MDA-MB-231 Cells








General information
Description | The MDA-MB-231 cell line is a widely used model in breast cancer research. Derived from a human breast adenocarcinoma, these cells are characterized by their aggressive and invasive nature, making them an ideal model for studying triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). MDA-MB-231 cells lack estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and HER2 amplification, which are typical markers used to classify and treat breast cancers. Consequently, these cells are resistant to hormonal therapies, reflecting the clinical challenges faced in managing TNBC. Their mesenchymal-like phenotype and ability to form tumors in immunocompromised mice further contribute to their utility in cancer research. Genetically, MDA-MB-231 cells harbor mutations in key oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes such as TP53, KRAS, and BRAF. These genetic alterations play a crucial role in driving their malignancy and metastatic potential. Researchers use this cell line to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. MDA-MB-231 cells are also employed in high-throughput screening for potential therapeutic agents, as their aggressive behavior provides a stringent test for new anti-cancer drugs. The cell line's robust response to various stimuli makes it an invaluable tool for deciphering the complex biology of triple-negative breast cancer. |
---|---|
Organism | Human |
Tissue | Breast |
Disease | Adenocarcinoma |
Metastatic site | Pleural effusion |
Synonyms | MDA_MB_231, MDA-MB 231, MDA.MB.231, MDA MB 231, MDA MB231, MDA Mb231, MDA-MB231, MDAMB-231, MDAMB231, MDA-231, MDA-231P, MDA231, MDA231-BRE, MB231, MD Anderson-Metastatic Breast-231 |
Characteristics
Age | 51 years |
---|---|
Gender | Female |
Ethnicity | European |
Morphology | Epithelial |
Growth properties | Adherent |
Identifiers / Biosafety / Citation
Citation | MDA-MB-231 (Cytion catalog number 300275) |
---|---|
Biosafety level | 1 |
Expression / Mutation
Handling
Culture Medium | DMEM:Ham's F12 (1:1), w: 3.1 g/L Glucose, w: 2.5 mM L-Glutamine, w: 15 mM HEPES, w: 0.5 mM Sodium pyruvate, w: 1.2 g/L NaHCO3 (Cytion article number 820400a) |
---|---|
Medium supplements | Supplement the medium with 5% FBS |
Passaging solution | Accutase |
Subculturing | Remove the old medium from the adherent cells and wash them with PBS that lacks calcium and magnesium. For T25 flasks, use 3-5 ml of PBS, and for T75 flasks, use 5-10 ml. Then, cover the cells completely with Accutase, using 1-2 ml for T25 flasks and 2.5 ml for T75 flasks. Let the cells incubate at room temperature for 8-10 minutes to detach them. After incubation, gently mix the cells with 10 ml of medium to resuspend them, then centrifuge at 300xg for 3 minutes. Discard the supernatant, resuspend the cells in fresh medium, and transfer them into new flasks that already contain fresh medium. |
Split ratio | 1:2 to 1:4 |
Fluid renewal | 2 to 3 times per week |
Freeze medium | As a cryopreservation medium, use complete growth medium (including FBS) + 10% DMSO for adequate post-thaw viability, or CM-1 (Cytion catalog number 800100), which includes optimized osmoprotectants and metabolic stabilizers to enhance recovery and reduce cryo-induced stress. |
Handling of cryopreserved cultures |
|
Quality control / Genetic profile / HLA
Sterility | Mycoplasma contamination is excluded using both PCR-based assays and luminescence-based mycoplasma detection methods. To ensure there is no bacterial, fungal, or yeast contamination, cell cultures are subjected to daily visual inspections. |
---|---|
STR profile |
PEZ6: LS174T
|
Required products
- A Gentle Alternative to Trypsin
Accutase is a cell detachment solution that is revolutionizing the cell culture industry. It is a mix of proteolytic and collagenolytic enzymes that mimics the action of trypsin and collagenase. Unlike trypsin, Accutase does not contain any mammalian or bacterial components and is much gentler on cells, making it an ideal solution for the routine detachment of cells from standard tissue culture plasticware and adhesion coated plasticware. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and uses of Accutase and how it is changing the game in cell culture.
Advantages of Accutase
Accutase has several advantages over traditional trypsin solutions. Firstly, it can be used whenever gentle and efficient detachment of any adherent cell line is needed, making it a direct replacement for trypsin. Secondly, Accutase works extremely well on embryonic and neuronal stem cells, and it has been shown to maintain the viability of these cells after passaging. Thirdly, Accutase preserves most epitopes for subsequent flow cytometry analysis, making it ideal for cell surface marker analysis.
Additionally, Accutase does not need to be neutralized when passaging adherent cells. The addition of more media after the cells are split dilutes Accutase so it is no longer able to detach cells. This eliminates the need for an inactivation step and saves time for cell culture technicians. Finally, Accutase does not need to be aliquoted, and a bottle is stable in the refrigerator for 2 months.
Applications of Accutase
Accutase is a direct replacement for trypsin solution and can be used for the passaging of cell lines. Additionally, Accutase performs well when detaching cells for the analysis of many cell surface markers using flow cytometry and for cell sorting. Other downstream applications of Accutase treatment include analysis of cell surface markers, virus growth assay, cell proliferation, tumor cell migration assays, routine cell passage, production scale-up (bioreactor), and flow cytometry.
Composition of Accutase
Accutase contains no mammalian or bacterial components and is a natural enzyme mixture with proteolytic and collagenolytic enzyme activity. It is formulated at a much lower concentration than trypsin and collagenase, making it less toxic and gentler, but just as effective.
Efficiency of Accutase
Accutase has been shown to be efficient in detaching primary and stem cells and maintaining high cell viability compared to animal origin enzymes such as trypsin. 100% of cells are recovered after 10 minutes, and there is no harm in leaving cells in Accutase for up to 45 minutes, thanks to autodigestion of Accutase.
In summary
In conclusion, Accutase is a powerful solution that is changing the game in cell culture. With its gentle nature, efficiency, and versatility, Accutase is the ideal alternative to trypsin. If you are looking for a reliable and efficient solution for cell detachment, Accutase is the solution for you.