Description

The GATC Knockout HT-29 Cell Line is a CRISPR/Cas9-edited knockout cell line derived from human HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. This model features targeted disruption of the GATC gene, which encodes a subunit of the mitochondrial GatCAB amidotransferase complex. The loss-of-function is achieved through genome editing, providing a stable platform for investigating mitochondrial translation and cancer metabolism.

HT-29 cells are a well-characterized human colorectal adenocarcinoma line that retains epithelial morphology and is extensively used in cancer research. Their genetic tractability and relevance to colorectal tumor biology make them an ideal host for CRISPR-mediated knockout studies, particularly for exploring metabolic vulnerabilities in colon cancer.

GATC is a component of the GatCAB complex that catalyzes amidation of glutamyl-tRNA(Gln) to glutaminyl-tRNA(Gln), essential for mitochondrial protein synthesis. This complex includes QRSL1 (GatA) and GATB and functions with the mitochondrial ribosome. GATC expression is controlled by NRF1, PPARGC1A, and TFAM. Disruption of GATC abrogates this amidation, impairing synthesis of mitochondrially encoded OXPHOS subunits such as MT-ND1 and MT-CO1. Consequently, oxidative phosphorylation is compromised, reducing ATP levels, increasing ROS, and dissipating mitochondrial membrane potential. This also alters ATP5A expression and triggers metabolic reprogramming, impacting cancer cell proliferation.

In HT-29 colorectal cancer cells, GATC knockout creates a model of mitochondrial translation deficiency that mimics aspects of combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency disorders. The resulting reliance on glycolysis reveals metabolic vulnerabilities and can influence drug sensitivity. This system is valuable for studying how mitochondrial dysfunction interfaces with oncogenic pathways and for testing mitochondrial-targeted therapies in colorectal cancer.

Applications include metabolic flux analysis, drug sensitivity screening with mitochondrial inhibitors, and mechanistic studies of mitochondrial translation in cancer. Key assays are western blotting for OXPHOS subunits, ATP measurement, Seahorse respirometry, ROS detection, RT-qPCR of mitochondrial genes, and flow cytometry for mitochondrial mass and membrane potential. Viability and apoptosis assays can further characterize stress responses. This cell line is a versatile tool for cancer metabolism and mitochondrial disease research. For further information, please contact Ascent Research.