Table 3 The comparison of morphological and molecular characteristics of Caco-2 and HT-29-derived spheroids
Characteristic | Cell type | |
|---|---|---|
Caco-2 | HT-29 | |
Sphere formation method | Free floating (suspension) culture | Hanging drop method |
Complexity of setup | Simple (spontaneous formation) | Moderate |
Cost and reproducibility | Low cost High reproducibility | Low cost High reproducibility Time consuming and extensive handling necessary |
Spheroid formation rate (spheroidization time) | 3Â days | 4Â days |
Spheroid structure maintenance | Moderate (stable for 5Â days) | High (stable up to 12Â days) |
Morphological characteristics | Round-shape, hollow structures with bubble like structures | Round-shape, smooth surface and compact morphology |
Secondary sphere formation ability | Yes | Yes |
Spheroid size (average) | Medium (66.9 ± 14.88 µm) | Large (82.52 ± 22.56 µm) |
CSC enrichment capacity | Yes | Yes |
Up-regulated stemness genes | SOX2, C-MYC, KLF4 | SOX2, C-MYC, OCT4, NANOG |
CSCs surface markers up-regulation | +  +  | +  |
MDR genes up-regulation | No | Yes (ABCB1 and ABCG2) |
Up-regulated EMT genes | SNAIL1, E-cadherin, Vimentin | TWIST1, SNAIL1, ZEB1, E-cadherin |