The Caki-1 cell line is a human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell line derived from a metastatic site (skin) of a clear cell renal carcinoma in a 49-year-old Caucasian male. This cell line is widely used as an in vitro model for studying the biology of renal cell carcinoma and for evaluating potential therapeutic strategies for this type of cancer.

The Caki-1 cells exhibit epithelial morphology and retain some characteristics of primary renal cell carcinoma, such as the expression of certain renal cell markers. Additionally, the Caki-1 cell line carries a mutation in the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene, which is a common feature in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The loss of functional VHL protein leads to the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), which in turn promotes the expression of various genes involved in angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and survival.

Researchers use the Caki-1 cell line to study various aspects of renal cell carcinoma, including the role of VHL and HIFs, cancer cell metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, and drug resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, the Caki-1 cell line serves as a valuable tool for drug screening and testing the efficacy of novel targeted therapies and immunotherapeutic approaches for renal cell carcinoma.