MDA-MB-231 Cell Line
Repository ID: CL-HUM-008
Quick Facts
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Cell Line | MDA-MB-231 |
| Species | Human (Homo sapiens) |
| Tissue of Origin | Breast |
| Disease Association | Breast Adenocarcinoma |
| Molecular Subtype | Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) |
| Cell Type | Epithelial cancer cell (mesenchymal-like phenotype) |
| Growth Mode | Adherent |
| Morphology | Elongated, spindle-shaped, fibroblast-like |
| Typical Medium | DMEM + 10% FBS |
| Doubling Time | Approximately 30-40 hours |
| Main Use | Metastasis, invasion, EMT, and TNBC research |
Overview
MDA-MB-231 is one of the most widely used models of aggressive breast cancer. Unlike MCF-7 cells, which are hormone responsive, MDA-MB-231 cells represent triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and are characterized by high migratory and invasive potential.
The cell line is extensively used to investigate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, tumor progression, and therapeutic resistance.
Origin
- Established from the pleural effusion of a patient with metastatic breast adenocarcinoma.
- Developed at The University of Texas MD Anderson Hospital, from which the "MDA" designation is derived.
- Represents a classic model of triple-negative breast cancer.
Unique Biology
MDA-MB-231 cells lack expression of:
- Estrogen Receptor (ER)
- Progesterone Receptor (PR)
- HER2
making them a representative model of triple-negative breast cancer.
A defining feature of this cell line is its mesenchymal-like phenotype, characterized by:
- High migratory capacity
- Strong invasive behavior
- Cytoskeletal remodeling
- Features associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
Because of these properties, MDA-MB-231 cells are widely used to investigate tumor invasion, metastatic mechanisms, extracellular matrix interactions, and cancer cell plasticity.
Culture Considerations
Typical culture conditions include:
- DMEM
- 10% Fetal Bovine Serum
- 37°C
- 5% CO₂
Cells grow as adherent cultures and are generally passaged at 70-90% confluency.
Migration and invasion assays are highly sensitive to cell density and passage number; therefore, standardized culture conditions are essential for reproducible results.
Major Applications
MDA-MB-231 cells are extensively used for:
- Triple-negative breast cancer research
- Metastasis studies
- Cell migration assays
- Invasion assays
- EMT research
- Drug resistance studies
- Cancer stem cell biology
- Drug discovery
- Gene expression studies
Strengths
- Well-established TNBC model
- Highly migratory and invasive phenotype
- Human-derived cancer cell line
- Extensive scientific literature
- Excellent model for EMT and metastasis research
- Widely used for therapeutic development
Limitations
- Represents only one subtype of breast cancer
- Long-term culture may alter cellular characteristics
- Does not reproduce the complexity of the tumor microenvironment
- Findings should be validated using complementary TNBC models
- Not suitable for studies of hormone-responsive breast cancer
References
- Cailleau R, Young R, Olivé M, Reeves WJ Jr. Breast Tumor Cell Lines from Pleural Effusions. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 1974.
- 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.