Gene expression profiling of mammary epithelial cells isolated from Cuzd1-null and heterozygous mice on day 18 of pregnancy

Our study revealed that CUZD1 (CUB and zona pellucida-like domain containing protein-1) is a novel target of estrogen regulation in the mouse mammary epithelium. Mice lacking Cuzd1 exhibit delayed ductal outgrowth during puberty and a striking impairment in ductal branching and alveolar development during pregnancy. Ablation of Cuzd1 led to a marked reduction in steroid-induced proliferation of mammary ductal and alveolar epithelium.

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