WAP expression is related to chromatin conformation, chromatin loop attachment to nuclear structures and nuclear localization of the gene
Résumé
Introduction: Whey Acidic Protein (WAP) and casein (CSN) gene expression is specific to the mammary gland (MG) and regulated by lactogenic hormones to peak during lactation. The mouse WAP gene is located between two genes constitutively expressed located 13 and 20 kb apart, whereas the five CSN genes are clustered within a 260 kb region. We have shown that the chromatin structure around the WAP gene plays a key role in the regulation of the mammary specific expression. We are now studying the role played by the nuclear localization of the gene in the regulation of gene expression in two different models (rabbit and mouse). Conclusion and perspectives: Mammary specific epigenetic modifications are established at early stages in the development. The factors involved in these modifications are currently being studied, with particular focus on hormonal and nutrition factors which may affect the development of the MG at puberty and thus have a long term effect on lactation