Description
Caco2 cells serve as an advanced in vitro model for the human intestinal barrier, primarily due to their differentiation into a cell monolayer that closely resembles the enterocytes lining the small intestine. When culturing the Caco2 cell line on tissue culture filter inserts with polycarbonate filters, Caco-2 cells undergo spontaneous differentiation, a process that can be optimized over two to three weeks with a culture medium enriched with fetal bovine serum. The differentiation of Caco2 cells results in the expression of specialized cell types, complete with microvilli, enzymes, and transporters, paralleling the complex features and mechanisms found in an in vivo situation. In the context of intestinal absorption studies models, Caco-2 cells, which were derived from a human colorectal adenocarcinoma patient, are instrumental due to their ability to develop high TEER values, signifying intact tight junctions and epithelial barrier function. These properties are crucial for assays like the cholesterol efflux assay and investigations into cellular transport, including the movement of lipid nanoparticles and the detection of protein interactions. The Caco-2 cells high fidelity in mimicking intestinal mucosa permits accurate studies on the impact of food components, drugs, and other substances on intestinal permeability models. Caco-2 cells are pivotal for intestinal absorption studies, providing a reliable in vitro approximation of the intestinal epithelium. Mimicking intestinal enterocytes, these cells facilitate analyses of oral drug absorption by simulating the intestinal barrier. Researchers utilize Caco-2 cells to predict how substances traverse the intestinal mucosa, which is essential for pharmacokinetic profiling of oral medications. Furthermore, they are a key tool in investigating intestinal cholesterol transport, a process vital for understanding lipid metabolism and associated diseases. Their ability to functionally express various transporters allows for detailed studies on cholesterol transport mechanisms. The relevance of Caco-2 cells extends to both colon adenocarcinoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma research, offering insights into the interaction between drug absorption, disease state, and intestinal function. Furthermore, Caco-2 cells contribute to understanding cellular cholesterol homeostasis by enabling studies on cholesterol turnover, cholesterol excretion, and the intricate workings of intestinal transporters. Their utility extends to research areas such as transintestinal cholesterol efflux, where they are used to elucidate how cholesterol is handled by the absorptive enterocytes of the GI tract. Caco-2 cells offer numerous advantages and disadvantages. Their non-mucus-secreting nature calls for careful interpretation of results when considering the mucosal layers role in the human GI tract. Additionally, the original cell lines susceptibility to the Human immunodeficiency virus 1 and tumorigenicity in nude mice necessitates stringent controls when used for in vivo models. Despite these considerations, Caco-2 cells remain a cornerstone in cancer and toxicology research, not only for their relevance to human GI studies but also for their role in providing detailed insights into the biliary pathway and the metabolism of xenobiotics within the colon. The availability of these cells from cell culture collections, coupled with detailed product information and established protocols, facilitates their widespread adoption across different laboratories, underscoring their significant impact on biomedical research