CHO-pro3 is a cell line derived from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that are proline-dependent for growth. This means that they require the amino acid proline as an essential nutrient for survival and proliferation.
The proline-dependency of CHO-pro3 cells is due to a mutation in the gene that codes for the enzyme pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (P5CR), which is involved in the biosynthesis of proline from glutamate. The mutation results in a loss of P5CR activity, leading to a dependence on exogenous proline for cell growth.
CHO-pro3 cells have been used in the production of recombinant proteins, particularly those that require high levels of proline for folding and stability. By providing proline in the growth medium, high levels of recombinant protein expression can be achieved in CHO-pro3 cells.
Overall, CHO-pro3 is a useful cell line for the production of certain recombinant proteins that require high levels of proline for proper folding and stability. Its proline-dependency can be both a limitation and an advantage depending on the specific protein being produced and the requirements of the production process.