Methods of Protein Production Using Anti-Senescence Compounds
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is copending with, shares at least one common inventor
with, and claims priority to United States provisional patent application number
60/729,573, filed October 24, 2005, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to the production of proteins in
mammalian cell cultures. Particularly this disclosure relates to culturing mammalian
cells in the presence of an anti-senescence compound, e.g. carnosine, to maintain
viability and increase productivity with superior quality. Culturing cells has produced
many protein products. These products, such as hybridoma-produced monoclonal
antibodies, can be used for therapeutic, research or other applications. Animal cells,
notably mammalian cells, are often used to produce proteins. Unfortunately, using
animal cells causes the production process to be time consuming and costly.
[0003] Adding a chemical agent to a cell culture medium can increase cell
productivity by inducing cells to produce a product, thereby increasing overall yield.
The optimal agent to use varies depending on a number of factors, including the
desired protein product and cell type. Similar factors also affect the amount of the
chosen agent added and when the agent is added to the cell culture medium.
Examples of agents are alkanoic acids or salts, urea derivatives, or
dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO). Chemical agents, such as sodium butyrate, can have
diverse effects on protein production. The addition of an agent can increase the

specific productivity of the cells, but also have cytotoxic effects and can inhibit cell
growth and viability.
[0004] As cells produce a protein, typically, the protein is secreted into the cell
culture medium. The specific protein, however, is not the only matter in the medium;
high molecular weight aggregates, acidic species, and other materials are also often
in the medium, which can make the process of purification more laborious and
costly. Techniques and methods are available to improve product quality, enabling
more efficient protein purification; including, among others, altering the conditions of
the bioreactor or using a different cell line. However, there nevertheless remains a
need in the field for protein production techniques and methods that lead to improved
purification processes.
[0005] Therefore, what is needed is a chemical agent that is added to the cell
culture medium that can enhance the expression of a protein of interest while
maintaining high cell viability. What is further needed is an agent that increases the
product quality of the protein by decreasing the amount of high molecular weight
aggregates and acidic species in the cell culture medium.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a process for
enhanced production of a protein product. For example, in certain embodiments, the
present invention provides methods of culturing host cells expressing a protein of
interest in a medium comprising an anti-senescence compound such that overall
production of the protein of interest is enhanced. In certain embodiments, such an
anti-senescence compound comprises carnosine.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides compositions that
enhance production of a protein of interest. For example, in certain embodiments,
the present invention provides a cell culture medium comprising an anti-senescence
compound that enhances production of a protein of interest expressed in a host cell.
In certain embodiments, such an anti-senescence compound comprises carnosine.
In certain embodiments, genetically manipulated host cells are combined with an
inoculum medium to form a cell culture medium, which is grown in a bioreactor.
During a production run of the desired protein product, conditions of the bioreactor
may be altered and/or supplements may be added in order to increase the
productivity and/or maintain viability. Supplements may include a feed medium
and/or one or more additives such as in the instant disclosure, carnosine and/or
other anti-senescence compounds.
[0008] Mammalian host cells, for example, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells,
can experience a reduction in viability nearing the end of a production run in a
bioreactor. It has been discovered that the addition of an anti-senescence agent,
such as carnosine and analogs thereof, to a cell culture medium helps maintain a
higher viable cell number and cell viability until the protein is harvested.
[0009] In addition, methods for increasing productivity, such as altering the
temperature after the growth phase and/or during the production phase of the
production run may be used in accordance with the present invention. To give but
one example, during the production of a protein product, specifically the antibody for
growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), the temperature was shifted downwards to
help initiate and increase the productivity. In certain embodiments, addition of an
anti-senescence compound such as carnosine helps increase the productivity of the

