The mammary gland undergoes significant changes throughout a woman’s life; from embryonic development to transformations after breastfeeding and during aging. These processes, while essential for normal breast physiology, can increase breast cancer risk when disrupted. This review explores three critical stages: embryonic development; postlactational involution; and age-related lobular involution (ARLI). We highlight key signaling pathways—Wnt, FGF, SHH, Notch, EGFR, and BMP—that guide embryonic development and discuss how their dysregulation can contribute to abnormal growth. For postlactational involution, we examine the two-phase process of cell death and tissue remodeling, showing how disruptions during this period, particularly postpartum, may foster a tumor-promoting environment. We also delve into ARLI and the role of cellular senescence in the aging mammary gland, focusing on the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and its impact on inflammation and tissue remodeling. Understanding these processes provides new opportunities for breast cancer prevention and treatment strategies
乳腺在女性一生中经历显著变化，从胚胎发育到哺乳后及衰老过程中的形态转变。这些过程对维持正常乳腺生理功能至关重要，但其调控失衡可能增加乳腺癌风险。本文综述三个关键阶段：胚胎发育期、哺乳后退化期及年龄相关性小叶退化期。我们重点探讨Wnt、FGF、SHH、Notch、EGFR和BMP等调控胚胎发育的关键信号通路，并阐述其失调如何导致异常增生。针对哺乳后退化过程，我们解析细胞死亡与组织重塑的两阶段机制，揭示该时期（特别是产后阶段）的调控紊乱如何形成促肿瘤微环境。同时深入探讨年龄相关性小叶退化及衰老乳腺中细胞衰老的作用，聚焦衰老相关分泌表型及其对炎症反应和组织重塑的影响。理解这些生物学过程将为乳腺癌预防和治疗策略提供新的研究方向。
From Embryogenesis to Senescence: The Role of Mammary Gland Physiology in Breast Cancer Risk
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家