Authors: Simon Ciprari, Vaishnavi Kanduri, Mariana Holladay, Dyllan Rives, and Dr. Mark Blenner
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mark Blenner
College: College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences
Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines are utilized to produce therapeutics, however, selection methods for these cell lines are time-consuming and expensive. Finding cost-efficient ways to increase the efficacy of CHO cell lines is crucial to ensure the quality and availability of novel treatments. Genetic markers identified in native cell lines could optimize cell lines and decrease selection time. Our research aims to compare immature Follicle B (FoB) cells to mature bone marrow plasma cells (BMPC) acquired from mice to characterize genes that allow for antibody production. Identified genetic markers in the BMPC are further compared to Immunoglobulin G (IgG) producing CHO cells to determine similarities and differences. The CHO-IgG cell line was compared to a wild type cell line to account for the variations in production. Differential expression analysis, using the DESeq2 software package, was employed to find upregulated and downregulated genes in each cell line. Heatmaps and volcano plots were also used for data analysis. Gene pathways of BMPC cells and CHO-IgG were mapped using the STRING program. Mouse B-cell signaling pathways contribute to immune, cancer, and metabolic systems. CHO cell signaling pathways contribute to reproduction and cancer systems. Both are generally involved in metabolic, apoptosis, immune systems.
Mariana Holladay 2020 Undergraduate Research Symposium
