Are there advantages with the MDR1-MDCK cell model, compared to Caco-2?
Yes, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells transfected with human MDR1 ensure little or no interference from other human drug transporters. Caco-2, on the other hand, is a human epithelial cell line which expresses multiple human transporters in addition to P-gp. It can be more challenging to demonstrate P-gp specificity with Caco-2 cells, even with the use of transporter-specific inhibitors. In addition, MDCK cells have a faster culture time and exhibit quick and distinct polarization with tight junctions.
