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'Omics driven discoveries of gene targets for apoptosis attenuation in CHO cells

Camila A Orellana^1,2, Verónica S Martínez³, Michael A MacDonald³

¹Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering

|September 1, 2020

Abstract:

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are widely used in biopharmaceutical production. Improvements to cell lines and bioprocesses are constantly being explored. One of the major limitations of CHO cell culture is that the cells undergo apoptosis, leading to rapid cell death, which impedes reaching high recombinant protein titres. While several genetic engineering strategies have been successfully employed to reduce apoptosis, there is still room to further enhance CHO cell lines performance. 'Omics analysis is a powerful tool to better understand different phenotypes and for the identification of gene targets for engineering. Here, we present a comprehensive review of previous CHO 'omics studies that revealed changes in the expression of apoptosis-related genes. We highlight targets for genetic engineering that have reduced, or have the potential to reduce, apoptosis or to increase cell proliferation in CHO cells, with the final aim of increasing productivity.

Insights

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are crucial for biopharmaceutical production but suffer from apoptosis, limiting protein yield. Omics studies reveal genetic targets to engineer CHO cells, reduce apoptosis, and boost productivity.

Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Cell Biology
Genomics

Background:

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are essential for biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Apoptosis (programmed cell death) in CHO cells limits recombinant protein production yields.
Genetic engineering offers strategies to improve CHO cell performance, but further enhancements are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

To review omics studies in CHO cells focusing on apoptosis-related gene expression.
To identify potential gene targets for engineering CHO cells to reduce apoptosis.
To enhance CHO cell line performance and increase biopharmaceutical productivity.

Main Methods:

Comprehensive literature review of CHO omics studies.
Analysis of gene expression changes related to apoptosis.
Identification of gene targets for genetic engineering.

Main Results:

Omics analyses have identified numerous apoptosis-related genes in CHO cells.
Several gene targets have been validated for reducing apoptosis or enhancing proliferation.
Review highlights potential targets for future CHO cell line engineering.

Conclusions:

Omics data provide valuable insights into CHO cell apoptosis.
Targeted genetic engineering based on omics findings can improve CHO cell productivity.
Further research into identified gene targets can optimize biopharmaceutical production.

Read full analysis

Keywords:

Chinese hamster ovary cells apoptosis biopharmaceutical production genetic engineering ‘omics

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