Integrated molecular and functional profiling identifies E0771 as a basal-like triple-negative breast cancer model

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease whose clinical management relies heavily on accurate molecular subtyping. The murine E0771 mammary carcinoma cell line is widely used in preclinical studies, yet its molecular identity remains controversial, with reports variably classifying it as luminal B or triple-negative. In this study, we performed an integrated molecular and functional characterization of two independently sourced E0771 cell line stocks to resolve this discrepancy. Both stocks were genetically authenticated and exhibited concordant phenotypes. Immunohistochemical and molecular analyses demonstrated absence of oestrogen and progesterone receptors, classifying E0771 as triple-negative. Functionally, E0771 cells showed no transcriptional response to oestrogen and displayed resistance to endocrine therapy both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our results establish E0771 as an oestrogen-independent, basal-like triple-negative breast cancer model, supporting its appropriate use in studies of hormone-resistant breast cancer biology.