The 4T1 cell line is a 6-thioguanine-resistant subline derived from the 410.4 tumor strain without mutagenesis. When injected into BALB/c mice, 4T1 spontaneously generates highly metastatic tumors that can spread to the lungs, liver, lymph nodes, and brain while also forming a primary tumor at the injection site. Excision of the primary tumor is not required for metastasis induction. The growth and metastatic properties of 4T1 cells in BALB/c mice closely resemble those of human breast cancer, making this tumor an animal model for stage IV human breast cancer. The metastatic kinetics of 4T1-induced tumors are similar whether or not surgery is performed, allowing it to be used as both a post-surgical and non-surgical model. Compared to other tumor models, due to the 6-thioguanine resistance of 4T1, even tiny metastatic cell clusters (as few as a single cell) can be detected in many distant organs.

Cell Name: Mouse mammary carcinoma cell line

Cell Synonyms: 4T1; 4T1-A

Catalogue No.: TCM-C705

Species: Mouse

Tissue Origin: Mammary Gland
Disease Characteristics: Breast Cancer

Morphology: Epithelial-like

Growth Characteristics: Adherent
Culture System: RPMI-1640 + 10% FBS + 1% P/S
Matching Medium No.: TCM-G705
Passage Ratio: 1:3–1:6, change medium every 2–3 days
Doubling Time: 48–72 hours
Culture Conditions: Atmosphere: 95% air + 5% CO₂, Temperature: 37°C
Cryopreservation Conditions: 60% basal medium + 30% FBS + 10% DMSO, stored in liquid nitrogen
Quality Control: Negative for bacteria, fungi, and mycoplasma