Tumor Metabolism: Understanding Albumin Import in the BT-549 Cell Line
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Luke Daniels, College of Idaho
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Solid tumors constitute over 90% of new cancer diagnoses. Treatment is inherently difficult because common therapeutic strategies that treat tumors locally are administered systemically, making them toxic throughout the entire body. Cells that comprise solid tumors are known to metabolically shift from free amino acid import to amino acids from the breakdown of albumin (a serum protein that facilitates large molecule transport in the blood); however, the specific mechanisms that facilitate this are unknown. Proteins potentially involved in albumin transport into solid tumors and tumor cell lines have been identified, and these include CAV1, Calreticulin, and SPARC (Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine). Here, we describe our efforts to establish a model system for investigating albumin uptake in solid tumors using a triple negative breast cancer cell line. We hypothesize that BT-549 cells will A) uptake albumin and B) secrete albumin transport proteins. To test this, we visualized albumin uptake with albumin-FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate albumin) and quantified SPARC expression using ELISA assays. Our results show that albumin uptake was present in BT-549 cells and that uptake was associated both with the concentration of albumin-FITC and the time of exposure. ELISA assays revealed a positive correlation between BT-549 culture time and SPARC expression in the culture media. Together, these findings show that BT-549 cells may serve as a useful model for further studies of albumin uptake and anti-tumor drug development.
Tumor Metabolism: Understanding Albumin Import in the BT-549 Cell Line
Solid tumors constitute over 90% of new cancer diagnoses. Treatment is inherently difficult because common therapeutic strategies that treat tumors locally are administered systemically, making them toxic throughout the entire body. Cells that comprise solid tumors are known to metabolically shift from free amino acid import to amino acids from the breakdown of albumin (a serum protein that facilitates large molecule transport in the blood); however, the specific mechanisms that facilitate this are unknown. Proteins potentially involved in albumin transport into solid tumors and tumor cell lines have been identified, and these include CAV1, Calreticulin, and SPARC (Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine). Here, we describe our efforts to establish a model system for investigating albumin uptake in solid tumors using a triple negative breast cancer cell line. We hypothesize that BT-549 cells will A) uptake albumin and B) secrete albumin transport proteins. To test this, we visualized albumin uptake with albumin-FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate albumin) and quantified SPARC expression using ELISA assays. Our results show that albumin uptake was present in BT-549 cells and that uptake was associated both with the concentration of albumin-FITC and the time of exposure. ELISA assays revealed a positive correlation between BT-549 culture time and SPARC expression in the culture media. Together, these findings show that BT-549 cells may serve as a useful model for further studies of albumin uptake and anti-tumor drug development.