cell culture. In certain embodiments, an anti-senescence compound may be added
before, during and/or after such a temperature shift.
[0010] It has also been discovered that the addition of an anti-senescence
compound such as camosine to a cell culture medium increases the overall quality of
protein product. During the production of the protein, high molecular weight
aggregates, along with other unwanted species, are in the cell culture medium. The
addition of camosine decreases the amount of high molecular aggregates and
increases product quality. In certain embodiments, addition of an anti-senescence
compound other than camosine decreases accumulation of such high molecular
weight aggregates and improves product quality. In certain embodiments, camosine
is added in combination with one or more additional anti-senescence compounds.
[0011] The concentration of anti-senescence compound (e.g., camosine) added
to the cell culture medium can vary depending on many factors of the process,
including, for example, the cell type, the desired product, and the conditions of the
bioreactor, among others. Also, camosine can be substituted with its analogues;
acetyl-carnosine, homo-carnosine, anserine, and -alanine. In certain embodiments,
camosine is provided in combination with one or more other anti-senescence
compounds. In certain embodiments, the concentration of anti-senescence agent
(e.g., camosine) in a cell culture medium is about 5 mM to about 100 mM. In certain
embodiments, the concentration is about 10 mM to about 40 mM. In certain
embodiments, the concentration is about 20 mM.
[0012] Any suitable culture procedures and inoculum medium may be used to
culture the cells in the process of protein production. Both serum and serum free
media may be used. In addition, culturing methods may be used to culture the cells

as appropriate for the specific cell type and protein product. Such procedures are
known and understood by those of ordinary skill in the cell culture art.
[0013] Other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the
following description, and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Figure 1 a. Effect of Carnosine on Acidic Peaks for MYO-29.
[0015] Figure 1 b. Effect of Carnosine on High Molecular Weight Aggregates.
[0016] Figure 1c. Effect of Carnosine Additions on Different Days on Acidic
Peaks.
[0017] Figure 1d. Effect of Carnosine Additions on Different Days on High
Molecular Weight Aggregates.
[0018] Figure 2a. Effect of Carnosine on Daily Viable Cell Density.
[0019] Figure 2b. Effect of Carnosine on Daily Cell Viability.
[0020] Figure 2c. Effect of Camosine on Daily Titer.
[0021] Figure 2d. Effect of Camosine on Cumulative Specific Cellular
Productivity.
[0022] Figure 2e. Effect of Carnosine on High Molecular Weight Aggregates.
[0023] Figure 3a. Effect of Different Concentrations of Carnosine on Viable Cell
Density.
[0024] Figure 3b. Effect of Different Concentrations of Carnosine on Daily Cell
Viability.
[0025] Figure 3c. Effect of Different Concentrations of Carnosine on Daily Titer.
[0026] Figure 3d. Effect of Different Concentrations of Carnosine on Cumulative
Specific Cellular Productivity.

[0027] Figure 3e. Effect of Different Concentrations of Carnosine on High
Molecular Weight Aggregates.
DEFINITIONS
[0028] Following long-standing convention, the terms "a" and "an" mean "one or
more" when used in this application, including the claims. Even though the invention
has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art
in light of the disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended that all such alternatives,
modifications, and variations, which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention,
be embraced by the defined claims.
[0029] The term "anti-senescence compound" as used herein refers to any agent
or compound that, when added to a cell culture, promotes viability, growth, and/or
lifespan of a cell grown therein. In certain embodiments, use of such an anti-
senescence compound in cell culture results in increased titer, increased cell specific
productivity, increased cell viability, increased integrated viable cell density,
decreased accumulation of high molecular weight aggregates, and/or decreased
accumulation of acidic species than would be observed under otherwise identical
culture conditions that lack the anti-senescence compound. Non-limiting examples
of anti-senescence compounds that may be used in accordance with methods and
compositions of the present invention include camosine, acetyl-carnosine, homo-
carnosine, anserine, and -afanine. In certain embodiments, two or more anti-
senescence compounds may be used in accordance with compositions and methods
of the present invention.

