From inserts to 3D spheroids: MAC-T and BME-UV1 co-culture models for in vitro reconstruction of the bovine mammary epithelial architecture.

Authors

Julie Bellemans, Evelyne Meyer, Marion Boutinaud, Laurence Finot

Published in

Veterinary research. Volume 57. Issue 1. Jul 03, 2026. Epub Jul 03, 2026.

Abstract

Two bovine mammary epithelial cell lines, MAC-T and BME-UV1, were co-cultured either in Transwell® inserts or in 3D culture systems to comparatively investigate their potential to mimic the structure and function of a mammary alveolus. Using either Matrigel® or animal-friendly alternatives, i.e. rat collagen type I, a mixture of rat collagen type I and mouse laminin, Vitrogel® or matrix-free ultra-low attachment surfaces, both co-culture mammosphere development and tight junction formation were assessed. On Transwell® inserts, co-culture failed to establish a functional epithelial barrier. In contrast, varying patterns of cell-cell interaction and barrier organization emerged using the different 3D co-culture systems, providing new insights into the reconstruction of physiologically relevant and animal-friendly models of the bovine mammary gland.

PMID:
42400088
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 04 Jul 2026.

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