For the first time, scientists have managed to identify and isolate adult mammary stem cells in mice which may later be used to regenerate breast tissue.

Using a genetically modified mouse model, the researchers tagged stem cells with green fluorescent protein (GFP), which exhibits bright green fluorescence during gene expression and can be easily seen under a microscope.
"Until now, we have not been able to identify stem cells in mammary tissue. They have never been detected before with such specificity. It is extraordinary. You can see these green stem cells under the microscope in their pure, natural state," said Larry Rohrschneider of the Hutchinson Center.
The researchers demonstrated the presence of active green stem cells at crucial stages of mammary development, such as puberty and pregnancy. During quiescent stages of development, however, the cells did not "light up."
Such stem cells represent a new alternative to induced pluripotent stem cells, or genetically altered stem cells, for various medical applications.
"We have found that those transplanted green stem cells can generate new mammary tissue and this tissue can produce milk, just like normal mammary epithelial cells," said co-author Lixia Bai.
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The findings appeared in Genes and Development.
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