[0030] The phrase "host cell" refers to cells which are capable of being genetically
manipulated and/or are capable of growth and survival in a cell culture medium.
Typically, the cells can express a large quantity of an endogenous or heterologous
protein of interest and can either retain the protein or secrete it into the cell culture
medium
[0031] Host cells are typically "mammalian cells," which comprise the nonlimiting
examples of vertebrate cells, including baby hamster kidney (BHK), Chinese hamster
ovary (CHO), human kidney (293), normal fetal rhesus diploid (FRhL-2), and murine
myeloma (e.g., SP2/0 and NS0) cells. One of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of
other host cells that may be used in accordance with methods and compositions of
the present invention.
[0032] The term "cell culture medium" refers to a solution containing nutrients to
support cell survival under conditions in which cells can grow and produce a desired
protein. The phrase "inoculation medium" or "inoculum medium" refer to a solution
or substance containing nutrients in which a culture of cells is initiated. In certain
embodiments a "feed medium" contains similar nutrients as the inoculation medium,
but is a solution or substance with which the cells are fed after initiation of the
culture. In certain embodiments, a feed medium contains one or more components
not present in an inoculation medium. In certain embodiments, a feed medium lacks
one or more components present in an inoculation medium. A person of ordinary
skill in the cell culture art will know without undue experimentation what components
make-up the inoculation and feed mediums. Typically, these solutions provide
essential and non-essential amino acids, vitamins, energy sources, lipids, and trace
elements required by a cell for growth and survival. In certain embodiments, an

inoculation medium, a feed medium or both comprise an anti-senescence
compound.
[0033] The term "cell culture characteristic" as used herein refers to an
observable and/or measurable characteristic of a cell culture. Methods and
compositions of the present invention are advantageously used to improve one or
more cell culture characteristics. In certain embodiments, improvement of a cell
culture characteristic comprises increasing the magnitude of a cell culture
characteristic. In certain embodiments, improvement of a cell culture characteristic
comprises decreasing the magnitude of a cell culture characteristic. As non-limiting
examples, a cell culture characteristic may be titer, cell specific productivity, cell
viability, integrated viable cell density, accumulation of high molecular weight
aggregates, and/or accumulation of acidic species. One of ordinary skill in the art
will be aware of other cell culture characteristics that may be improved using
methods and compositions of the present invention.
[0034] The term "defined medium" as used herein refers to a medium in which the
composition of the medium is both known and controlled. Defined media do not
contain complex additives such as serum or hydrolysates that contain unknown
and/or uncontrolled components.
[0035] The term "complex medium" as used herein refers to a medium contains at
least one component whose identity or quantity is either unknown or uncontrolled.
[0036] The phrase "cell line" refers to, generally, primary host cells that express a
protein of interest. In some embodiments, the cells have been transfected with
exogenous DNA coding for a desired protein and/or containing control sequences
that activate expression of linked sequences, whether endogenous or heterologous.
In certain embodiments, cells derived from such genetically modified cells form a cell

line and are placed in a cell culture medium to grow and produce the protein product.
In certain embodiments, a cell line comprises primary host cells that have not been
transfected with exogenous DNA and express an endogenous protein of interest.
[0037] The "growth phase" of a cell culture medium refers to the period when the
cells are undergoing rapid division and growing exponentially, or dose to
exponentially. Typically, cells are cultured in conditions optimized for cell growth for
generally 1-4 days. Growth phase conditions may include a temperature at about
35°C to 42°C, generally about 37°C. The length of the growth phase and the culture
conditions in the growth phase can vary but are generally known to a person of
ordinary skill in the cell culture art. In certain embodiments, a cell culture medium in
a growth phase is supplemented with a feed medium.
[0038] The "transition phase" occurs during the period when the cell culture
medium is being shifted from conditions consistent with the growth phase to
conditions consistent with the production phase. During the transition phase, factors
like temperature, among others, are often changed. In certain embodiments, a cell
culture medium in a transition phase is supplemented with a feed medium.
[0039] The "production phase" occurs after both the growth phase and the
transition phase. The exponential growth of the cells has ended and protein
production is the principal objective. The cell culture medium can be supplemented
to initiate production. In certain embodiments, a cell culture medium in a production
phase is supplemented with a feed medium. In addition, the temperature of the cell
culture medium during the production phase may be lower, generally, than during the
growth phase, which typically encourages production. The production phase
continues until a desired endpoint is achieved.

