Introduction to PANC-1 Cells
PANC-1 is a human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell line derived in 1975 from the pancreatic tumor tissue of a 56-year-old Caucasian male patient. This cell line is widely used as a representative model of pancreatic cancer due to its well-defined epithelial morphology, robust growth, and capacity to mimic many of the biological and molecular characteristics of human pancreatic tumors. PANC-1 cells harbor multiple genetic alterations typical of PDAC, including mutations in the KRAS oncogene (commonly G12D or G12V), inactivation of tumor suppressor genes such as TP53 and CDKN2A, and dysregulation of signaling pathways like MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and TGF-β.
These genetic and phenotypic features contribute to the aggressive, invasive behavior of PANC-1 cells, which exhibit high proliferative potential, resistance to apoptosis, and metastatic capabilities under in vivo conditions. Furthermore, PANC-1 cells demonstrate metabolic adaptations common in pancreatic cancer, including enhanced glycolysis, altered lipid metabolism, and resistance to oxidative stress. Their adaptability to various culture systems, including 2D monolayers, 3D spheroids, and co-cultures with stromal components, makes PANC-1 cells a versatile platform for studying tumor biology, cancer-stroma interactions, and therapeutic responses.
Importance of Transfection in PANC-1 Cells
Genetic manipulation of PANC-1 cells through transfection is indispensable for dissecting the molecular underpinnings of pancreatic cancer, identifying novel therapeutic targets, and validating candidate genes involved in tumor growth, invasion, and drug resistance. Techniques such as plasmid DNA delivery, siRNA and miRNA-mediated gene silencing, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing require efficient, reproducible transfection protocols. However, PANC-1 cells are known to be relatively difficult to transfect due to their robust cytoskeletal structure, variable membrane permeability, and sensitivity to transfection-associated stress, which often results in suboptimal gene delivery and reduced cell viability with standard reagents.
Altogen PANC-1 Transfection Reagent Overview
To address these challenges, Altogen has developed a PANC-1 Transfection Reagent optimized for high-efficiency nucleic acid delivery specifically tailored to the unique properties of PANC-1 cells. This reagent utilizes a proprietary blend of cationic lipids and polymers designed to enhance cellular uptake, promote endosomal escape, and reduce cytotoxic effects commonly encountered with conventional transfection agents.
Altogen’s PANC-1 reagent is compatible with serum-containing media, enabling transfection under near-physiological conditions that preserve cell viability and function. It supports a broad range of nucleic acid types, including plasmid DNA, siRNA, miRNA, mRNA, and CRISPR/Cas9 constructs, facilitating diverse experimental applications.
Performance testing has shown transfection efficiencies of up to 80% with plasmid DNA and 75% with siRNA in PANC-1 cells, while maintaining cell viability above 85%. These metrics enable robust gene expression or silencing, critical for reliable functional assays and molecular studies.
Transfection Protocol and Optimization
For optimal transfection, PANC-1 cells should be seeded at 40-60% confluence and incubated overnight in complete growth medium. Nucleic acids are combined with the Altogen reagent in serum-free medium to form complexes, which are then added directly to cells in serum-containing medium without the need for medium replacement post-transfection. Expression or knockdown can be monitored 24-72 hours after transfection depending on the application.
Optimization of reagent-to-nucleic acid ratios, nucleic acid purity, and cell health is essential to maximize transfection efficiency and minimize cytotoxicity. The reagent is sterile, endotoxin-free, and stable for up to 12 months when stored at 4°C. Troubleshooting guidance is provided to assist with common challenges such as inconsistent transfection efficiency or cell toxicity.
Product Availability and Competitive Advantages
Altogen offers the PANC-1 Transfection Reagent in multiple sizes (0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, and 8 mL) to accommodate research ranging from small-scale gene function studies to large-scale screening. Compared to traditional agents like PEI or Lipofectamine, the Altogen reagent exhibits superior efficiency and lower toxicity in PANC-1 cells, streamlining workflows and improving experimental reproducibility.
Research Applications
This reagent is widely used for gene silencing of oncogenes such as KRAS and MYC, overexpression of tumor suppressors like TP53, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and reporter gene assays (e.g., luciferase and GFP). It also supports co-transfection protocols, enabling complex experimental designs for pathway analysis and drug target validation. These applications make it an invaluable tool for pancreatic cancer research focused on tumor biology, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance mechanisms.
Request the Altogen PANC-1 Transfection Reagent
For efficient, reproducible, and low-toxicity transfection of PANC-1 cells, request the Altogen PANC-1 Transfection Reagent today. Visit the official product page for details and ordering.