ZR-75-1

ZR-75-1 is a human breast cancer cell line that has been widely used in biomedical research. The cell line was derived from the malignant tumor of a 63-year-old female patient. ZR-75-1 cells are characterized by their estrogen receptor (ER) positivity, making them a valuable model for studying estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, which is the most common subtype of breast cancer.

Characteristics

ZR-75-1 cells exhibit several key characteristics that make them particularly useful for research purposes. They are ER+, which means they express estrogen receptors on their surface. This feature is critical for studying the effects of estrogen on breast cancer growth and the potential for hormone therapy targeting these receptors. Additionally, ZR-75-1 cells have been found to express progesterone receptors (PR), further enhancing their utility in hormone-driven cancer studies.

These cells also possess a HER2/neu amplification, although to a lesser extent compared to other breast cancer cell lines like SK-BR-3. This characteristic allows for the exploration of HER2-targeted therapies in a context that more closely mimics a subset of breast cancer patients.

Research Applications

ZR-75-1 cells have been employed in a wide range of research applications, including:

• Drug Testing: The sensitivity of ZR-75-1 cells to various chemotherapeutic agents and hormone therapies makes them an excellent model for testing new cancer treatments.
• Gene Expression Studies: Researchers use ZR-75-1 to study the expression of genes involved in breast cancer progression and response to treatment.
• Signal Transduction Research: The cell line is also used to investigate the signaling pathways that are active in breast cancer, including those related to cell growth, survival, and metastasis.

Cultivation

Cultivating ZR-75-1 cells requires specific conditions to maintain their viability and characteristics. They are typically grown in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 2 mM L-glutamine, and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. The cells thrive at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2.

Significance in Cancer Research

The ZR-75-1 cell line is a critical tool in the fight against breast cancer. Its use in research has contributed to a deeper understanding of the disease, particularly in the realm of ER+ breast cancer. Studies utilizing ZR-75-1 have led to the development of new therapeutic strategies and a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying breast cancer progression and resistance to treatment.