Caco-2 (Cancer coli-2) is derived from colorectal adenocarcinoma and grows as an adherent monolayer of epithelial cells. Caco-2 cell line is a widely used intestinal epithelium model and has unique spontaneous differentiation and confluence property. It actively transports vitamins, hormones, amino acids and sugars. Caco-2 expresses various enzymes, ionic and non-ionic transporters similar to normal human epithelia. Caco-2 cell line models grow on filter support. They have simplicity and reproducibility and provide reliable information. Since Caco-2 mimics the intestinal epithelium, it is the preferred cell model for cytotoxic studies, food and drug transport studies.
