Mammary epithelial cell transformation: insights from cell culture and mouse models

Abstract excerpt

Normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) have a finite life span and do not undergo spontaneous immortalization in culture. Critical to oncogenic transformation is the ability of cells to overcome the senescence checkpoints that define their replicative life span and to multiply indefinitely -- a phenomenon referred to as immortalization. HMECs can be immortalized by exposing them to chemicals or radiation,...