The EIF2AK1 Knockout HeLa Polyclonal Cells constitute a CRISPR/Cas9-edited polyclonal knockout cell population, featuring targeted disruption of the EIF2AK1 locus in the HeLa cell line. This product provides a genetically heterogeneous, polyclonal knockout model that enables functional loss-of-function studies without clonal selection artifacts. By disrupting the gene encoding the heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI) kinase, these cells serve as a critical tool for dissecting EIF2AK1-dependent signaling and translational regulation.
The host HeLa cell line is an immortalized epithelial line derived from cervical adenocarcinoma, containing integrated HPV18 DNA. Widely used in biomedical research, HeLa provides a well-characterized model for cancer biology, virology, and cellular stress. Its robust growth and established molecular profile facilitate reliable knockout studies and interpretation of target gene function.
EIF2AK1 (HRI) is an eIF2?? kinase that functions as a key sensor of heme availability and oxidative stress. Inhibited by heme binding, HRI becomes activated upon heme depletion or exposure to stressors including oxidative stress, heat shock, arsenite, or nitric oxide. Active HRI phosphorylates eIF2??, attenuating global translation while selectively increasing ATF4 translation, which induces CHOP (DDIT3). HRI thus governs the integrated stress response in concert with other eIF2?? kinases (PKR, PERK, GCN2). Its activity is modulated by interactions with HSP90 and p23.
In the HeLa context, EIF2AK1 knockout enables specific dissection of HRI-mediated signaling independent of other stress kinases. HeLa??s transformed phenotype and HPV-driven alterations make this model valuable for studying how heme-regulated translational control interfaces with oncogenic pathways. This tool supports research into anemia, ??-thalassemia, neurodegeneration, and cancer, where dysregulated stress responses and translational reprogramming are central.
Researchers can apply this polyclonal knockout population in diverse functional assays. Western blotting for phospho?eIF2??, RT?qPCR for ATF4 and CHOP, and polysome profiling assess signaling and translational outputs. Heme depletion experiments, ATF4?luciferase reporters, and flow cytometry for apoptosis further dissect HRI function. Applications span translational control, heme homeostasis, erythroid differentiation, and cancer stress biology. For further details or to request a quote, please contact Ascent Research.
