KCNK3 Knockout HCT 116 Polyclonal Cells are a CRISPR/Cas9-edited polyclonal knockout population with targeted disruption of the KCNK3 gene in human HCT 116 colorectal carcinoma cells. This heterogeneous pool of edited cells enables loss?of?function studies without clonal selection bias, providing a robust model for investigating the roles of the TASK?1 background potassium channel in epithelial cancer cell physiology.
The HCT 116 cell line is a widely used model of colorectal adenocarcinoma derived from a human male. These epithelial cells retain key oncogenic signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt, MAPK, PI3K) and are highly proliferative, making them suitable for studying cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and drug sensitivity. Their genetic tractability facilitates efficient CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to create knockout models for cancer research.
KCNK3 encodes TASK?1, a pH? and hypoxia?sensitive two?pore domain potassium channel that regulates resting membrane potential and cellular excitability. Its activity is controlled by upstream factors including G?protein coupled receptors (e.g., 5?HT receptors), PKA, PKC, and anesthetics. Channel inhibition, triggered by G??q?coupled signals or acidosis, induces membrane depolarization, opening voltage?gated calcium channels (CaV1.2) and elevating intracellular Ca2?. This calcium influx, mediated in part by 14?3?3 proteins and syntaxin, influences downstream processes such as proliferation and apoptosis. KCNK3 also heterodimerizes with TASK?3, affecting channel trafficking. Consequently, TASK?1 integrates signals from cAMP?PKA, phospholipase C, and calcium pathways to modulate cellular responses.
In HCT 116 cells, KCNK3 disruption allows dissection of its contributions to membrane potential dynamics, calcium signaling, and cancer cell behavior, particularly under hypoxia or altered pH conditions typical of the tumor microenvironment. The polyclonal knockout captures heterogeneous editing outcomes, better reflecting tumor genetic variability. This model also aids understanding of KCNK3??s role in diseases like pulmonary arterial hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias, expanding its utility beyond oncology.
This product supports diverse assays: western blotting and RT?qPCR for knockout validation, immunofluorescence for channel localization, patch?clamp electrophysiology for potassium current recording, and membrane potential or calcium imaging for functional analyses. Phenotypic assays for proliferation, apoptosis, and migration/invasion are also applicable. It is well?suited for drug screening targeting K2P channels and for basic research into ion channel?mediated signaling in epithelial cancers. For further details, contact Ascent Research.
