KCNJ2 Knockout PaTu 8988t Polyclonal Cells are a CRISPR/Cas9-edited polyclonal cell population derived from human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma PaTu 8988t cells, engineered for targeted disruption of the KCNJ2 gene. This loss-of-function model facilitates investigation of the inward rectifier potassium channel Kir2.1 in a physiologically relevant cancer context. The polyclonal format encompasses a heterogeneous pool of gene-edited cells, providing a representative sample of knockout phenotypes.
PaTu 8988t is a human pancreatic cancer cell line derived from a liver metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This adherent epithelial line is widely utilized to study pancreatic cancer biology, metastatic progression, and drug resistance, offering a clinically informed background for functional genomics studies.
KCNJ2 encodes Kir2.1, a strong inward rectifier potassium channel that stabilizes the resting membrane potential. Kir2.1 activity is modulated by PIP2, PKA, PKC, and intracellular polyamines such as spermine and spermidine. The channel assembles into macromolecular complexes with scaffolding proteins DLG1 (SAP97) and ??1-syntrophin (SNTA1), which couple it to downstream voltage-gated calcium channels and the calcineurin/NFAT pathway. Additional interacting partners??including dystrophin (DMD), caveolin-3 (CAV3), and SNTB1??further refine membrane potential dynamics and calcium-dependent transcriptional regulation.
Knockout of KCNJ2 in PaTu 8988t cells ablates Kir2.1-mediated currents, causing membrane depolarization and altered calcium homeostasis. These changes can disrupt signaling cascades controlling proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Given the association between potassium channel function and pancreatic tumor growth or chemoresistance, this model enables dissection of KCNJ2??s role in malignant phenotypes and identification of therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Researchers can apply these cells in patch clamp electrophysiology, DiBAC4(3) membrane potential assays, and ratiometric calcium imaging. Molecular analyses often include Western blotting, RT-qPCR, phospho-kinase arrays, and RNA sequencing. Experimental applications span functional studies of KCNJ2 in pancreatic cancer, ion channel modulator screening, and evaluation of membrane potential effects on cell cycle, apoptosis, and migration using Transwell and BrdU assays. The model also supports investigation of potassium channels in drug resistance. For further information or custom services, contact Ascent Research.
