The KIF16B Knockout SK-HEP-1 Polyclonal Cells are a CRISPR/Cas9-edited polyclonal population of SK-HEP-1 liver adenocarcinoma cells carrying a disrupted KIF16B gene. This model facilitates loss-of-function studies without clonal isolation, providing a robust genetic background for analyzing KIF16B-dependent phenotypes.
SK-HEP-1 is a tumorigenic human hepatic adenocarcinoma cell line derived from the ascites of a 52-year-old male patient. Known for its epithelial morphology and reliability in liver cancer research, this line retains active EGFR and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, making it highly suitable for investigations of receptor trafficking and tumor cell biology.
KIF16B is a plus-end-directed kinesin motor that binds phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) on early endosomes, driving their microtubule-dependent transport. Regulated by the small GTPase Rab5, KIF16B collaborates with sorting nexins (SNX) and the dynein-dynactin complex to sort internalized receptors, including EGFR, for recycling to the plasma membrane. By facilitating efficient EGFR recycling, KIF16B sustains downstream AKT signaling; its disruption attenuates AKT phosphorylation and alters cell migration and proliferation.
In SK-HEP-1 cells, KIF16B knockout impairs the spatial control of EGFR, thereby reducing AKT pathway activity. This disruption provides a powerful model to study endosomal regulation of oncogenic signaling in liver cancer, with direct relevance to mechanisms of EGFR-driven proliferation, drug resistance, and metastatic behavior. The polyclonal editing strategy avoids artifacts from clonal selection while maintaining a predominantly KIF16B-null background.
Applications include Western blot analysis of EGFR and phospho-AKT (Ser473), transferrin-based endocytosis assays, immunofluorescence staining for EEA1 and Rab5, scratch wound migration assays, and cell proliferation measurements. The model is ideally suited for exploring endocytic trafficking??s role in liver cancer drug resistance and metastasis. For inquiries, contact Ascent Research.
