MCF7/HSV1-tk (CMV) stable cells

MCF-7 is one of the most commonly used human breast cancer cell lines in research. Derived from the pleural effusion of a 69-year-old Caucasian woman with metastatic breast cancer, MCF-7 cells express estrogen receptors (ER) and are hormone-sensitive. This makes them a critical model for studying hormone-responsive breast cancer, particularly in understanding the role of estrogen in cancer cell proliferation and survival. Researchers often use MCF-7 cells to investigate the effects of endocrine therapies, such as tamoxifen, which blocks estrogen receptors. These cells also respond to progesterone and other hormones, making them an excellent system for exploring various aspects of hormone receptor signaling. Cells exhibit some features of differentiated mammary epithelium including oestradiol synthesis and formation of domes, which help mimic the tumor environment. Growth of MCF-7 cells is inhibited by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). Secretion of IGFBP's can be modulated by treatment with anti-estrogens.

MCF-7 has been widely used in cancer research and drug development in vitro and in vivo. Studies with MCF-7 cells contribute to the understanding of breast cancer progression, drug resistance mechanisms, and the development of hormone-based cancer treatments.

MCF7/HSV1-tk  (CMV) stable cells express transgenically GFP, firefly luciferase and HSV1-tk under the control of the CMV promoter. The proliferation and trafficking of these cells could be monitored with PET imaging.