IBioNe is excited to inform you of community updates, including upcoming conferences and training opportunities. Funding is available through the IBioNe international exchange program to help cover the cost of attendance to these events. Learn more at ibione.org.

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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: John 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.

Postdoctoral Researcher in Computation Modelling of rAAV Production

**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 CV, 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.

Assistant Professor in Biomanufacturing (2 positions at UGA)

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:

(1) establish an outstanding, internationally recognized research program,

(2) foster and establish collaborations and partnerships within and outside the College of Engineering, as well as industry,

(3) exhibit a strong commitment to teaching excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels,

(4) compete successfully for extramural funding to support research and a companion graduate and postdoctoral training program.

Funding is available through IBioNe for international research exchanges and conference/training presentations

This opportunity is open to early career scholars in the area of biomanufacturing for biopharma related products to travel between the U.S. and another country, so please share this opportunity with those colleagues in your network who either attend a U.S.-based institution and would like to travel internationally or attend an international institution and would like to travel to the U.S. The period of exchanges will be based on the needs of the participating institutions and the availability of funds. Program awardees will receive travel and living stipends.

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