CAV1 Knockout CAL-27 Polyclonal Cells are a CRISPR/Cas9-edited polyclonal population of CAL-27 human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells with targeted disruption of the CAV1 gene. This knockout model eliminates caveolin-1 protein expression, providing a loss-of-function tool for investigating caveolin-1-dependent cellular processes. The polyclonal format maintains genetic heterogeneity while achieving high-penetrance gene disruption, minimizing clonal artifacts and enabling robust functional assays across the population.
The CAL-27 cell line was originally established from a tongue squamous cell carcinoma of a 56-year-old male. These adherent epithelial cells exhibit characteristics of aggressive oral cancer, including invasive behavior and dysregulated signaling pathways. CAL-27 is extensively used as an in vitro model for oral carcinogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic evaluation, making it a relevant and widely accepted host for CAV1 knockout studies.
CAV1 encodes caveolin-1, a ~22 kDa scaffolding protein that constitutes the main structural component of caveolae. Caveolin-1 organizes signaling complexes by directly binding and modulating proteins such as Src family kinases, H-Ras, and eNOS. Its transcriptional regulation involves FOXO, STAT3, and EGR1, while upstream activation occurs via integrin ligation, EGFR, and TGF-?? receptor stimulation. Downstream, caveolin-1 controls key effectors including RhoA GTPase, ERK1/2, and Akt. Interaction partners encompass cavin family proteins (cavin-1, -2, -3), integrin ??1, and TGF-?? receptor I, highlighting its role in coordinating membrane trafficking and signal integration.
In CAL-27 oral cancer cells, CAV1 knockout abolishes caveolae formation, disrupting integrin-based adhesions and growth factor receptor endocytosis. This leads to altered PI3K-Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling, impacting cell migration, invasion, and tumorigenic potential. The model provides a system to dissect caveolin-1??s paradoxical functions??acting as either tumor suppressor or promoter depending on context??and its contribution to oral squamous cell carcinoma progression and metastasis.
Research applications include western blotting for caveolin-1 and downstream phosphorylation targets (p-ERK, p-Akt), immunofluorescence to visualize caveolae structure, scratch wound and Transwell invasion assays, Cholera toxin B endocytosis assays, cell adhesion and proliferation assays, RNA-seq transcriptomics, and co-immunoprecipitation for caveolin-1 interactomes. This product is especially suited for studies of drug resistance and metastatic mechanisms in head and neck cancer. For additional information or to request a quote, please contact Ascent Research.
