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Figure 5 | Breast Cancer Research

Figure 5

From: Aldehyde dehydrogenase and estrogen receptor define a hierarchy of cellular differentiation in the normal human mammary epithelium

Figure 5

Proposed model for the contribution of ALDH1A1 and ER+/PR+ cells to the growth of human mammary epithelium. ALDH1A1+ cells present at branching points and terminal end of intralobular ductules, generate lineage restricted luminal and myoepithelial progenitors. ER+/PR+ cells represent early progenies, with dual role as “sensory” cells that convey paracrine signals to ER– progenitor cells and progenitor cells that generate the luminal lineage. The combined effect of diffusible, short-range morphogens (that is, RA and Wnt) dictates the fate of mammary epithelial cells. These events are coordinated with systemic developmental requirements, being subjected to estrogen and progesterone control.

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