Mammary Fibroblasts (MF)

Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells derived from the embryonic mesoderm. They have been extensively used for a wide range of cellular and molecular studies as they are one of the easiest types of cells to grow in culture. Their durability also makes them amenable to a wide variety of manipulations ranging from studies employing gene transfection to microinjection.Fibroblasts are the most common cells of connective tissue in animals.Fibroblasts in various parts of the body are intrinsically different.

Mammary fibroblasts (MF) can synthesize the various components of the extracellular matrix of the mammary gland. More importantly, the extracellular matrix regulates the proliferation and differentiation of mammary epithelial cells by affecting the expression of its genes. In addition, previous studies have indicated that the cells of the mammary gland may be recruited for immune surveillance, which is associated with the transformation of the extracellular matrix and angiogenesis.