Research Seminar
Dr. Octavio Tonatiuh Ramírez-Reivich from Instituto de Biotecnología, National Autonomous University of Mexico
Topic: Overexpression of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier in Chinese hamster ovary cells as a strategy to improve metabolic efficiency during the production of recombinant glycoproteins.
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Maryland Hall 224 (tentatively)/ https://wse.zoom.us/j/4868488540 (no pre-registration required)
Time: 4:30pm Eastern Time (USA), December 2nd, 2024
Abstract: Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are the system of choice for the production of recombinant proteins with adequate folding and glycosylation. However, their main limitation lies in a metabolic phenotype characterized by a high rate of glycolysis in the presence of oxygen, which results in elevated lactate production, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. In this presentation, a cell engineering strategy to contend with the Warburg effect will be shown. The strategy consisted of the overexpression of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) in CHO cell lines to facilitate the entry of pyruvate into mitochondria and its incorporation into oxidative pathways. The expression, correct localization and functionality of the two subunits that make up the transporter were confirmed, and their effect in improving the metabolic efficiency of CHO cell cultures was inferred as a decrease in lactate and ammonium production, an increase in cell concentration and growth rate, and an increase in the production of two model recombinant proteins: alkaline phosphatase and a monoclonal antibody. In conclusion, this study showed that pyruvate transport to mitochondria limits the efficiency of glucose oxidation, which can be overcome by a cell engineering approach such as MPC overexpression, which was able to activate a more balanced growth and reduce the Warburg effect, without compromising the glucose consumption rate and maximum cell concentration.
Job Postings
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Location: Johns Hopkins University
Department: Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Application Deadline: Accepting applications now until position is filled
Start Date: Fall 2024 if filled
Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join our dynamic research team in the Betenbaugh lab at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. The successful candidate will lead a project focused on overcoming rate-limiting steps in the production of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) using the Sf9/recombinant baculovirus (rBV) expression system to achieve higher yields of high-quality and functionally active rAAV by applying computational modelling and complementary experimental/analytical techniques. A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, or a related field is desired.
Qualifications (does not have to be comprehensive):
- Background in molecular biology, virology, and protein expression
- Experience with baculovirus and rAAV technologies
- Experience with advanced microscopy, mathematical modeling, and machine learning techniques.
- Proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and experimental design.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Application Instructions:
Interested candidates should submit a Curriculum Vitae, a cover letter detailing their research experience and interests, and contact information for three references to betenbaughlab@jhu.edu with copies to beten.office@gmail.com and mjbeten@gmail.com. We look forward to your application and joining our team to advance AAV technology with the goal of bringing more therapeutic options to patients!
Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.
The College of Engineering’s School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering (CMB) at the University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications for two 9-month tenure-track assistant professor positions to begin August 1, 2025. These positions will report directly to the School Chair of CMB, a position currently held on an interim basis by Mark Eiteman.
Advancing biotechnology and biomanufacturing innovations are critical for spurring a circular bioeconomy in the United States to produce sustainable chemicals, materials, and industrial products. Similarly, biomanufacturing of therapeutic cell and gene therapies has the potential to provide novel treatments for diseases and disorders in applications such as regenerative medicine and cancer. The School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering seeks applications from exceptional candidates in all aspects of bio-based manufacturing from production, processing, characterization, and scale-up to downstream processing. Examples of interdisciplinary research fields include cellular engineering, gene editing and therapies, synthetic biology, antibody and protein design and production, biocatalysis and enzyme engineering, bioreactor design, metabolic engineering and fermentation, and other biochemical routes to synthesize platform chemicals, sustainable materials, proteins, biopolymers, and other industrial products from biological resources.
The successful candidate is expected to:
- establish an outstanding, internationally recognized research program,
- foster and establish collaborations and partnerships within and outside the College of Engineering, as well as industry,
- exhibit a strong commitment to teaching excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels,
- compete successfully for extramural funding to support research and a companion graduate and postdoctoral training program.
Upcoming Meeting
Check back soon!
Past Meetings
Meeting at European Society for Animal Cell Technology (ESACT) Conference
June 24, 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland at the ESACT Conference.
Meeting at the Cell Culture Engineering XVIII Conference
April 23, 2023 at the Cell Culture Engineering XVIII Conference.
Meeting at European Society for Animal Cell Technology (ESACT) Conference
June 27, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal at the ESACT Conference.
Kick-off Meeting
The Kick-off Meeting occurred April 14, 2022. A recording will be made available. In the meantime, if interested in viewing please email: ibione@uml.edu.