[0040] The phrase "viable cell density" refers to the total number of cells that are
surviving in the cell culture medium in a particular volume, generally per ml. The
phrase "cell viability" refers to number of cells, which are alive compared to the total
number of cells, both dead and alive, expressed as a percentage.
[0041] "Integrated Viable Cell Density", "IVCD": The terms "integrated viable cell
density" or "IVCD" as used herein refer to the average density of viable cells over the
course of the culture multiplied by the amount of time the culture has run. When the
amount of protein produced is proportional to the number of viable cells present over
the course of the culture, integrated viable cell density is a useful tool for estimating
the amount of protein produced over the course of the culture.
[0042] The term "high molecular weight aggregates" refers to generally mis-folded
proteins or an improper association of at least two polypeptides. The association
may arise by any method including, but not limited to, covalent, non-covalent,
disulfide, or nonreducible cross linking. In certain embodiments, methods and
compositions of the present invention are advantageously utilized to reduce the
accumulation of high molecular weight aggregates.
[0043] The phrase "antioxidant" refers to a compound that can prevent oxidative
damage to lipids, proteins, DNA and other essential macromolecules by blocking
free radicals.
[0044] As used herein, the term "antibody" includes a protein comprising at least
one, and typically two, VH domains or portions thereof, and/or at least one, and
typically two, VL domains or portions thereof. In certain embodiments, the antibody
is a tetramer of two heavy immunoglobulin chains and two light immunoglobulin
chains, wherein the heavy and light immunoglobulin chains are inter-connected by,
e.g., disulfide bonds. The antibodies, or a portion thereof, can be obtained from any

origin, including, but not limited to, rodent, primate (e.g., human and non-human
primate), camelid, as well as recombinantly produced, e.g., chimeric, humanized,
and/or in vitro generated, as described in more detail herein.
[0045] Examples of binding fragments encompassed within the term "antigen-
binding fragment" of an antibody include, but are not limited to, (i) a Fab fragment, a
monovalent fragment consisting of the VL, VH, CL and CH1 domains; (ii) a F(ab')2
fragment, a bivalent fragment comprising two Fab fragments linked by a disulfide
bridge at the hinge region; (iii) a Fd fragment consisting of the VH and CH1 domains;
(iv) a Fv fragment consisting of the VL and VH domains of a single arm of an
antibody, (v) a dAb fragment, which consists of a VH domain; (vi) a camelid or
camelized variable domain; (vii) a single chain Fv (scFv); (viii) a bispecific antibody;
and (ix) one or more fragments of an immunoglobulin molecule fused to an Fc
region. Furthermore, although the two domains of the Fv fragment, VL and VH, are
coded for by separate genes, they can be joined, using recombinant methods, by a
synthetic linker that enables them to be made as a single protein chain in which the
VL and VH regions pair to form monovalent molecules (known as single chain Fv
(scFv); see, e.g., Bird et al. (1988) Science 242:423-26; Huston et al. (1988) Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85:5879-83). Such single chain antibodies are also intended
to be encompassed within the term "antigen-binding fragment" of an antibody.
These fragments may be obtained using conventional techniques known to those
skilled in the art, and the fragments are evaluated for function in the same manner as
are intact antibodies.
[0046] The "antigen-binding fragment" can, optionally, further include a moiety
that enhances one or more of, e.g., stability, effector cell function or complement

fixation. For example, the antigen binding fragment can further include a pegylated
moiety, albumin, or a heavy and/or a light chain constant region.
[0047] Other than "bispecific" or "bifunctional" antibodies, an antibody is
understood to have each of its binding sites identical. A "bispecific" or "bifunctional
antibody" is an artificial hybrid antibody having two different heavy/light chain pairs
and two different binding sites. Bispecific antibodies can be produced by a variety of
methods including fusion of hybridomas or linking of Fab" fragments. See, e.g.,
Songsivilai & Lachmann, Clin. Exp. Immunol. 79:315-321 (1990); Kostelny et al., J.
Immunol. 148, 1547-1553 (1992).
[0048] Numerous methods known to those skilled in the art are available for
obtaining antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof. For example, monoclonal
antibodies may be produced by generation of hybridomas in accordance with known
methods. Hybridomas formed in this manner are typically screened using standard
methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and surface
plasmon resonance (Biacore™) analysis, to identify one or more hybridomas that
produce an antibody that specifically binds with a specified antigen. Any form of the
specified antigen may be used as the immunogen, e.g., recombinant antigen,
naturally occurring forms, any variants or fragments thereof, as well as antigenic
peptide thereof.
[0049] One exemplary method of making antibodies includes screening protein
expression libraries, e.g., phage or ribosome display libraries. Phage display is
described, for example, in Ladner et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,223,409; Smith (1985)
Science 228:1315-1317; WO 92/18619; WO 91/17271; WO 92/20791; WO
92/15679; WO 93/01288; WO 92/01047; WO 92/09690; and WO 90/02809.

