Fig. 7.

Versican RNA and protein abundance in the mammary gland. a Versican (Vcan) RNA expression measured by microarray analysis [20] showing highest abundance during puberty and early pregnancy. Values represent the mean signal intensities normalised to the overall chip intensities Error bars show SD of independent triplicates. b Three independent extracts of post-LN and Pre-LN strips were assessed for Vcan RNA abundance by qRT-PCR and normalised to Krt18. Vcan showed variable but consistent increased expression in the Post-LN strips. c Immunohistochemical analysis of FBLN2 and VCAN localisation in consecutive FFPE-sections pubertal, adult virgin, early pregnancy, and mid pregnancy mammary glands. FBLN2 and VCAN showed nearly identical staining patterns, with preferential expression in and around cap cells and in myoepithelial cells during early pregnancy, but very low expression in subtending pubertal ducts, or in glands from adult virgin or mid-pregnant glands. Images are representative of results from three independent glands. Scale bars are 100 μm