MCF-7 Cell Line
Repository ID: CL-HUM-007
Quick Facts
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Cell Line | MCF-7 |
| Species | Human (Homo sapiens) |
| Tissue of Origin | Breast |
| Disease Association | Breast Adenocarcinoma |
| Cell Type | Epithelial cancer cell |
| Growth Mode | Adherent |
| Morphology | Polygonal, epithelial-like |
| Typical Medium | DMEM or RPMI-1640 + 10% FBS |
| Doubling Time | Approximately 30-40 hours |
| Main Use | Hormone-responsive breast cancer research |
Overview
MCF-7 is one of the most widely used human breast cancer cell lines and serves as a standard model for studying hormone-responsive breast cancer. The cell line is particularly valued because it expresses Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα), allowing researchers to investigate estrogen signaling, endocrine therapies, and mechanisms of hormone-dependent tumor growth.
Its robust growth and reproducible behavior have made MCF-7 a cornerstone model in cancer biology and pharmaceutical research.
Origin
- Established in 1970 from the pleural effusion of a patient with metastatic breast adenocarcinoma.
- Developed at the Michigan Cancer Foundation, from which the name MCF is derived.
- Represents an estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer model.
Unique Biology
The defining feature of MCF-7 cells is their expression of Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα).
When estrogen binds ERα, it regulates gene expression and promotes cellular proliferation, making MCF-7 an ideal model for investigating hormone-dependent cancers.
MCF-7 cells are also commonly Progesterone Receptor (PR) positive, reflecting functional estrogen signaling pathways.
Compared with more aggressive breast cancer models, MCF-7 cells display relatively low invasiveness, making them particularly useful for studying early-stage and hormone-responsive breast cancer rather than metastatic disease.
For hormone-response experiments, researchers frequently use charcoal-stripped serum to minimize endogenous steroid hormones before treatment.
Culture Considerations
Typical culture conditions include:
- DMEM or RPMI-1640
- 10% Fetal Bovine Serum
- 37°C
- 5% CO₂
Cells grow as adherent monolayers and are generally passaged at 70-90% confluency.
Because hormone-responsive pathways are influenced by serum composition, consistent culture conditions are essential for reproducible endocrine studies.
Major Applications
MCF-7 cells are extensively used for:
- Breast cancer biology
- Estrogen receptor signaling
- Endocrine therapy research
- Drug screening
- Hormone-response studies
- Cancer metabolism
- Drug resistance research
- Gene expression studies
Strengths
- Human-derived breast cancer model
- ER-positive and hormone responsive
- Easy to culture and maintain
- Extensive scientific literature
- Highly reproducible experimental system
- Standard model for endocrine therapy research
Limitations
- Represents only one molecular subtype of breast cancer
- Relatively low invasive potential
- Long-term culture may alter cellular characteristics
- Lacks the complexity of the tumor microenvironment
- Findings should be validated using additional breast cancer models
References
- Soule HD, Vazquez J, Long A, Albert S, Brennan M. A Human Cell Line from a Pleural Effusion Derived from a Breast Carcinoma. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 1973.
- Freshney RI. Culture of Animal Cells: A Manual of Basic Technique and Specialized Applications.
- ATCC Cell Line Database.
- Cellosaurus Cell Line Knowledge Resource.
- ECACC Cell Line Collection.