STC cells, specifically STC-1 cells, are an intestinal neuroendocrine cell line derived from a mouse model.
Understanding STC-1 Cells
Here's a breakdown of what makes STC-1 cells unique:
- Origin: STC-1 cells were isolated in 1990 from the intestine of a 10-to-13-week-old mouse that had developed a carcinoma.
- Model: The cell line originates from the intestinal tumors of double transgenic mice. This means the mice had been genetically modified to develop these specific tumors.
- Classification: STC-1 cells are classified as neuroendocrine cells. Neuroendocrine cells release hormones and other signaling molecules, making them vital for various bodily functions, especially in the digestive system.
- Research Significance: Due to their unique properties, STC-1 cells have become an important in vitro research model for studies related to intestinal neuroendocrine physiology and pathology.
Key Characteristics of STC-1 Cells
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Type | Intestinal neuroendocrine cell line |
Source | Intestine of double transgenic mice |
Purpose | In vitro model for researching intestinal neuroendocrine function and related diseases. |
Notable Features | Exhibit properties of neuroendocrine cells, including hormone production. |
Why are STC-1 Cells Important for Research?
- Studying Intestinal Processes: Researchers use STC-1 cells to study how the intestine works, including hormone secretion, cell signaling, and disease mechanisms.
- Disease Modeling: The tumor origin of STC-1 cells makes them useful for investigating intestinal cancers and other related pathologies.
- In Vitro Advantages: Using a cell line like STC-1 allows for controlled experiments in a lab setting, avoiding the complexities and ethical concerns associated with animal models.
In summary, STC cells, specifically the STC-1 cell line, are valuable tools for scientists studying the complex interactions within the intestinal neuroendocrine system.