Overview
The functional cell types in the breast originate from stem cells via a series of intermediate cell types called progenitors. There is increasing evidence that cancer is not derived from the mature functional cells but rather originates in the stem and progenitor cells. Stem cells have a long lifespan, meaning that they have the time to accumulate the multiple mutations required to make a tumour. They also have a large proliferative potential, so they can easily drive tumour growth. It has also been suggested that different breast cancer types originate from different classes of breast stem and progenitor cell. Furthermore, there is direct evidence that tumours contain stem cells which may be responsible both for tumour growth and local recurrence following treatment.
The exact relationship between different breast cancer subtypes and the different cell types found in the normal breast remains unclear, as does the importance of breast cancer stem cells and their relationship with normal stem cells. Increasing our understanding of breast stem cells and how they generate the different daughter cells which make up the normal breast will help us understand the origins of the different types of breast cancer. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of the regulation of the biology of normal breast stem cells will enable us to identify novel therapeutic targets in breast cancer. As the breast is a non-vital tissue, normal breast stem cells also make an attractive prophylactic target for treatments to eliminate a tumour-prone population.
Research aims
The aims of the research are, therefore, to characterise the adult breast epithelial stem – progenitor – differentiated cell hierarchy in the normal mammary gland to understand more about its
- biology and regulation
- relationship with different breast cancer cell types
- relationship with tumour stem cells
Ultimately, it is hoped we can develop ways of specifically killing stem cell-like cells in the normal breast and in breast tumours as a novel therapeutic approach.
