HCT116 cells

Human colorectal carcinoma cell line

Overview

HCT116 cells are a human colorectal carcinoma cell line that is widely used in cancer research. These cells are derived from a colorectal cancer patient and are known for their utility in studying the molecular biology of cancer, particularly in the context of colorectal cancer.

Characteristics

HCT116 cells are characterized by their epithelial morphology and their ability to grow in adherent cultures. They are aneuploid, meaning they have an abnormal number of chromosomes, which is a common feature in cancer cells. HCT116 cells are known to have mutations in several key oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, including the KRAS and PIK3CA genes, which are frequently mutated in colorectal cancer.

Applications in Research

HCT116 cells are extensively used in cancer research to study the mechanisms of tumorigenesis, drug resistance, and cell signaling pathways. They serve as a model system for testing the efficacy of anticancer drugs and for understanding the genetic and epigenetic changes that occur in cancer cells.

Genetic Studies

The genetic profile of HCT116 cells makes them a valuable tool for studying the role of specific genes in cancer development. Researchers often use CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene editing technologies to manipulate genes in HCT116 cells to investigate their function.

Drug Testing

HCT116 cells are commonly used in high-throughput screening assays to evaluate the cytotoxicity and therapeutic potential of new anticancer agents. Their response to chemotherapy and targeted therapies provides insights into the mechanisms of drug action and resistance.

Culturing HCT116 Cells

HCT116 cells are typically cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS) and antibiotics to prevent contamination. They require a humidified atmosphere with 5% carbon dioxide at 37°C for optimal growth.

Related Cell Lines

HCT116 cells are part of a larger group of colorectal cancer cell lines that are used in research, including SW480, HT-29, and Caco-2 cells. Each of these cell lines has unique genetic and phenotypic characteristics that make them suitable for different types of studies.

Related Pages

• Colorectal cancer
• Cell line
• Cancer research
• KRAS
• PIK3CA
• Gene editing