Expression of Stat5a Gene in Bovine Mammary Gland and its Effect on Proliferation of Mammary Epithelial Cells

To understand molecular mechanisms involved in bovine mammary gland growth, expression of stat5a gene was examined in bovine mammary tissues. We found that stat5a gene was highly induced at pregnant 7 and 8 months compared to virgin mammary tissues. To examine function of bovine stat5a in mammary epithelial cell proliferation, stat5a expression vector was transfected into mammary epithelial HC11 cells. Cell proliferation rate in stat5a gene-transfected cells was 26%, 95% and 85% higher at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after seeding, respectively, compared to control vector-transfected cells. Results demonstrate that bovine stat5a enhances proliferation of mammary epithelial cells. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 8 : 1198-1203)