Chinese hamster ovary cell

Chinese hamster ovary cell (CHO) is a type of cell line derived from the ovary of the Chinese hamster. CHO cells are widely used in biological and medical research, particularly in the production of therapeutic proteins and vaccines.

History

The CHO cell line was first established in the 1950s by Theodore Puck, a pioneer in the field of cell biology. Puck and his team isolated the cells from the ovary of a Chinese hamster, hence the name.

Characteristics

CHO cells are epithelial in nature and have a high growth rate, making them ideal for use in cell culture. They are also highly adaptable, able to grow in a variety of media and conditions. This adaptability, combined with their ability to produce proteins, has made them a popular choice for protein production in the biotechnology industry.

Applications

CHO cells are used in a wide range of applications. They are most commonly used in the production of therapeutic proteins, such as monoclonal antibodies, hormones, and enzymes. They are also used in the production of vaccines, including those for hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV).

In addition to their use in protein production, CHO cells are also used in genetic research. They are often used in gene knockout studies, where specific genes are "knocked out" or deactivated to study their function.

Future Directions

As the demand for therapeutic proteins and vaccines continues to grow, so too does the importance of CHO cells. Researchers are continually working to improve the efficiency and productivity of CHO cells, through methods such as genetic engineering and optimization of culture conditions.

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