The KRT2 Knockout HCT 116 Polyclonal Cells are a CRISPR/Cas9-edited polyclonal knockout cell population generated from the HCT116 colorectal carcinoma line. This product provides a heterogeneous pool of cells harboring diverse CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruptions of the KRT2 gene, offering a loss-of-function model that captures population-level genetic perturbation without single-cell cloning. The polyclonal format enables robust assessment of gene disruption effects in a cellular context relevant to cancer biology.
HCT116 is a widely utilized human colorectal carcinoma epithelial cell line isolated from an adult male colon. It serves as a robust model for colorectal cancer research, characterized by rapid growth, well-defined genetic background, and high amenability to genetic modification, making it ideal for targeted knockout studies and downstream functional assays.
KRT2 encodes keratin 2, a type II intermediate filament protein that forms heterodimers with KRT10 to provide structural integrity to suprabasal epidermal layers. KRT2 expression is transcriptionally regulated by upstream factors such as TP63, AP-1 transcription factors, calcium-induced differentiation signals, and protein kinase C. Downstream, KRT2 promotes KRT10 intermediate filament assembly, desmosomal protein organization, and cornified envelope formation, interacting directly with filaggrin, loricrin, desmoplakin, and transglutaminase 1. These molecular interactions are essential for maintaining mechanical resilience and barrier function in keratinocytes. Disruption of KRT2 impairs cytoskeletal organization, compromising cellular integrity and stress response.
In the HCT116 colorectal cancer context, KRT2 knockout enables investigation of keratin functions beyond epidermal biology. Intermediate filaments influence cell migration, invasion, and drug sensitivity, making this model valuable for dissecting the contribution of keratins to colorectal cancer progression. It also allows exploration of non-canonical keratin roles in epithelial tumors and serves as a platform to model diseases associated with KRT2 dysregulation, such as epidermolytic hyperkeratosis and squamous cell carcinoma.
Typical applications include Western blotting for KRT2 and KRT10, immunofluorescence microscopy to visualize cytoskeletal networks, transwell migration and invasion assays, drug sensitivity profiling, and RT-qPCR analysis of differentiation markers. The polyclonal population can be used in pooled genetic screens or for isolation of individual clones. For further technical details or ordering information, please contact Ascent Research.
