A fully homogeneous cell-based assay for monitoring the conversion of Estrone (E1) into Estradiol (E2) by human mammary cancer cells.

There is substantial research-based evidence that breast cancer tissue contains the necessary enzyme system to synthesize estradiol, the hormone which plays an important role in the origin and evolution of this disease. Two principal pathways are involved in the formation of estradiol in breast cancer tissues: the aromatase pathway, which transforms androgens into estrogens, and the sulfatase pathway, which converts estrone sulfate into estrone. The estrogen is then transformed into estradiol via 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. Cisbio has developed an HTRF® Estradiol assay for the determination of estradiol levels in breast cancer cell supernatant. Based on a competitive immunoassay, estradiol concentration can be determined without washing or transfer steps, thus offering a very straightforward procedure.