The BT-549 cell line is a human breast cancer cell line widely utilized in scientific research. It serves as a model system for understanding breast cancer biology and for developing potential therapies. It provides a consistent platform for investigating cancer mechanisms and cellular processes relevant to disease progression.
Origin and Unique Features
The BT-549 cell line was established in 1978 by W.G. Coutinho and E.Y. Lasfargues. It was derived from a 72-year-old Caucasian female patient diagnosed with a papillary, invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. The original tumor had already metastasized to three out of seven regional lymph nodes, indicating its aggressive nature. These cells exhibit an epithelial-like morphology and grow as adherent monolayers in culture.
The cell population is polymorphic, containing both epithelial-like components and multinucleated giant cells. A mucin-like material is secreted into the growth medium by these cells. Karyotype analysis shows that BT-549 cells are aneuploid, with an abnormal number of chromosomes. Their modal chromosome number is 78, with a range typically between 73 and 80, and their X chromosomes are all abnormal. The cell line is characterized by its triple-negative status, lacking expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 amplification. It also harbors mutations in the TP53 and RB1 tumor suppressor genes, which are frequently altered in various cancers.
Research Applications
BT-549 cells are widely used in cancer research, particularly for studying breast cancer, due to their specific characteristics. They serve as a model for investigating the biology and treatment of breast cancer, especially the triple-negative subtype. Researchers utilize BT-549 cells for drug screening and the development of new therapies. These cells are particularly useful in studies focused on drug resistance, to understand why certain treatments might fail.
The cell line is also employed to investigate cancer cell proliferation and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Experiments involving BT-549 cells contribute to understanding cellular signaling pathways, which are networks that control cell functions and communication. Additionally, researchers use BT-549 cells for gene expression studies to identify which genes are active or inactive in this cancer type. Their highly invasive properties make them a valuable model for studying metastasis mechanisms and tumor invasion. Furthermore, BT-549 cells are suitable for 3D cell culture applications, allowing for more physiologically relevant studies of drug responses and tumor progression by mimicking the complex tumor microenvironment.
Relevance to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
BT-549 is a widely used model for studying triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Its intrinsic characteristics, including the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 expression, mirror TNBC’s defining features. TNBC is known for its aggressive nature and the lack of targeted therapies that are available for other breast cancer subtypes. By using BT-549 cells, researchers can gain insights into the underlying biology of this challenging cancer, which represents about 10-15% of all breast cancers and has a poorer outcome compared to other subtypes.
The cell line helps identify potential new therapeutic targets specific to TNBC. Researchers also use BT-549 to test novel treatment strategies, including chemotherapeutic agents and targeted therapies. This contributes to overcoming challenges associated with TNBC, such as its high heterogeneity and resistance to conventional treatments, by providing a platform for innovative approaches.