Transcriptomics on MDA-MB-231 cells adapted to methionine-free medium

Human cells can synthesize methionine from homocysteine and folate-coupled methyl groups via the B12-dependent enzyme methionine synthase (MTR). Yet, it has been known for decades that cancer cells fail to grow when methionine is replaced by homocysteine, a phenomenon known as methionine dependence. Here, we report single-cell RNA-sequencing data from MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells adapted to grow without methionine in the presence of high levels of vitamin B12 for 21 days. Compared to parental cells (D0), the adapted “revertant” cells (D21) display gene expression signatures consistent with reduced invasion and metastasis. Overall design: One sample of parental MDA-MB-231 cells was taken at day 0 (D0), and one after 21 days of adaptation in B12-containing homocysteine medium (D21).