Abstract A25: Cytometric atlas of the human breast: Comprehensive characterization reveals 12 distinct cell populations

Since formulation of the cellular theory in the early 19th century—relatively not so long ago—it has become universally recognized that tissues and organisms are formed and shaped by cells of many different types, all operating in beautiful harmony. Many mechanisms of this orchestration remain largely a mystery to this day, yet are important for us to understand if we are to fully comprehend fundamental processes in disease, especially one as formidable and perplexing as cancer. In the current era of progressive technological advances, many areas of biology are converging, and we now recognize and expect differences between cells, even among those of the same type, but whose origins rest in different tissues. Yet, many core tenets are being universally applied. The detailed cellular composition of tissues is clouded with uncertainty for many tissue types, and this includes the breast. To clarify the cell types in the breast and build a solid foundation for future work, we have meticulously examined a large collection of normal breast tissues, microscopically and by flow cytometry. We developed a complex antibody panel and rigorous gating strategy capable of objectively resolving and sorting each major cell type. We have sequenced mRNAs expressed by even the rarest of cell subpopulations and refined or developed methods for culturing each. This includes: several different luminal and epithelial fractions, myoepithelial cells, adipocytes, leukocytes, pericytes, eryt...
Source: Molecular Cancer Research - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Differentiation Hierarchy and Cancer: Poster Presentations - Proffered Abstracts Source Type: research