Using Transfection to Study EMT Markers in BxPC-3 and PANC-1 Cells
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a hallmark of pancreatic cancer metastasis, conferring invasive potential and therapy resistance. BxPC-3 and PANC-1 cell lines are frequently employed to model EMT due to their epithelial and mesenchymal features, respectively.
Transfection-based methods provide a powerful means to study EMT-related genes such as E-cadherin (CDH1), vimentin (VIM), and transcription factors like ZEB1 and SNAI1. Using Altogen’s optimized transfection kits, researchers can deliver siRNA to silence epithelial markers in BxPC-3 cells or overexpress EMT-inducing genes in PANC-1 cells.
Quantitative PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence can then be used to monitor expression changes post-transfection. Dual-luciferase reporter assays targeting promoter activity of EMT genes further allow dissection of regulatory pathways. These assays can be enhanced by co-transfecting regulatory plasmids along with siRNA, all efficiently delivered using non-cytotoxic reagents.
EMT modulation via transfection not only elucidates cancer cell plasticity but also identifies novel therapeutic targets that regulate invasiveness, stemness, and chemoresistance.