BT-549

BT-549 is a cell line derived from human breast cancer tissue. It is commonly used in biomedical research to study the biology of breast cancer and to test potential therapeutic strategies.

History[edit | edit source]

BT-549 was first established in 1978 from a 74-year-old Caucasian woman with metastatic breast cancer. The cell line was derived from a pleural effusion, which is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, the space between the lungs and the chest wall.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

BT-549 cells are epithelial in nature and exhibit several characteristics typical of breast cancer cells. They are triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, meaning they do not express the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This makes them particularly useful for studying TNBC, a subtype of breast cancer that is often more aggressive and difficult to treat than other types.

BT-549 cells also have a high invasive potential, which is a key feature of metastatic cancer cells. They are capable of migrating and invading surrounding tissues, which is a critical step in the process of cancer metastasis.

Applications[edit | edit source]

BT-549 cells are widely used in research to study the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer progression and metastasis. They are also used to test the efficacy of potential therapeutic agents, particularly those targeting TNBC.

In addition, BT-549 cells are used in drug resistance studies. They are known to be resistant to several commonly used chemotherapy drugs, making them a valuable tool for investigating the mechanisms of drug resistance in breast cancer.