Calcium transport and signaling in the mammary gland: targets for breast cancer

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2006 Apr;1765(2):235-55. doi: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2005.12.001. Epub 2005 Dec 22.

Abstract

The mammary gland is subjected to extensive calcium loads during lactation to support the requirements of milk calcium enrichment. Despite the indispensable nature of calcium homeostasis and signaling in regulating numerous biological functions, the mechanisms by which systemic calcium is transported into milk by the mammary gland are far from completely understood. Furthermore, the implications of calcium signaling in terms of regulating proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in the breast are currently uncertain. Deregulation of calcium homeostasis and signaling is associated with mammary gland pathophysiology and as such, calcium transporters, channels and binding proteins represent potential drug targets for the treatment of breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology*
  • Female
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Mammary Glands, Human / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Calcium-Sensing / physiology

Substances

  • Receptors, Calcium-Sensing
  • Calcium