Calu-3 Transfection Reagent (Lung Carcinoma Cells, HTB-55)

In this study, researchers conducted side-by-side experiments to compare the structure and transport function of three lung epithelial cell lines, which include: Calu-3, normal human bronchial primary cells (NHBE), and NL-20. The three cell lines were cultured in air-liquid interface (ALI) culture conditions for 20 days. Results from various assays found that Calu-3 and NHBE cells exhibited lower paracellular permeability and higher TEER values compared to NL-20 cells. Calu-3 cells were found to form intact cell monolayers, whereas NHBE and NL-20 cells formed multilayers. Calu-3 also exhibited cytometric features for mimicking an in vivo  airway epithelium. These findings suggest that the monolayers formed in Calu-3 cells have the potential to be used as functional cell barriers for the transport of lung-targeted drugs. [ LINK ]

Calu-3 cells are characterized as a human bronchial cell line composed of serous cells of airway submucosal glands that are responsible for secreting electrolytes that facilitate airway hydration. This study analyzes the effect of epinephrine on Calu-3 electrolyte transport. Results found that epinephrine stimulated anion secretion through two different channels: cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and a Ca2+ activated Chlorine channel, in turn altering mucociliary clearance. Treating Calu-3 cells with epinephrine also resulted in increased cAMP and Ca2+. [ LINK ]