Isabelle Plante, PhD

Normal breast development requires close interaction not only between stroma and epithelium, but also between the different cell types making up the mammary epithelium. We have demonstrated that intercellular junctions, which are strongly involved in these interactions, form a dynamic nexus whose composition varies according to the different developmental stages of the mammary gland, suggesting not only different functional needs, but also precise regulation, probably linked to hormonal changes. Furthermore, deregulation of intercellular junctions is associated with developmental and functional abnormalities, and with breast cancer.

In recent years, a growing number of studies have demonstrated that exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDs) results in developmental abnormalities and pathologies. EDs are exogenous substances that alter the functions of the endocrine system, inducing harmful effects on the health of an organism or its descendants. Thus, organs whose development and function are strongly influenced by hormones, including the mammary gland, are particularly affected by EDs. Our previous studies have demonstrated that several EDs affect the regulation of cellular interactions. Based on these data, my research program has two main components:

1) Fundamental component on cellular interactions in the development and biology of mammary glands, aimed at identifying the regulatory mechanisms and the role of communication in mammary glands and the events leading to their deregulation during pathologies;

2) Toxicological component on the effects of EDs on mammary gland development and breast cancer, aimed at determining the effects of exposure to EDs on mammary gland development and breast cancer, and identifying the toxicity mechanisms involved.

Marie-Caroline Daguste
MSc student
marie-caroline.daguste@inrs.ca

Alec McDermott, MSc
PhD student
alec.mcdermott@inrs.ca

David Tovar
PhD student
David.Tovar@inrs.ca

Jysiane Cardot, MSc
PhD student
jysiane.cardot@inrs.ca

Madeleine Lépine, MSc
PhD student
madeleine.lepine@inrs.ca

Melany Juarez, MSc
PhD student
melany.juarez@iaf.inrs.ca