Control of growth and differentiation of the mammary gland by growth factors

Mammary gland development is a complex process regulated by various steroid and polypeptide hormones. Although the systemic importance of hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and growth hormone, in the growth of the mammary gland has been well documented, these hormones are virtually incapable of stimulating mammary cell growth in vitro. Thus, the growth stimuli for mammary cells requires clarification. In recent years, a number of growth factors have been discovered; this has prompted interest in examining possible involvement of these biologically active agents in the process of mammary gland development. Results presented herein indicate that several growth factors including epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor alpha and beta, basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-I, and mesenchyme-derived growth factor participate in the regulation of mammary cell growth and differentiation.