Rapid Antibody Glycoengineering in CHO Cells Via RNA Interference and CGE-LIF N-Glycomics

The impact of the glycan distribution on the in vivo function and half-life of monoclonal antibodies has long motivated the genetic engineering of producer cells to achieve structures that enhance efficacy, safety and stability. To facilitate glycoengineering of IgG-producing Chinese hamster ovary cells, we present a rapid protocol that involves the use of RNA interference for the knockdown of genes of interest coupled with capillary gel electrophoresis and laser-induced fluorescence detection (CGE-LIF) for fast, high-throughput glycan analysis. We apply this methodology to the Fut8 gene, responsible for the addition of core fucose, which is a typical target for increasing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.