Human CALCA Stable Cell Line - HCE-T

The CALCA gene (formally known as Calcitonin-Related Polypeptide Alpha) is a complex gene of critical biological significance, localized to human chromosome 11. In the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland, CALCA gene transcripts undergo splicing to produce calcitonin—a classic hormone that plays fundamental physiological roles in maintaining calcium homeostasis, regulating phosphate metabolism, and modulating bone remodeling. Conversely, within the central and peripheral nervous systems, the exact same primary transcript is processed to generate Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (widely referred to as CGRP). CGRP is a potent neuropeptide comprising 37 amino acids and stands as one of the most powerful microvasodilators currently identified in the human body. Acting as a key neurotransmitter and neuromodulator, it is intimately involved in pain perception, the transmission of pain signals, and the initiation of neurogenic inflammation.

Derived from the HCE-T cell line, the "Human CALCA Stable Cell Line" is an in vitro research model specifically designed to accelerate research in the fields of ocular surface biology, neuro-epithelial interactions, and ophthalmic pharmacology. The foundational HCE-T cell line upon which this model is built is an immortalized human corneal epithelial cell model, originally immortalized through the introduction of the SV40 Large T antigen. By stably integrating the human CALCA gene into the host genome of HCE-T cells, this engineered cell product ensures the sustained, robust, and highly consistent expression of CALCA-derived peptides within a biologically relevant corneal cellular microenvironment. It is particularly well-suited for modeling the intricate paracrine signaling pathways and bidirectional interactions between the corneal epithelium and the ocular nervous system. Scientists widely utilize this cell model to delve into the precise molecular mechanisms underlying CGRP-mediated neurogenic inflammation, cellular proliferation, and the accelerated healing of corneal wounds. Furthermore, this human CALCA-expressing stable HCE-T cell line is also applicable to high-throughput drug screening.