Abstract
The mammary epithelium is indispensable for the continued survival of more than 5,000 mammalian species. For some, the volume of milk ejected in a single day exceeds their entire blood volume. Here, we unveil the spatiotemporal properties of physiological signals that orchestrate the ejection of milk from alveolar units and its passage along the mammary ductal network. Using quantitative, multidimensional imaging of mammary cell ensembles from GCaMP6 transgenic mice, we reveal how stimulus evoked Ca2+ oscillations couple to contractions in basal epithelial cells. Moreover, we show that Ca2+-dependent contractions generate the requisite force to physically deform the innermost layer of luminal cells, compelling them to discharge the fluid that they produced and housed. Through the collective action of thousands of these biological positive-displacement pumps, each linked to a contractile ductal network, milk begins its passage toward the dependent neonate, seconds after the command.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 26822-26832 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
Volume | 117 |
Issue number | 43 |
Early online date | 8 Oct 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 27 Oct 2020 |
Bibliographical note
The acceptance date for this record is provisional and based upon the month of publication for the article.Keywords
- calcium signaling
- GCaMP6
- mammary gland
- lactation
- oxytocin
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Multiscale imaging of basal cell dynamics in the functionally mature mammary gland'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Profiles
-
Dr Bethan Lloyd-Lewis
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine - Senior Research Fellow and Proleptic Senior Lecturer
- Cancer
Person: Academic , Member