MDA-MB-436

MDA-MB-436 is a human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line derived from the pleural effusion of a 53-year-old Caucasian female with adenocarcinoma. These cells exhibit pleomorphic, spindle- to polygonal-shaped morphology with mesenchymal features. They grow rapidly,and form adherent monolayers. Genetically, MDA-MB-436 harbors a BRCA1 splice site mutation (5396+1G>A) with loss of the remaining allele, and also contains p53 and KRAS mutations. Cytogenetic analysis shows complex chromosomal abnormalities with aneuploidy. The cell line is tumorigenic in immunodeficient mice, forming primary tumors and metastasizing primarily to lungs and liver [2]. Immunophenotyping reveals expression of E-cadherin, tubulin, and vimentin. MDA-MB-436 is extensively used to model BRCA1-deficient TNBC and assess targeted therapies.