The GPR171 Knockout SK-HEP-1 Polyclonal Cells comprise a CRISPR/Cas9-edited polyclonal knockout cell population derived from the SK-HEP-1 human liver adenocarcinoma cell line. This product offers a genetically defined loss-of-function model for investigating the biological roles of GPR171, a G-protein-coupled receptor that mediates neuropeptide signaling and metabolic regulation. The polyclonal nature of the knockout pool ensures representation of diverse genetic alterations, avoiding biases associated with single-cell clones, and provides a robust tool for functional genomics and pharmacological studies.
The SK-HEP-1 cell line, established from the ascitic fluid of a patient with liver adenocarcinoma, displays an endothelial-like phenotype and is widely utilized as a model for liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and for studying hepatic tumor biology. This adherent cell line retains key characteristics of transformed liver endothelial cells, making it suitable for dissecting signaling pathways involved in hepatocellular carcinoma progression and metabolic cross-talk within the liver microenvironment.
GPR171 encodes an orphan G??i-coupled receptor that is specifically activated by the proSAAS-derived neuropeptide BigLEN. Upon BigLEN binding, GPR171 inhibits adenylyl cyclase activity, leading to decreased intracellular cAMP levels, and initiates signaling through G protein subunits and ??-arrestins. The receptor is known to modulate the MAPK/ERK pathway, influencing downstream transcription factors and cellular responses related to metabolism and potentially tumor cell behavior. Thus, GPR171 serves as a key node linking neuropeptide signals to cAMP/PKA and MAPK/ERK effector cascades.
In the SK-HEP-1 background, which exhibits both hepatic and endothelial features, GPR171 may play a role in integrating neuropeptide inputs with metabolic and proliferative signaling networks. Disruption of GPR171 in these cells enables systematic analysis of its contribution to ligand-dependent cAMP modulation, ERK phosphorylation dynamics, and their impact on cell proliferation, migration, and other malignant properties. This polyclonal knockout model thus provides a physiologically relevant platform to explore GPR171-dependent pathways in liver-derived cells.
This polyclonal GPR171 knockout population is ideally suited for a wide range of applications, including mechanistic studies of neuropeptide receptor signaling, pharmacological profiling of GPR171 ligands, and investigation of metabolic disorders and hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers can validate target gene disruption by western blotting and RT-qPCR, measure BigLEN-stimulated cAMP responses via enzymatic assays, and assess changes in cell proliferation and migration using live-cell imaging or endpoint assays. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry further allow examination of receptor trafficking and expression. For detailed technical specifications and ordering information, please contact Ascent Research.