[0050] In addition to the use of display libraries, the specified antigen can be used
to immunize a non-human animal, e.g., a rodent, e.g., a mouse, hamster, or rat. In
certain embodiments, the non-human animal includes at least a part of a human
immunoglobulin gene. For example, it is possible to engineer mouse strains
deficient in mouse antibody production with large fragments of the human Ig loci.
Using the hybridoma technology, antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies derived
from the genes with the desired specificity may be produced and selected. See,
e.g., XENOMOUSE™, Green et al. (1994) Nature Genetics 7:13-21, US 2003-
0070185, WO 96/34096, published Oct. 31, 1996, and PCT Application No.
PCT/US96/05928, filed Apr. 29, 1996.
[0051] In certain embodiments, a monoclonal antibody is obtained from the non-
human animal, and then modified, e.g., humanized, deimmunized, chimeric, may be
produced using recombinant DNA techniques known in the art. A variety of
approaches for making chimeric antibodies have been described. See e.g., Morrison
et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 81:6851,1985; Takeda et al., Nature 314:452,
1985, Cabilly et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567; Boss et al., U.S. Patent No.
4,816,397; Tanaguchi et al., European Patent Publication EP171496; European
Patent Publication 0173494, United Kingdom Patent GB 2177096B. Humanized
antibodies may also be produced, for example, using transgenic mice that express
human heavy and light chain genes, but are incapable of expressing the
endogenous mouse immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes. Winter describes
an exemplary CDR-grafting method that may be used to prepare the humanized
antibodies described herein (U.S. Patent No. 5,225,539). All of the CDRs of a
particular human antibody may be replaced with at least a portion of a non-human
CDR, or only some of the CDRs may be replaced with non-human CDRs. It is only

necessary to replace the number of CDRs required for binding of the humanized
antibody to a predetermined antigen.
[0052] Humanized antibodies or fragments thereof can be generated by replacing
sequences of the Fv variable domain that are not directly involved in antigen binding
with equivalent sequences from human Fv variable domains. Exemplary methods
for generating humanized antibodies or fragments thereof are provided by Morrison
(1985) Science 229:1202-1207; by Oi et al. (1986) BioTechniques 4:214; and by US
5,585,089; US 5,693,761; US 5,693,762; US 5,859,205; and US 6,407,213. Such
methods include isolating, manipulating, and expressing the nucleic acid sequences
that encode all or part of immunoglobulin Fv variable domains from at least one of a
heavy or light chain. Such nucleic acids may be obtained from a hybridoma
producing an antibody against a predetermined target, as described above, as well
as from other sources. A recombinant DNA encoding a humanized antibody
molecule can then be cloned into an appropriate expression vector.
[0053] In certain embodiments, a humanized antibody is optimized by the
introduction of conservative substitutions, consensus sequence substitutions,
germline substitutions and/or backmutations. Such altered immunoglobulin
molecules can be made by any of several techniques known in the art, (e.g., Teng et
al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 80: 7308-7312, 1983; Kozbor et al., Immunology
Today, 4: 7279, 1983; Olsson et al., Meth. Enzymol., 92: 3-16, 1982), and may be
made according to the teachings of PCT Publication WO92/06193 or EP 0239400).
[0054] An antibody or fragment thereof may also be modified by specific deletion
of human T cell epitopes or "deimmunization" by the methods disclosed in WO
98/52976 and WO 00/34317. Briefly, the heavy and light chain variable domains of
an antibody can be analyzed for peptides that bind to MHC Class II; these peptides

