CASP3 Knockout SK-HEP-1 Polyclonal Cells are a CRISPR/Cas9-edited polyclonal population derived from the SK-HEP-1 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, with targeted disruption of the CASP3 gene. This heterogeneous knockout product provides a loss-of-function model for caspase-3, enabling pooled screening and reducing clonal artifacts. The polyclonal format retains biological complexity, making it suitable for studying gene function in a liver adenocarcinoma background.
The SK-HEP-1 host cell line is an epithelial hepatocellular carcinoma model originally isolated from ascites fluid of a liver adenocarcinoma patient. It exhibits malignant hepatocyte properties and is widely used in HCC research for investigating tumor biology, metastasis, and drug resistance. The line??s epithelial morphology and signaling characteristics support diverse cell-based assays, providing a relevant background for apoptosis and cancer pathway studies.
CASP3 encodes caspase-3, a key executioner protease in apoptosis. Activated by initiator caspases (caspase-8 or -9) downstream of the cytochrome c/APAF1 apoptosome or death receptors (Fas/TNFR1), it cleaves substrates such as PARP1, ICAD, lamin A/C, and ROCK1, driving DNA fragmentation and membrane blebbing. Regulatory inputs include pro-apoptotic BAX/BAK, p53, and inhibitors like XIAP, cIAP1/2, and survivin. Caspase-3 also interacts with HSP60 and integrates signals from intrinsic/extrinsic apoptosis pathways, the TNF pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling, influencing cell fate decisions.
In hepatocellular carcinoma, apoptosis evasion is a hallmark, often involving caspase-3 dysregulation. CASP3 knockout in SK-HEP-1 cells provides a direct model to assess the dependency on caspase-3-mediated cell death induced by chemotherapeutics (e.g., sorafenib, doxorubicin) and to study resistance mechanisms. This model also enables investigation of non-apoptotic caspase-3 functions, such as differentiation and migration, which contribute to liver cancer progression. Thus, it serves as a relevant platform for dissecting apoptosis-dependent and -independent processes in HCC.
Applications include apoptosis mechanism studies, drug sensitivity screening, and evaluation of chemotherapeutic agents in liver cancer. Assays such as MTT/XTT viability, caspase activity measurement, Annexin V/PI staining, cytochrome c release, and Western blotting for caspase-3 cleavage are directly applicable. Additionally, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, RNA-seq, and flow cytometry support comprehensive analysis. This polyclonal knockout is a versatile tool for preclinical hepatocellular carcinoma research. For additional information, please contact Ascent Research.
