CHL Cells

The CHL (Chinese Hamster Lung) cell line is derived from the lung tissue of the Chinese hamster, Cricetulus griseus. This cell line is commonly used in biomedical research due to its sensitivity to mutagens and its utility in cytogenetic tests such as the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay. The CHL cell line has proven especially useful in genetic toxicology for evaluating the potential genotoxicity of chemical compounds. Its genomic stability and relatively high proliferation rate make it a suitable model for studying mechanisms of mutation and for assessing the cytotoxicity of various substances.

CHL cells grow in a monolayer and are adherent, with a fibroblast-like morphology. They are karyotypically male and have been used extensively in research that requires a mammalian system for metabolic activation of chemical compounds. The cell line supports the growth of various viruses and is hence also used in virology research. It’s important to maintain them under carefully controlled conditions to prevent changes in their characteristics and to ensure reproducibility of experimental results. The CHL cell line continues to be a critical resource in the fields of toxicology, pharmacology, and molecular biology.