Caco-2

Caco-2 Cells

Caco-2 cells after 21 days in culture

Caco-2 cells are a line of human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells that are used extensively in pharmaceutical research and biological research. These cells are derived from a human colon carcinoma and are used as a model of the intestinal epithelial barrier.

Characteristics

Caco-2 cells are known for their ability to differentiate spontaneously into a monolayer of polarized cells that resemble the enterocytes lining the small intestine. This property makes them particularly useful for studying the absorption and transport of drugs and nutrients across the intestinal barrier.

Morphology

When cultured under appropriate conditions, Caco-2 cells form a confluent monolayer with tight junctions, microvilli, and other features characteristic of intestinal epithelial cells. The image on the right shows Caco-2 cells after 21 days in culture, highlighting their differentiated state.

Applications

Caco-2 cells are widely used in drug discovery and development to predict the oral bioavailability of pharmaceutical compounds. They serve as an in vitro model to assess the permeability of compounds across the intestinal epithelium.

Drug Transport Studies

In drug transport studies, Caco-2 cells are used to evaluate the efflux and influx of drugs, providing insights into the mechanisms of drug absorption and the role of transport proteins such as P-glycoprotein.

Nutrient Absorption

Caco-2 cells are also employed to study the absorption of nutrients and dietary supplements, helping to understand the bioavailability of various vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional compounds.

Culturing Caco-2 Cells

Culturing Caco-2 cells requires specific conditions to ensure proper differentiation and function. The cells are typically grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with fetal bovine serum, glutamine, and other essential nutrients.

Differentiation

Differentiation of Caco-2 cells into a monolayer that mimics the intestinal epithelium usually takes about 21 days. During this period, the cells develop tight junctions and microvilli, which are crucial for their function as a model of the intestinal barrier.

Limitations

While Caco-2 cells are a valuable tool in research, they have limitations. They do not fully replicate the complexity of the human intestinal epithelium, lacking certain cell types such as goblet cells and immune cells. Additionally, the expression of transporters and enzymes can differ from that in vivo.

Related Pages

• Intestinal epithelium
• Drug absorption
• Cell culture
• Colorectal cancer