gland development
Definition
Target type: biologicalprocess
The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a gland over time, from its formation to the mature structure. A gland is an organ specialised for secretion. [GOC:jid]
Gland development is a complex biological process that involves a series of precisely coordinated cellular events leading to the formation of specialized epithelial structures called glands. These glands are responsible for producing and secreting various substances like hormones, enzymes, mucus, and other fluids that are essential for maintaining homeostasis and carrying out diverse physiological functions in the body. The process of gland development can be broadly divided into several stages, each characterized by unique cellular and molecular events:
**1. Specification:** This initial stage involves the commitment of undifferentiated cells in the developing embryo to a glandular fate. This commitment is often triggered by specific signaling molecules, like transcription factors and morphogens, which activate a cascade of gene expression events that define the identity and function of the future gland.
**2. Budding:** Once specified, the glandular cells undergo a process of budding, where they proliferate and migrate to form a distinct cellular mass that protrudes from the surrounding epithelium. This budding process is driven by cell-cell interactions and controlled by signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation and migration.
**3. Branching Morphogenesis:** In many glands, the initial bud further undergoes extensive branching to form complex three-dimensional structures. This branching process is driven by the coordinated interplay of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell migration. Branching morphogenesis often involves the formation of a lumen, which is a hollow space within the gland that serves as a conduit for the secretion of glandular products.
**4. Differentiation:** As the glandular structure matures, the epithelial cells undergo differentiation into specialized cell types that are responsible for producing and secreting specific products. This differentiation process involves the expression of tissue-specific genes and the acquisition of unique cellular characteristics, such as the production of secretory granules or the development of specialized transport mechanisms.
**5. Maturation:** The final stage of gland development involves the maturation of the glandular structure and the establishment of functional secretory units. During this stage, the gland acquires its characteristic morphology, and the secretory cells become fully functional, capable of producing and releasing their specific products.
The process of gland development is highly regulated and tightly controlled by a complex network of signaling pathways, transcription factors, and extracellular matrix components. These factors work together to ensure that the gland develops correctly and acquires its appropriate size, shape, and function. Any disruption in this delicate balance can lead to developmental abnormalities and various glandular diseases.
In addition to the basic stages described above, gland development can be further categorized based on the type of gland:
* **Exocrine glands:** These glands secrete their products into ducts that deliver the secretions to a specific target site. Examples include sweat glands, salivary glands, and mammary glands.
* **Endocrine glands:** These glands secrete their products directly into the bloodstream, where they travel to distant target cells. Examples include the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.
Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying gland development is crucial for elucidating the causes of various diseases affecting these organs and for developing effective therapeutic strategies.'
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Proteins (1)
| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrin/cholecystokinin type B receptor | A cholecystokinin receptor 2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:P32239] | Homo sapiens (human) |
Compounds (26)
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-methoxytryptamine | 5-methoxytryptamine : A member of the class of tryptamines that is the methyl ether derivative of serotonin. 5-Methoxytryptamine: Serotonin derivative proposed as potentiator for hypnotics and sedatives. | aromatic ether; primary amino compound; tryptamines | 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor agonist; 5-hydroxytryptamine 2B receptor agonist; 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor agonist; antioxidant; cardioprotective agent; human metabolite; mouse metabolite; neuroprotective agent; radiation protective agent; serotonergic agonist |
