The CD44 Knockout Raji Polyclonal Cells are a CRISPR/Cas9-edited polyclonal knockout cell population derived from the Raji human Burkitt lymphoma B lymphocyte cell line, featuring targeted disruption of the CD44 gene. This heterogeneous pool enables investigation of CD44 loss-of-function without clonal selection, providing a biologically relevant model for studying CD44-dependent processes. The targeted gene disruption abolishes CD44 protein expression, facilitating detailed dissection of its functions in cell adhesion, migration, and signal transduction.
Raji cells are a classic suspension cell line originating from a Burkitt lymphoma patient, characterized by lymphoblastoid morphology and expression of B-cell markers such as CD19 and CD20. Widely used in immunological and cancer research, they serve as a robust model for B-cell receptor signaling, viral oncogenesis, and apoptotic pathways. Their rapid proliferation and ease of genetic manipulation make them ideal for generating knockout cell pools.
CD44 acts as the principal receptor for hyaluronic acid and mediates cell?Cmatrix interactions through association with ERM proteins (ezrin, radixin, moesin) and ankyrin, linking the plasma membrane to the actin cytoskeleton. Upstream regulators TGF-??, TNF-??, EGF, and HGF modulate CD44 expression, shedding, and ligand binding. Upon activation, CD44 engages Src family kinases and Rho GTPases, triggering PI3K/AKT signaling and NF-??B transcriptional programs. Additionally, CD44 promotes ??-catenin stabilization and nuclear translocation, and upregulates MMPs and integrins, thereby facilitating matrix degradation and cell motility.
In the Raji B-cell context, CD44 knockout disrupts lymphocyte homing and adhesion to hyaluronan-rich matrices, impairing integration of extracellular signals with oncogenic pathways. As NF-??B and PI3K/AKT are frequently dysregulated in Burkitt lymphoma, this knockout model enables dissection of CD44-dependent survival and proliferation signals. The polyclonal population reflects the genetic heterogeneity of tumor cell populations, making it suitable for studying drug responses and resistance mechanisms in a more realistic setting.
These polyclonal knockout cells are applicable to a wide range of assays, including flow cytometry-based adhesion assays, transwell migration and invasion studies, and Western blotting for pathway components. They can be employed in reporter assays to monitor NF-??B or ??-catenin transcriptional activity and in co-culture systems to model B-cell interactions with the microenvironment. The model supports drug target validation, high-content screening, and functional genomics studies in lymphoma and immunology. For detailed technical specifications and ordering assistance, please contact Ascent Research.
