MCF-7 is a breast cancer cell line isolated in 1970 from a 69-year-old White woman.[1] MCF-7 is the acronym of Michigan Cancer Foundation-7, referring to the institute in Detroit where the cell line was established in 1973 by Herbert Soule and co-workers.[2] The Michigan Cancer Foundation is now known as the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute.[3]
Prior to MCF-7, it was not possible for cancer researchers to obtain a mammary cell line that was capable of living longer than a few months.[4]
The patient, Frances Mallon died in 1970. Her cells were the source of much of current knowledge about breast cancer.[2][5] At the time of sampling, she was a nun in the convent of Immaculate Heart of MaryinMonroe, Michigan under the name of Sister Catherine Frances.
MCF-7 and two other breast cancer cell lines, named T-47D and MDA-MB-231, account for more than two-thirds of all abstracts reporting studies on mentioned breast cancer cell lines, as concluded from a Medline-based survey.[6]
MCF-7 cells have the following characteristics:[2][5][6][7][8][9]
This cell line retained several characteristics of differentiated mammary epithelium, including the ability to process estradiol via cytoplasmic estrogen receptors and the capability of forming domes.[citation needed]
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) inhibits the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Treatment with anti-estrogens can modulate the secretion of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids such as EPA, DHA and AA has been reported to inhibit MCF-7 cell line growth and proliferation.[12]
PIK3CA helical mutations were identified in MCF-7,[13] but with low AKT activation.[14]
