SKBR3

SKBR3 is a human breast cancer cell line that is extensively used in cancer research. It is derived from the pleural effusion of a 43-year-old Caucasian female with adenocarcinoma of the breast. SKBR3 cells are known for their overexpression of the HER2/neu receptor, making them a valuable model for studying HER2-positive breast cancer.

Characteristics

SKBR3 cells are epithelial in nature and exhibit an adherent growth pattern. They are characterized by their high levels of HER2/neu protein, which is a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family. This overexpression is a result of gene amplification and is a hallmark of certain aggressive forms of breast cancer.

Trastuzumab Fab-HER2 complex

The cells are also known to express low levels of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), classifying them as HER2-positive and hormone receptor-negative. This receptor status is crucial for determining treatment strategies, as HER2-positive cancers may respond to targeted therapies such as trastuzumab (Herceptin).

Applications in Research

SKBR3 cells are widely used in the study of breast cancer biology, particularly in understanding the mechanisms of HER2-driven tumorigenesis. They serve as a model for testing the efficacy of anti-HER2 therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors.

Researchers utilize SKBR3 cells to investigate the signaling pathways activated by HER2 overexpression, such as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways. These pathways are critical for cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis, making them targets for therapeutic intervention.

Therapeutic Implications

The overexpression of HER2 in SKBR3 cells makes them an ideal model for evaluating the effectiveness of HER2-targeted therapies. Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to the HER2 receptor, is one such therapy that has shown significant clinical benefits in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

In addition to trastuzumab, other therapies such as pertuzumab, lapatinib, and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) are also tested using SKBR3 cells. These therapies work by different mechanisms, including blocking receptor dimerization, inhibiting tyrosine kinase activity, and delivering cytotoxic agents directly to cancer cells.

Limitations

While SKBR3 cells provide valuable insights into HER2-positive breast cancer, they have limitations. As an in vitro model, they do not fully recapitulate the complexity of human tumors, including the tumor microenvironment and immune interactions. Therefore, findings from SKBR3 studies often require validation in more complex models, such as xenografts or patient-derived xenografts (PDX).

Related pages

• Breast cancer
• HER2/neu
• Trastuzumab
• Cancer cell line