RNA-seq of human normal mammary gland cells FACS sorted into three populations: ALDH+, ALDH-CD44+CD24-, and ALDH-CD44-CD24+

The intent of this experiment was to determine the similarities and differences in expression signatures of normal breast cells that express markers associated with an epithelial-like (ALDH+) and mesenchymal-like (CD44+CD24-) stem cells in the normal human breast. Briefly, tissues were collected from women undergoing voluntary reduction mammoplasty. Tissues were dissociated using chemical and enzymatic methods to yield single cells. These cells were sorted by flow cytometry for aldehyde hydrogenase activity (ALDH+), CD44, and CD24, as well as viability, following depletion of hematopoeitc cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts.