MCF7aro

MCF-7aro is a human breast cancer cell line derived from the widely used MCF-7 lineage. It has been engineered to express aromatase (CYP19A1), the enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens, enabling endogenous estrogen production within the cells. This modification creates a model for studying estrogen biosynthesis and signaling in estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer.

Molecular and functional characteristics include retention of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) positivity and responsiveness typical of MCF-7 cells, with the added ability to generate estrogen endogenously when provided with androgen substrates. In culture, MCF-7aro can proliferate under estrogen-depleted conditions if androgens such as androstenedione or testosterone are supplied, making it useful for examining estrogen-dependent growth and signaling without relying on external estradiol.

Applications and use in research center on aromatase activity and endocrine therapy. The cell line is employed to evaluate aromatase inhibitors, study resistance mechanisms to endocrine therapy, and model intratumoral estrogen synthesis. It serves as a tool for dissecting crosstalk between estrogen signaling and other pathways, and for screening potential combination therapies that target both estrogen production and receptor signaling.

Culture notes and considerations include maintaining conditions similar to other MCF-7 derivatives, often under estrogen-depleted media. To drive aromatase-mediated estrogen production, researchers supplement the medium with androgen precursors. Researchers should account for variable expression levels of aromatase and establish appropriate controls when interpreting results.