represent potential T-cell epitopes (as defined in WO 98/52976 and WO 00/34317).
For detection of potential T-cell epitopes, a computer modeling approach termed
"peptide threading" can be applied, and in addition a database of human MHC class
II binding peptides can be searched for motifs present in the VH and VL sequences,
as described in WO 98/52976 and WO 00/34317. These motifs bind to any of the 18
major MHC class II DR allotypes, and thus constitute potential T cell epitopes.
Potential T-cell epitopes detected can be eliminated by substituting small numbers of
amino acid residues in the variable domains, or preferably, by single amino acid
substitutions. Typically, conservative substitutions are made. Often, but not
exclusively, an amino acid common to a position in human germline antibody
sequences may be used. Human germline sequences, e.g., are disclosed in
Tomlinson, et al. (1992) J. Mol. Biol. 227:776-798; Cook, G. P. et al. (1995) Immunol.
Today Vol. 16 (5): 237-242; Chothia, D. et al. (1992) J. Mol. Biol. 227:799-817; and
Tomlinson et al. (1995) EMBO J. 14:4628-4638. The V BASE directory provides a
comprehensive directory of human immunoglobulin variable region sequences
(compiled by Tomlinson, I.A. et al. MRC Centre for Protein Engineering, Cambridge,
UK). These sequences can be used as a source of human sequence, e.g., for
framework regions and CDRs. Consensus human framework regions can also be
used, e.g., as described in US 6,300,064.
[0055] In certain embodiments, an antibody can contain an altered
immunoglobulin constant or Fc region. For example, an antibody produced in
accordance with the teachings herein may bind more strongly or with more specificity
to effector molecules such as complement and/or Fc receptors, which can control
several immune functions of the antibody such as effector cell activity, lysis,
complement-mediated activity, antibody clearance, and antibody half-life. Typical Fc

receptors that bind to an Fc region of an antibody (e.g., an IgG antibody) include, but
are not limited to, receptors of the FcyRI, FcyRII, and FcyRIII and FcRn subclasses,
including allelic variants and alternatively spliced forms of these receptors. Fc
receptors are reviewed in Ravetch and Kinet, Annu. Rev. Immunol 9:457-92, 1991;
Capel et al., Immunomethods 4:25-34,1994; and de Haas et al., J. Lab. Cliri. Med.
126:330-41,1995).
[0056] The phrase "bioreactor" refers to a vessel in which a cell culture medium
can be contained and internal conditions of which can be controlled during the
culturing period, e.g., pH and temperature.
[0057] A "fed batch culture" refers to a method of culturing cells in which cells are
first inoculated in a bioreactor with an inoculum medium. The cell culture medium is
then supplemented at one or more points throughout the production run with a feed
medium containing nutritional components and/or other supplements.
[0058] A "batch culture" refers to a method of culturing cells in which cells are
inoculated in a bioreactor with all the necessary nutrients and supplements for the
entirety of the production run. No nutrient additions are made to the cell culture
medium throughout the duration of the production.
[0059] A "perfusion culture" refers to a method of culturing cells that is different
from a batch or fed-batch culture method, in which the culture is not terminated, or is
not necessarily terminated, prior to isolating and/or purifying an expressed protein of
interest, and in which new nutrients and other components are periodically or
continuously added to the culture, during which the expressed protein is periodically
or continuously harvested. The composition of the added nutrients may be changed
during the course of the cell culture, depending on the needs of the cells, the

requirements for optimal protein production, and/or any of a variety of other factors
known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0060] The phrase "expression" refers to the transcription and the translation that
occurs within a host cell. The level of expression relates, generally, to the amount of
protein being produced by the host cell.
[0061] The phrases "protein" or "protein product" refer to one or more chains of
amino acids. As used herein, the term "protein" is synonymous with "polypeptide"
and, as is generally understood in the art, refers to at least one chain of amino acids
liked via sequential peptide bonds. In certain embodiments, a "protein of interest' is
a protein encoded by an exogenous nucleic acid molecule that has been
transformed into a host cell. In certain embodiments, a "protein of interest" is a
protein encoded by a nucleic acid molecule that is endogenous to the host cell. In
certain embodiments, expression of such an endogenous protein of interest is
altered by transfecting a host cell with an exogenous nucleic acid molecule that may,
for example, contain one or more regulatory sequences and/or encode a protein that
enhances expression of the protein of interest. Methods and compositions of the
present invention may be used to produce any protein of interest, including, but not
limited to proteins having therapeutic, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, agricultural, and/or
any of a variety of other properties that are useful in commercial, experimental
and/or other applications. In certain embodiments, proteins produced using methods
and/or compositions of the present invention may be processed and/or modified. For
example, a protein to be produced in accordance with the present invention may be
glycosylated.
[0062] "Cell specific productivity", and the like, refer to the specific, as in per cell,
product expression rate. The cell specific productivity is generally measured in

