Modifications in the basement membrane supramolecular structure of type IV collagen and laminin 5 organization facilitates skin derivative formation

It has been suggested that laminin-332 is involved in the initiation of mammary gland development whilst laminin-511 is needed for maintaining the mammary bud down-growth into the dermis. In this study, the authors examine the proposed role(s) of the basement membrane proteins and their receptors during skin development using dissected mammary gland as a model. The pattern of expression of these molecules during skin formation was examined, utilizing collagen IV, laminin 5 and β4 or α6 integrin antibodies. The results suggest that these supramolecular structures play important roles in skin derivative development, more specifically mammary gland formation, and ease their resistance to skin derivatives down growth (invasion) into the underlying tissue.