part of part of myoepithelial cell basal-myoepithelial cell of mammary gland 2010-09-20T11:42:14Z Due inconsistencies in naming this and other mammary gland epithelial cell types, several mammary gland experts gathered for a breast atlas annotation jamboree organized by Chan-Zuckerberg initiative. They agreed to label this cell type as basal-myoepithelial cell (and abbreviated: B-Myo cell). CALOHA:TS-2378 myoepithelial cell of lactiferous gland BM basal cell of lactiferous duct basal myoepithelial cell Myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland are a specialized type of smooth muscle cell that plays a vital role in lactation and the normal functioning of the mammary gland. Their unique elongated, stellate shape allows them to wrap around the ductal and alveolar units of the gland. Myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland facilitate the expulsion of milk during lactation in response to signaling by the hormone oxytocin. Due to their cytoskeletal composition of actin and myosin, which mirrors that of smooth muscle cells, these cells are able to contract and advance the milk from the alveoli into the ducts, and eventually to the nipple, enabling breastfeeding. Other critical roles of myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland include the maintenance of mammary gland integrity and the suppression of tumor formation. They create a mechanical barrier that separates the luminal epithelial cells from the stromal compartment and play a significant role in the suppression of carcinogenesis; loss or alteration of these cells often paves the way for invasive carcinomas. Moreover, these cell types produce extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin that help in the synthesis of the basement membrane, providing structural support to the gland and maintaining its overall health and integrity. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) B-Myo cell FMA:67800 A myoepithelial cell that is part of a mammary gland and is located in the basal layer. During lactation, a basal-myoepithelial cell of mammary gland contracts under the stimulation of oxytocin. In humans, a basal-myoepithelial cell of mammary gland can be identified by high levels of CD49f and low levels of EpCAM. https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0002324 myoepithelial cell of mammary gland basal-myoepithelial cell basal mammary gland epithelial cell mammary gland