Aim
The differentiation of the mouse breast epithelial cell line HC11 is known to require confluence as well as the addition of hydrocortisone, insulin and prolactin. Materials and
Conclusion
The strength of the E-cadherin/Stat3 signal is key for the outcome of the differentiation process.
Methods
Since confluence, which triggers the engagement of the cell-to-cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin, induces a dramatic increase in the activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (Stat3), we examined the role of Stat3 in HC11 cell differentiation.
Results
Stat3 inhibition abolished differentiation, indicating that Stat3 activity is critically required. However, expression of the mutationally activated form of Stat3 (Stat3C), rather than promoting, it was found to block cell differentiation, even when expressed in low levels, and in the absence of full neoplastic conversion.