Epithelial and mesenchymal stem cell biology in the mammary gland: mechanisms, comparative insights, and translational perspectives
- 1nstitute of Animal Science, ARO, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZiyyon, Israel
Abstract
Mammary stem cell biology provides an important link between tissue regeneration, mammary development, metabolic adaptation, inflammation, and lactational function. This review examines epithelial and mesenchymal stem cell populations in the mammary gland, with emphasis on their complementary roles and interactions within the tissue microenvironment. Evidence from murine, human, and bovine studies is integrated to highlight common biological principles as well as species-specific features relevant to mammary function and disease. Particular attention is given to the dynamic interactions among epithelial, stromal, immune, endocrine, and metabolic components of the mammary niche and to how these interactions regulate stem cell activity and tissue homeostasis. Metabolic regulation is illustrated by the role of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in mammary epithelial stem cell regulation. Evidence from the mammary gland indicates that intermittent mTORC1 inhibition can increase stem-cell activity, with potential effects on mammary development, lactational capacity, and persistency, although effects on whole-animal milk production remain to be established. Mesenchymal stem cells are considered both as resident mammary stromal populations and as potential external mediators of epithelial–stromal communication. They may integrate metabolic, endocrine, and inflammatory signals and contribute to tissue homeostasis and repair. Their therapeutic potential is further discussed in the context of bovine mastitis, where mesenchymal stem cell-based approaches remain experimental and may act through paracrine, immunomodulatory, and experimentally supported antimicrobial mechanisms. Collectively, current evidence supports distinct but complementary roles of epithelial and mesenchymal stem-cell populations in mammary development, regeneration, and tissue maintenance, although their identity and functional significance remain incompletely resolved across species. Defining these populations and their interactions may inform stem cell-based approaches to mammary health and regeneration in humans and to health and production in farm animals.
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BibTeX
@article{barash2026epithelial,
title = {{Epithelial and mesenchymal stem cell biology in the mammary gland: mechanisms, comparative insights, and translational perspectives}},
author = {Itamar Barash},
journal = {Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fcell.2026.1982804},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2026.1982804},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Epithelial and mesenchymal stem cell biology in the mammary gland: mechanisms, comparative insights, and translational perspectives
AU - Itamar Barash
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/23
JO - Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
DO - 10.3389/fcell.2026.1982804
UR - https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2026.1982804
AB - Mammary stem cell biology provides an important link between tissue regeneration, mammary development, metabolic adaptation, inflammation, and lactational function. This review examines epithelial and mesenchymal stem cell populations in the mammary gland, with emphasis on their complementary roles and interactions within the tissue microenvironment. Evidence from murine, human, and bovine studies is integrated to highlight common biological principles as well as species-specific features relevant to mammary function and disease. Particular attention is given to the dynamic interactions among epithelial, stromal, immune, endocrine, and metabolic components of the mammary niche and to how these interactions regulate stem cell activity and tissue homeostasis. Metabolic regulation is illustrated by the role of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in mammary epithelial stem cell regulation. Evidence from the mammary gland indicates that intermittent mTORC1 inhibition can increase stem-cell activity, with potential effects on mammary development, lactational capacity, and persistency, although effects on whole-animal milk production remain to be established. Mesenchymal stem cells are considered both as resident mammary stromal populations and as potential external mediators of epithelial–stromal communication. They may integrate metabolic, endocrine, and inflammatory signals and contribute to tissue homeostasis and repair. Their therapeutic potential is further discussed in the context of bovine mastitis, where mesenchymal stem cell-based approaches remain experimental and may act through paracrine, immunomodulatory, and experimentally supported antimicrobial mechanisms. Collectively, current evidence supports distinct but complementary roles of epithelial and mesenchymal stem-cell populations in mammary development, regeneration, and tissue maintenance, although their identity and functional significance remain incompletely resolved across species. Defining these populations and their interactions may inform stem cell-based approaches to mammary health and regeneration in humans and to health and production in farm animals.
SN - 2296-634X
ER -