MDA-MB

MDA-MB is a series of human breast cancer cell lines that are widely used in cancer research, particularly in the study of breast cancer biology, progression, and therapeutic development. The MDA-MB series was established from various breast cancer subtypes, with each cell line representing different molecular characteristics and behaviors. Some of the most well-known MDA-MB cell lines include MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-361, and MDA-MB-468.

These cell lines are used for several purposes in breast cancer research:

  1. Molecular characterization: MDA-MB cell lines represent various molecular subtypes of breast cancer, such as luminal, basal-like, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This diversity allows researchers to study the unique features and behaviors of each subtype.
  2. Easy to culture: MDA-MB cell lines can be easily grown in vitro (in a laboratory setting) using standard cell culture techniques, making them a convenient model for studying breast cancer biology.
  3. Drug development and testing: MDA-MB cell lines can be used for the screening of potential new drugs, investigating drug resistance mechanisms, and assessing the efficacy and toxicity of novel therapeutic agents in breast cancer treatment.
  4. Disease modeling: MDA-MB cell lines serve as useful models for studying various aspects of breast cancer biology, such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment.

It’s important to note that MDA-MB cell lines, like other cancer cell lines, have limitations as models for normal breast cells. They are derived from cancerous tissues and may exhibit differences in gene expression and function compared to healthy breast cells. Nonetheless, MDA-MB cell lines have been invaluable tools in breast cancer research, contributing to a better understanding of the disease and the development of new therapeutic strategies.