SKBR3 cells are a human breast cancer cell line widely used in scientific investigations. They provide a valuable model system for understanding cancer biology and for developing new treatments. This cell line has become a standard tool in laboratories worldwide for studying breast cancer.
Defining SKBR3 Cells
SKBR3 cells were isolated in 1970 from a pleural effusion of a 43-year-old female patient. The patient was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a cancer forming in glandular tissue. SKBR3 cells are immortalized, meaning they can proliferate indefinitely. They are also adherent, growing attached to a surface rather than suspended in liquid.
A defining feature of SKBR3 cells is mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene. The p53 gene prevents tumor formation by regulating cell division and initiating programmed cell death. A mutation in this gene can disrupt these regulatory functions, contributing to uncontrolled cell growth characteristic of cancer.
The Significance of HER2 in SKBR3 Cells
SKBR3 cells are notable for their overexpression and amplification of the HER2 gene. HER2, or Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2, is a protein found on the surface of some cancer cells, including certain breast cancer cells. This receptor is involved in cell growth, division, and repair. In SKBR3 cells, the gene encoding this protein is present in multiple copies, leading to an abundance of HER2 receptors on the cell surface.
This elevated HER2 makes SKBR3 cells a relevant model for studying HER2-positive breast cancer. This subtype of breast cancer is characterized by aggressive growth and can have a less favorable prognosis compared to other breast cancer types. The amplified HER2 signaling pathways in SKBR3 cells closely mimic the biological behavior observed in patients with HER2-positive tumors. Researchers can investigate the molecular mechanisms driving this aggressive disease.
The high level of HER2 expression in SKBR3 cells provides a platform. It allows scientists to probe the specific roles of HER2 in cancer progression and to evaluate therapies designed to block its activity. This makes SKBR3 cells important for targeted therapy development, distinguishing them from other breast cancer cell lines.
Applications of SKBR3 Cells in Research
SKBR3 cells are extensively used in the development and testing of therapies specifically targeting HER2-positive breast cancer. A prominent example is their role in research involving trastuzumab, also known as Herceptin. This monoclonal antibody specifically binds to the HER2 receptor, blocking its signaling and marking cancer cells for destruction by the immune system. Studies using SKBR3 cells have been instrumental in understanding how trastuzumab works and in evaluating its effectiveness.
Beyond drug development, SKBR3 cells are a valuable tool for investigating fundamental aspects of cancer cell biology. Researchers employ these cells to dissect complex cell signaling pathways, exploring how messages are transmitted within the cell to regulate growth and survival. They are also used to study the cell cycle, the series of events that take place as a cell grows and divides, and mechanisms of apoptosis, which is programmed cell death. Understanding these processes can reveal vulnerabilities in cancer cells.
The cell line also aids in exploring mechanisms of drug resistance, helping scientists understand why some cancers stop responding to treatment. This allows for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance. SKBR3 cells are also utilized in the production of monoclonal antibodies and for researching the immune response to breast cancer cells, contributing to the development of immunotherapies. Their unique HER2 profile makes them highly suitable for these diverse research applications.