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Customized Caco-2 Cell Monolayer Models

Caco-2 cells are immortalized human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. They exhibit characteristics similar to normal enterocytes when grown on plastic dishes or nitrocellulose filters. The differentiated Caco-2 cells show features identical to small bowel enterocytes, such as brush-border microvilli. Caco-2 cells also possess the ability to produce various cytokines, which include interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-15, and tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α). Caco-2 cell lines are extremely useful for studying intestinal diseases owing to their close similarity to intestinal epithelial cells and are an advanced in vitro model that simulates the human intestinal barrier.

Fig. 1. In vitro intestinal transport and anti-inflammatory properties of ideain across Caco-2 transwell model. (Denaro et al., 2020)

Our Caco-2 Based In Vitro Models

At Ace Therapeutics, we have developed an in vitro 2D cell culture model using differentiated Caco-2 cells that can be manipulated to mimic the intestine in healthy or inflamed states. Our Caco-2 monolayer cells allow us to help clients identify drugs with potential absorption problems and select the best candidates with good passive absorption properties in IBD drug discovery programs.

Why Choose Our Caco-2 Cell Monolayer Models

• Good availability and constant culture.
• Can form a stable tightly connected network measurable by transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER).
• Can spontaneously differentiate into polarized enterocytes and correlate well with human tissues, especially in permeability and drug uptake.

Caco-2 Cell-Based Assays for IBD Drugs

We help clients screen drug candidates or evaluate the efficacy of IBD drugs for the treatment of intestinal inflammation through Caco-2 cell-based in vitro models. We aim to accelerate the process of preclinical IBD studies for pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

• Intestinal epithelial integrity measurements: We help clients study how the intestine monitors barrier defects in its microenvironment and communicates with the immune system through Caco-2 cells.
• Inflammatory factor analysis: Inflammatory responses are induced by treating Caco-2 cell monolayers or co-cultured Caco-2 cells and immune cells (e.g., monocytes, macrophages), and changes in inflammatory factors (e.g., IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, etc.) are detected.
• MTT (methylthiazolyl blue) or other cell survival/toxicity assays: Assess the effect of IBD drugs on Caco-2 cell survival and toxicity.
• Drug transporter and protein interaction analysis: Assess the interaction of IBD drugs with drug transporters (e.g., P-gp) or other proteins (e.g., receptors or enzymes) in Caco-2 cells to understand the mechanisms of drug transport and metabolism in the gut.

Ace Therapeutics' experienced team of in vitro laboratory scientists will work with you to understand your project and provide a customized project plan with a professional, flexible service, and a fast turnaround time. To request a consultation where we can discuss your exact requirements, please contact us.