This course provides participants with fundamental knowledge of cutting-edge cloning strategies essential for mammalian cell line development, specifically geared towards protein overproduction with specific quality attributes. With a focus on the industrial-relevant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO DG44) cells as the expression model, attendees will delve into crucial aspects such as the selection of expression vectors, understanding host cell genetics and physiology, and implementing effective screening strategies to maximize production yields. Additionally, the course highlights various facets of cell culture techniques in small-scale disposable wave bags and glass bioreactors.

June 2 – 4, 2027

$3,100 registration fee

Register

Attend and you will learn 

• Current CHO cell-based expression platforms (DG44 and GS systems)
• Strategies for choosing the expression vector
• CHO cell based genetics and physiology to maximize protein production
• Mammalian cells transfection methods
• Selection of the recombinant clones (dilution cloning)
• Manual and automatic methods for screening the best producers
• Gene editing tools (CRISPR, TALEN, ZNF, siRNA, etc.) for metabolic engineering
• Best nutritional and environmental conditions for maximum recombinant protein production
• Overview with hands-on experience in setting up and operating small-scale glass and wave bag disposable bioreactors for optimal mammalian cell growth and protein expression
• Detection and analysis of the protein of interest (SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA)
• Cell banking (cryopreservation) and quality control (mycoplasma detection, etc.)

Schedule

Day 1	Lectures • Biopharmaceutical Products and Processes • Introduction to Mammalian Cell Culture • Mammalian Expression System/Transfection of Mammalian Cells Lab Activities • Cell Initiation, Cell Counting, Kill Curve • Plasmid Purification, Nanodrop, Transient Transfection of CHO Cells
Day 2	Lectures • Clone Selection Strategies in Mammalian Cell Line Development • Bioreactor Modes, Growth Media and Feeding Strategies • Single-Use Bioreactors Lab Activities • Dilution Cloning, Cell Subculture • Glass Bioreactor/Fed Batch • Cultibag and Bioreactor Orientation
Day 3	Lectures • Strategies for Enhancing Protein Production in CHO Cells • Genome Editing Tools and Metabolic Engineering • Cell Banking Lab Activities • SDS-PAGE. Western Blot. 50L Bioreactor orientation Discussion • Results/Discussion: Kill Curve, Transfection, Dilution Cloning, Shake Flask Culture, Wave Bag Culture, ClonePix Orientation
	*Subject to change

Who should attend

• Professionals working in biopharmaceutical environments who are seeking background knowledge of mammalian cell line development
• Professionals working in a research and development setting with new duties related to mammalian cell line development 
• Scientists with experience in other aspects of molecular biology planning to use mammalian cells for protein production 
• Those who hold an engineering degree with limited hands-on experience in molecular biology and genetic expression

Instructor 

• Driss Elhanafi, Ph.D.