Agtr1 Knockout cell line (CHO-K1)

CRISPR knockout cell lines are engineered through targeted genome editing to eliminate gene function, supporting studies of cellular biology, disease mechanisms, and drug discovery.

Ahr (aryl-hydrocarbon receptor) encodes a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates biological responses to planar aromatic hydrocarbons and other environmental compounds. In the absence of ligand, the receptor is retained in the cytoplasm. Ligand binding promotes its translocation to the nucleus, where it activates target gene transcription, including genes encoding xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes such as cytochrome P450 proteins. Alternative splicing produces transcript variants encoding different isoforms.

The CHO-K1 cell line was derived as a distinct karyotypic subclone from the parental CHO cell line, which was originally initiated by T. T. Puck in 1957 from an ovary biopsy of an adult Chinese hamster. Due to the absence of a critical gene in the proline biosynthetic pathway—specifically blocked at the step converting glutamic acid to glutamine $gamma$ semialdehyde—these cells strictly require exogenous proline supplementation for survival and growth. Additionally, CHO-K1 cells exhibit distinct morphological changes in response to cholera toxin, serving as a premier and robust host model globally utilized for recombinant protein expression, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, and genetic research.

Each knockout cell line is validated by STR authentication, sterility testing (bacteria/fungi), and mycoplasma screening. Genotype is confirmed by two rounds of PCR and Sanger sequencing. Only clones that pass all QC criteria are released, ensuring reliable identity and performance for downstream applications.