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Understanding and modulating apoptosis in industrial cell culture
1Genetics Institute/Wyeth-Ayerst Research, Cell and Molecular Sciences, 1 Burtt Road, Andover, MA 01810, USA. hlaken@genetics.com
Current Opinion in Biotechnology
|April 5, 2001
Summary
Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, limits therapeutic protein production in cell cultures. Understanding apoptosis mechanisms allows for strategies to prevent cell death and boost protein yields.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Bioprocessing
Background:
- Therapeutic recombinant protein production commonly uses large-scale eukaryotic cell cultures.
- Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is a known limitation impacting productivity in these systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of apoptosis on recombinant protein production.
- To identify strategies for mitigating apoptosis and enhancing cell culture productivity.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular mechanisms underlying apoptosis in eukaryotic cell cultures.
- Analysis of methods to manipulate cellular pathways and culture conditions to inhibit apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Apoptosis significantly reduces volumetric productivity in recombinant protein manufacturing.
- Targeting specific molecular events can effectively prevent apoptosis in cultured cells.
Conclusions:
- Preventing apoptosis is crucial for maximizing therapeutic protein yields.
- Modulating cellular processes and culture environments offers a viable strategy to enhance biopharmaceutical production.