BT-549 Xenograft Model Service for Breast Cancer

The BT-549 xenograft model is an indispensable in vivo platform for evaluating therapies against mesenchymal-like, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), providing critical insights into aggressive tumor behavior and treatment resistance. Alfa Cytology offers a validated and highly reproducible BT-549 xenograft model service, leveraging our deep oncology expertise to deliver precise, clinically relevant data that accelerates your drug discovery pipeline.

Overview of BT-549 Xenograft Model for Breast Cancer

The BT-549 cell line is a foundational model in breast cancer research, representing the difficult-to-treat Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) subtype (ER-, PR-, HER2-). It holds significant scientific value due to its unique Basal B or mesenchymal-like phenotype. As a xenograft model, BT-549 is characterized by its high expression of vimentin and lack of E-cadherin, mirroring the molecular signature of tumors that have undergone Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT).

Implantation of BT-549 cells into immunocompromised mice results in aggressive, poorly differentiated carcinomas that retain these critical mesenchymal features. This model is highly valuable for researchers studying tumor invasion, metastatic pathways, and the underlying mechanisms of TNBC resistance. It is widely utilized to assess the efficacy of novel targeted therapies, chemotherapeutic agents, and compounds designed to inhibit EMT, providing a rigorous and translational in vivo environment.

Fig 1. Expression of lncRNA NBR2 in breast cancer (including BT-549 cells) was validated by qRT-PCR and survival analysis. (Yang J, et al., 2024)

Cell Line Information: BT-549

The BT-549 cell line originates from a human papillary invasive ductal carcinoma and exhibits a polymorphic, epithelial morphology.

At Alfa Cytology, we prioritize the biological integrity and reproducibility of every study. Our specialized technical team maintains the BT-549 line under strict quality-controlled conditions, expanding cells in vitro using validated protocols to preserve their distinct mesenchymal phenotype.

Our Services

Workflow of BT-549 Xenograft Model Construction

The construction of a BT-549 xenograft model at Alfa Cytology is performed with meticulous scientific oversight:

• Cell Prep & QC: BT-549 cells are cultured in vitro and harvested at the logarithmic growth phase. We perform rigorous testing, including STR authentication, to ensure phenotype consistency.
• Host Selection: Healthy, standardized immunocompromised mice (e.g., Athymic Nude or SCID) are selected as hosts.
• Standardized Inoculation: A calibrated cell suspension is injected in vivo, typically into the flank (subcutaneously) or orthotopically into the mammary fat pad, often utilizing a matrix carrier to enhance tumor take.
• Longitudinal Monitoring: Tumor growth is tracked regularly via caliper measurements, alongside meticulous monitoring of animal health and body weight to establish consistent kinetics.
• Randomization: Once tumors reach a targeted, statistically relevant volume, mice are randomized into uniform groups for the initiation of therapeutic dosing.

Fig 2. BT-549 Xenograft Model Construction Workflow

Case Study - BT-549 Xenograft Model Development

In a recent validation study, Alfa Cytology successfully established the BT-549 xenograft model to assess a novel small-molecule kinase inhibitor designed to reverse EMT. The model exhibited excellent tumor take rates and predictable growth kinetics across all control groups. The study successfully identified significant tumor growth inhibition (TGI) without significant adverse weight loss.

Why Choose Alfa Cytology?

• Biological Relevance: Expertise in modeling aggressive, mesenchymal-like TNBC phenotypes.
• Technical Rigor: Strict protocols for STR cell authentication and in vivo implantation precision.
• Standardized Facilities: Studies conducted in strictly controlled, modern animal facilities ensure low variability.
• Tailored Analytics: Full support for PK/PD profiling, biomarker analysis, and high-fidelity imaging endpoints.

Contact Us

Ready to advance your triple-negative breast cancer therapy pipeline with a high-fidelity mesenchymal model? Our scientific experts are available to discuss your specific experimental goals and provide a customized project proposal. Please contact us today to receive a quote, or reach out to us directly to consult on your next in vivo milestone with Alfa Cytology.

For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.