The ATRX Knockout A-549 Polyclonal Cells are a CRISPR/Cas9-edited polyclonal knockout cell population of human origin, derived from the A-549 lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line, with targeted disruption of the ATRX gene. This heterogeneous pool ensures robust ATRX inactivation across the population, providing a versatile tool for investigating ATRX loss-of-function in cancer biology.
The A-549 cell line, established from a human non-small cell lung carcinoma, serves as a classic model for studying lung adenocarcinoma. These adherent epithelial cells are employed in research on barrier integrity, xenobiotic metabolism, and oncogenic signaling. Their widespread use in cancer studies facilitates the translation of ATRX knockout findings to clinically relevant contexts.
ATRX is an SWI/SNF-family chromatin remodeler that, in a complex with the histone chaperone DAXX, deposits histone variant H3.3 into telomeric and pericentric heterochromatin. This process is critical for maintaining telomere structure and genome integrity. ATRX activity is modulated by upstream DNA damage sensors ATM and ATR, while its downstream effects include regulation of ALT pathway activation and expression of genes such as ID1 and ID3. Interacting factors like HP1, macroH2A, and cohesin further link ATRX to higher-order chromatin organization. Consequently, ATRX knockout abrogates H3.3 deposition, eliciting ALT and transcriptional reprogramming that drive tumor progression.
Introducing ATRX knockout into the A-549 background generates a powerful model to dissect the role of chromatin dysregulation in ALT and lung adenocarcinoma pathogenesis. This system is particularly suited for investigating synthetic lethal interactions with ATR inhibitors, as A549 cells harbor relevant genetic vulnerabilities. The polyclonal nature captures variable knockout efficiencies, reflecting tumor heterogeneity and enhancing the model’s utility for studying telomere maintenance and drug response mechanisms.
This product is ideal for research into ALT mechanisms, telomere biology, and chromatin dynamics, as well as for evaluating ATR inhibitor sensitivity. Representative assays include immunofluorescence detection of ALT-associated PML bodies (APBs), C-circle amplification, telomere FISH, RNA sequencing, colony formation, and drug sensitivity testing. The ATRX Knockout A-549 Polyclonal Cells offer a robust platform for cancer and telomere research. For further details, contact Ascent Research.