| indopan | alpha-methyltryptamine : A tryptamine derivative having a methyl substituent at the alpha-position. indopan: RN given refers to parent cpd without isomeric designation | tryptamines | |
| 5-methoxy-alpha-methyltryptamine | 5-methoxy-alpha-methyltryptamine: RN given refers to parent cpd without isomeric designation | tryptamines | |
| spiroglumide | spiroglumide: a CCK receptor antagonist; antigastrin; structure given in first source | ||
| Pyrrolidine-1-carbonitrile | pyrrolidines | ||
| enkephalin, d-penicillamine (2,5)- | DPDPE : A heterodetic cyclic peptide that is a cyclic enkephalin analogue, having D-penicillaminyl residues located at positions 2 and 5, which form the heterocycle via a disulfide bond. Enkephalin, D-Penicillamine (2,5)-: A disulfide opioid pentapeptide that selectively binds to the DELTA OPIOID RECEPTOR. It possesses antinociceptive activity. | heterodetic cyclic peptide | delta-opioid receptor agonist |
| ci 988 | PD 134308: selective cholecystokinin type B receptor antagonist; inhibits growth of LoVo, a human colon cancer cell line; structure given in first source | ||
| l 740093 | L 740093: a CCK-B receptor antagonist; structure in first source | ||
| cholecystokinin 9 | cholecystokinin 9: nonapeptide | ||
| devazepide | devazepide : An indolecarboxamide obtained by formal condensation of the carboxy group of indole-2-carboxylic acid with the exocyclic amino group of (3S)-3-amino-1-methyl-5-phenyl-1,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one. A cholecystokinin antagonist used for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Devazepide: A derivative of benzodiazepine that acts on the cholecystokinin A (CCKA) receptor to antagonize CCK-8's (SINCALIDE) physiological and behavioral effects, such as pancreatic stimulation and inhibition of feeding. | 1,4-benzodiazepinone; indolecarboxamide | antineoplastic agent; apoptosis inducer; cholecystokinin antagonist; gastrointestinal drug |
| tetragastrin | tetragastrin : A tetrapeptide composed of L-tryptophan, L-methione, L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalaninamide residues joined in sequence. Tetragastrin: L-Tryptophyl-L-methionyl-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalaninamide. The C-terminal tetrapeptide of gastrin. It is the smallest peptide fragment of gastrin which has the same physiological and pharmacological activity as gastrin. | peptidyl amide; tetrapeptide | anxiogenic; human metabolite |
| cholecystokinin (26-33) | cholecystokinin (26-33): cholecystokinin receptor antagonists | ||
| cholecystokinin (27-33), tert-butyloxycarbonyl-nle(28,31)- | cholecystokinin (27-33), tert-butyloxycarbonyl-Nle(28,31)-: cholecystokinin agonist | ||
| 2-(2-(5-bromo-1h-indol-3-yl)ethyl)-3-(1-methylethoxyphenyl)-4-(3h)-quinazolinone | 2-(2-(5-bromo-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl)-3-(1-methylethoxyphenyl)-4-(3H)-quinazolinone: CCK2 receptor antagonist | quinazolines | |
| l 365260 | L 365260: a CCK-B antagonist; structure given in first source; potent & selective CCK-B & gastrin receptor ligand; L 365260 and L 365346 are (R)- and (S)-stereoisomers, respectively | benzodiazepine | |
| enkephalin, ala(2)-mephe(4)-gly(5)- | peptide | ||
| sincalide | Sincalide: An octapeptide hormone present in the intestine and brain. When secreted from the gastric mucosa, it stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder and digestive enzymes from the pancreas. | oligopeptide | |
| pentagastrin | Pentagastrin: A synthetic pentapeptide that has effects like gastrin when given parenterally. It stimulates the secretion of gastric acid, pepsin, and intrinsic factor, and has been used as a diagnostic aid. | organic molecular entity | |
| yf 476 | YF 476: gastrin and CCK-B receptor antagonist; structure in first source | ||
| l 365260 | |||
| mart-1 antigen | MART-1 Antigen: A melanosome-specific protein that plays a role in the expression, stability, trafficking, and processing of GP100 MELANOMA ANTIGEN, which is critical to the formation of Stage II MELANOSOMES. The protein is used as an antigen marker for MELANOMA cells. | ||
| 4-n-butyl-1-(4-(2-methylphenyl)-4-oxo-1-butyl)-piperidine hydrogen chloride | |||
| naluzotan | naluzotan: an antidepressant and anti-anxiety agent; structure in first source | ||
| butyloxycarbonyl-tryptophyl-methionyl-aspartyl-phenylalaninamide | |||
| gastrin 17 | gastrin-17 : One of the primary forms of gastrin that is a 17-membered peptide consisting of Glp, Gly, Pro, Trp, Leu, Glu, Glu, Glu, Glu, Glu, Ala, Tyr, Gly, Trp, Met, Asp and Phe-NH2 residues joined in sequence. | gastrin | antineoplastic agent |
| nitd 609 | NITD 609: an antimalarial and coccidiostat; structure in first source |