HCT116 Cell Line
Repository ID: CL-HUM-009
Quick Facts
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Cell Line | HCT116 |
| Species | Human (Homo sapiens) |
| Tissue of Origin | Colon |
| Disease Association | Colorectal Carcinoma |
| Cell Type | Epithelial Cancer Cell |
| Growth Mode | Adherent |
| Morphology | Polygonal, epithelial-like |
| Typical Medium | McCoy's 5A Medium + 10% FBS |
| Doubling Time | 18-24 hours |
| Passage | 70-90% confluency |
| Main Use | Colorectal cancer research, DNA repair, CRISPR gene editing, and cell cycle studies |
Overview
HCT116 is one of the most extensively characterized human colorectal carcinoma cell lines and is widely used in cancer biology research. It is valued for its rapid proliferation, high transfection efficiency, functional p53 signaling, and microsatellite instability (MSI), making it a cornerstone model for investigating colorectal cancer, DNA repair mechanisms, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation.
Due to its genetic stability and compatibility with gene-editing technologies, HCT116 has become one of the most frequently used cell lines for CRISPR-Cas9 studies and functional genomics.
Origin
- Established from a human colorectal carcinoma.
- One of the best-characterized colorectal cancer cell lines.
- Frequently used to generate knockout and CRISPR-engineered cell lines.
Unique Biology
One of the defining characteristics of HCT116 cells is their microsatellite instability (MSI) resulting from defects in the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway. Consequently, they serve as a classical model for studying genomic instability, Lynch syndrome, and colorectal cancer progression.
Unlike many colorectal cancer cell lines, HCT116 retains functional p53, making it particularly valuable for investigating DNA damage responses, apoptosis, tumor suppressor biology, and cell cycle checkpoints.
HCT116 cells also exhibit excellent transfection efficiency and are highly amenable to CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, homologous recombination, and stable transfection, making them one of the preferred models for functional genetic studies.
Culture Considerations
Typical culture conditions include:
- McCoy's 5A Medium
- 10% Fetal Bovine Serum
- 37°C
- 5% CO₂
Cells grow as an adherent monolayer and are generally passaged at 70-90% confluency to maintain healthy exponential growth.
Major Applications
HCT116 cells are widely used for:
- Colorectal cancer research
- DNA mismatch repair studies
- Microsatellite instability research
- p53 signaling
- Cell cycle regulation
- Apoptosis research
- CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing
- Functional genomics
- Drug screening
- Cancer metabolism
Strengths
- Well-characterized human colorectal cancer model
- Functional p53 signaling
- Microsatellite instability phenotype
- Excellent transfection efficiency
- Highly suitable for CRISPR gene editing
- Extensive scientific literature support
Limitations
- Represents only one subtype of colorectal cancer
- Derived from malignant rather than normal colon epithelium
- Lacks the complexity of the native tumor microenvironment
- Long-term culture may introduce genetic drift
References
- Freshney RI. Culture of Animal Cells: A Manual of Basic Technique and Specialized Applications.
- ATCC Cell Line Database.
- Cellosaurus Cell Line Knowledgebase.
- ECACC Cell Line Collection.
- Brattain MG et al. Cancer Research. 1981.