The CBR4 Knockout MES-OV Polyclonal Cells are a population of CRISPR/Cas9-edited polyclonal knockout cells derived from the MES-OV mouse embryonic stem cell line. This product provides a loss-of-function model for the Cbr4 gene, enabling researchers to dissect the role of carbonyl reductase 4 in pluripotent stem cell biology. The polyclonal format offers a heterogeneous gene-disrupted cell pool, reflecting the diversity of editing outcomes typically achieved by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene disruption, without any clonal selection. This population is an ideal tool for studying the functional consequences of Cbr4 knockout in an undifferentiated, pluripotent context.
The host cell line, MES-OV, is an established murine embryonic stem cell model renowned for its robust pluripotency and capacity to differentiate into all three germ layers. MES-OV cells maintain a normal karyotype and express canonical pluripotency markers such as Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog. Their ability to form embryoid bodies and teratomas in vivo makes them a versatile system for investigating early developmental processes, stem cell maintenance, and lineage commitment. When combined with a gene knockout, this cell line allows for precise dissection of gene function in a well-characterized pluripotent background.
The Cbr4 gene encodes carbonyl reductase 4, an NADPH-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of carbonyl substrates including retinoids, steroids, and prostaglandins. CBR4 functions in retinol metabolism, xenobiotic detoxification, and fatty acid metabolism. Its expression is regulated by nuclear receptors and NRF2 in response to oxidative stress. CBR4 utilizes NADPH as a cofactor and interacts with cytochrome b5 and other carbonyl-reducing enzymes. Within the metabolic network, it works alongside alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH), cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT), and glutathione S-transferases (GST) to modulate substrate processing. Disruption of Cbr4 impairs reduction of reactive carbonyls and retinoic acid synthesis, altering downstream signaling.
In MES-OV embryonic stem cells, Cbr4 knockout has profound implications for pluripotency and differentiation. Retinoic acid, derived via CBR4-mediated reduction of retinal, is a morphogen that drives differentiation. Loss of CBR4 activity likely reduces retinoic acid levels, potentially sustaining pluripotency or altering lineage commitment. Compromised detoxification may also increase susceptibility to oxidative stress and xenobiotic toxicity. This model enables dissection of how metabolic reprogramming and redox balance influence stem cell fate decisions.
These CBR4 Knockout MES-OV Polyclonal Cells support diverse research applications, including studies of retinoic acid signaling during development, metabolic reprogramming, and xenobiotic toxicity. Assays such as LC-MS metabolic profiling, retinoic acid quantification, embryoid body formation, and flow cytometry for pluripotency markers can be employed. The polyclonal knockout population is also suitable for drug toxicity screening in a stem cell context. For detailed product specifications and ordering information, please contact Ascent Research.
