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Figure 3 | Breast Cancer Research

Figure 3

From: Key signaling nodes in mammary gland development and cancer: β-catenin

Figure 3

Hypothetical model for paracrine activation of β-catenin signaling in the mammary gland. Progesterone receptor (PR) induces Wnts and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). These paracrine factors bind to their respective receptors low-density lipoprotein-related protein (LRP)5/6 and RANK in basal cells. β-catenin signaling in this cell type induces stem cell amplification and branching. Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling within stromal cells restrains ductal morphogenesis by inducing Wnt5a. Wnt5a antagonizes canonical Wnt signaling, possibly via noncanonical Wnt pathways. β-Catenin signaling in luminal progenitors is essential for alveologenesis. As luminal cells lack Wnt receptors, however, it is likely that β-catenin signaling is induced in this cell-type by Wnt-independent mechanisms.

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