Human Mammary Epithelial cells, Adult

Human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) sit within duct and lobes of breast and play an important role in maintaining breast function and facilitate milk production during lactation. Mammary epithelium consists of an inner luminal epithelial cell layer and an outer myoepithelial cell layer adjacent to basement membrane. The luminal lineage can be divided into ductal and alveolar cells while the contractile myoepithelial cells are smooth muscle-like cells found at the basal surface of epithelium. Female breast epithelial cells undergo reorganization during puberty, pregnancy, lactation, and menopause in response to various hormones and cytokine signals, making it susceptible to development of breast cancer.

Applications
Epithelial mammary gland cells provide a reliable model for in vitro study of hormone action, mammary epithelial hierarchy, stem cell biology and breast carcinogenesis. They can also be used to test drug cytotoxicity, establish 3D culture and develop new drug therapy.