Exploring mammary gland biology using multi-dimensional microscopy and mathematical modelling approaches

Faculty: Prof. Annapoorni Rangarajan (DBG) and Prof. Utpal Nath (MCB)

The mammary gland is a unique organ that develops post-natally and undergoes cycles of activation during the course of life. Developmental processes and morphogenetic changes include ductal elongation and branching at puberty, lobuloalveolar expansion and differentiation during pregnancy and lactation, and tissue remodelling and regression during involution. The extensive proliferation during puberty, and thereafter during each round of pregnancy, is energy intensive requiring precise control of epithelial cell proliferation as well as energy metabolism to ensure proper tissue formation and function. To better understand the bioenergetics associated with mammary gland development, we have recently developed a tissue-specific knock out of AMPK – a cellular energy sensor protein kinase – in a murine model. Initial observations reveal excessive proliferation of epithelial cells and accelerated alveolar development in AMPK KO mammary gland, thus linking its development with cellular energy economy. This project aims to get in-depth insight into the role of AMPK and energy metabolism in organ development and size control during mammary gland development employing high-end microscopy tools, cellular and molecular analysis, and modelling approaches.