Molecular Characterization of the Effects of Poloxamer 188 on CHO Cell Viability (Cell Stress and How to Prevent it)

Monoclonal antibodies are a powerful class of therapeutics that are widely used to treat cancers and inflammatory diseases. They are industrially produced by cells grown in bioreactors. Conditions within bioreactors can stress and even kill cells, thereby undermining productivity. This problem is commonly ameliorated using Poloxamer 188, a protectant synthesized by Croda, a British speciality chemicals company. The project will investigate how poloxamer 188 influences the growth, viability and productivity of cells producing therapeutic antibodies. We will characterize the molecular pathways involved in stress responses leading to cell death and how these are antagonized by poloxamer 188. This information will be used to identify the most effective ways to improve production of valuable therapeutics.

The studentship will be supervised by Prof Nia Bryant (York Biology), Prof Bob White (York Biology) and Dr James Humphrey (Croda Europe Ltd).