating collagen gels (Emerman, J.T., and D.R. Pitelka, 1977, In Vitro, 13:316-328). In this paper we show: (a) Cells on floating collagen gels secrete not only gamma-casein but also alpha 1-, alpha 2-, and beta-caseins. These are not secreted by cells on plastic and are secreted to only a very limited extent by cells on attached collagen gels. (b) The floating collagen gel regulates at the level of synthesis and/or stabilization of the caseins rather than at the level of secretion alone. Contraction of the floating gel is important in that cells cultured on floating glutaraldehyde cross-linked gels do not secrete any of the caseins. (c) The secretion of an 80,000-mol-wt protein, most probably transferrin, and a 67,000-mol-wt protein, probably butyrophilin, a major protein of the milk fat globule membrane are partially modulated by substrata. However, in contrast to the caseins, these are always detectable in media from cells cultured on plastic and attached gels. (d) Whey acidic protein, a major whey protein, is actively secreted by freshly isolated cells but is secreted in extremely limited quantities in cultured cells regardless of the nature of the substratum used. alpha-Lactalbumin secretion is also decreased significantly in cultured cells. (e) A previously unreported set of proteins, which may be minor milk proteins, are prominently secreted by the mammary cells on all substrata tested. We conclude that while the substratum profoundly influences the secretion of the caseins, it does not regulate the expression of every milk-specific protein in the same way. The mechanistic implications of these findings are discussed.

Morphology and lactose synthesis in tissue culture of mammary alveoli isolated from lactating mice

Mammary epithelial cells from lactating mice synthesize and secrete lactose in culture and retain many features of their in vivo morphology if mammary glands are only partially dissociated to alveoli, rather than completely dissociated to single cells. After 5 d in culture lactose synthesis by alveoli cultured on floating collagen gels is 10 to 20 times higher than in cultures of single cells on floating collagen gels. Moreover, mammary alveoli in culture retain sensitivity to lactogenic hormones; the synthesis of lactose by alveoli depends on the continued presence of insulin and either hydrocortisone or prolactin. In addition, within alveoli the original juxtaposition of constituent epithelial cells is retained, and cells are cuboidal and have many microvilli and fat droplets. In contrast, alveoli on attached gels flatten and lose their secretory morphology. These results indicate that the shape of the cells, presence of lactogenic hormones, and maintenance of epithelial:epithelial cell contacts are required for maintenance of mammary epithelial cell differentiation in culture.

Metabolic cooperativity between epithelial cells and adipocytes of mice

We have demonstrated that glycogen and lipid synthesis in adipocytes is modulated by the lactational state and that this modulation in mammary adipocytes requires the presence of the adjacent epithelial cells. Glycogen and lipid synthesis from [14C]glucose was measured in mammary fat pads cleared of epithelium, in abdominal fat pads, and in adipocytes from both sources and from intact mammary gland of mature virgin, pregnant, and lactating mice. Accumulation of glycogen, the activity of glycogen synthase, and the lipogenic rate in abdominal and mammary adipocytes remained high during pregnancy but decreased to insignificant levels by early lactation. The depressant effects of lactation were observed solely in those mammary adipocytes isolated from intact glands. The presence of mammary epithelial cells was also required to effect the stimulated lipogenesis in mammary adipocytes during pregnancy, We conclude that the metabolic activity of adipocytes is modulated both during pregnancy and lactation to channel nutrients to the mammary epithelial cell. The fact that the changes occur in mammary adipocytes only when epithelial cells are present indicates that local as well as systemic factors are operating in these modulations.