Mammographic density is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer. In a recent study, Northey et al. reveal that the associated increase in tissue stiffness elevates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity, promoting progesterone receptor-dependent receptor activator of nuclear factor κβ (RANK) signaling. Thus, stiffness alters the context of hormonal signaling and increases mammary stem cells. This mechanism suggests potential treatments for breast cancer.

中文翻译：

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乳房形态动力学中激素和机械信号之间的相互作用

乳房X光密度是乳腺癌的一个公认的危险因素。在最近的一项研究中，诺西等人。研究表明，组织硬度的相关增加会提高细胞外信号调节激酶 (ERK) 活性，促进核因子 κβ (RANK) 信号传导的孕酮受体依赖性受体激活剂。因此，僵硬会改变激素信号传导的背景并增加乳腺干细胞。这种机制提示了乳腺癌的潜在治疗方法。