THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE SHIFT ON GLUTAMINE METABOLISM IN HYBRIDOMA CELL CULTURE

Abstract

Hybridoma technology has revolutionized an industry that is dependent on therapeutic and diagnostic proteins. The in-vitro generation of hybridoma cells has made it possible for the optimization of hybridoma cell lines and large scale production of monoclonal antibodies. Technological improvements such as genetic modification with glutamine synthethase and the engineering concept of perfusion have been used to optimize protein production. Temperature shift has been shown to increase protein expression in the Chinese Hamster Ovary cell line, however, it remains to be demonstrated for hybridoma cells. Metabolic control of the consumption of glutamine and production of end products such as lactate and ammonium could result in a higher yield in protein expression. The purpose of this experiment is to characterize the effects of a shift in temperature from normal incubation temperature on glutamine. Optimal concentration of glutamine metabolism in relationship with monoclonal antibody production in hybridoma cell lines will be determined. This synergistic process could optimize the in-vitro production of proteins in hybridoma cell lines.