micrograms of protein produced per 106 cells per day or in picograms of protein
produced per 106 cells per day.
[0063] The term "titer" as used herein refers to the total amount of recombinantly
expressed protein produced by a cell culture in a given amount of medium volume.
Titer is typically expressed in units of milligrams or micrograms of protein per milliliter
of medium.
[0064] One of skill in the art will recognize that the methods disclosed herein may
be used to culture many of the well-known mammalian cells routinely used and
cultured in the art, i.e., the methods disclosed herein are not limited to use with only
the instant disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0065] It has been discovered that using an anti-senescence compound such as
carnosine modifies the viability and productivity of a cell culture. For example,
addition of carnosine maintains cell viability, and improves productivity of cells, and
improves product quality of the desired protein product. Carnosine is an antioxidant
and an anti-senescence compound that is also a naturally occurring dipeptide
present at high levels (up to 20 mM) in muscle and nerve tissues in animals. Being
an antioxidant, carnosine also is a free radical scavenger and glycation inhibitor.
Generally, carnosine transforms reactive species into non-reactive species thereby
protecting proteins, DNA, and other essential macromolecules. As an anti-
senescence compound, carnosine can extend the lifespan of human diploid
fibroblasts and human fetal lung (primary cell lines) at a concentration of 20 mM in
culture media. The present invention encompasses the surprising finding that it is
advantageous to use an anti-senescence compound (including, but not limited to,

carnosine) in cell culture to produce a protein of interest. In certain embodiments,
using such an anti-senescence compound in cell culture to produce a protein of
interest results in one or more improved cell culture characteristics including, but not
limited to, increased titer, increased cell specific productivity, increased cell viability,
increased integrated viable cell density, decreased accumulation of high molecular
weight aggregates, and/or decreased accumulation of acidic species.
[0066] It has been demonstrated that carnosine is cytotoxic to human or rodent
transformed and neoplastic cells in Minimal Essential Medium (MEM, Sigma), which
has lower glucose levels, but not in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM,
Sigma), which contains 1mM pyruvate. (Holliday et al, Biochemistry (Moscow),
65:843-848,846). In addition, dialyzed fetal calf serum with low molecular weight
compounds removed increased the cytotoxic effects of carnosine. Id. It was also
determined that 1 mM oxaloacetate and 1 mM of a-ketoglutarate had comparable
effects as pyruvate, neither of which are components of the inoculum or feed
mediums used with the carnosine examples. Id. Sodium pyruvate, however, is an
original component in the inoculum medium at a concentration of 0.5 mM, not for
carnosine additions but rather to better mimic in vivo conditions in a bioreactor
system and as a potential alternate energy source. The inoculum medium is also
serum free, which would imply that carnosine would have cytotoxic effects.
According to the reference, the addition of carnosine to a cell culture medium would
have similar cytotoxic effects as seen in the MEM medium in Holliday. By utilizing
methods and/or compositions of the present invention, such cytotoxicity is reduced
or eliminated and cell viability and protein production are improved.
[0067] In certain embodiments, carnosine is provided in a cell culture medium at
a concentration of between about 5 mM and about 100 mM. In certain

embodiments, carnosine is provided in a cell culture medium at a concentration of
about 10 mM to about 40 mM, for example at a concentration of about 20 mM. In
certain embodiments, carnosine is provided in a cell culture medium at a
concentration of about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22,
23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44,
45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 mM, or higher. In
certain embodiments, such concentrations of carnosine are achieved in cell culture
by adding carnosine at multiple times during the cell culture process, for example, in
one or more feed media. The concentration of carnosine utilized depends on the cell
culture medium and the cell line being used, among other factors, including the
desired effects being sought on the cell line or product. Analogs of carnosine, e.g.
acetyl-carnosine, homo-carnosine, anserine, and 3-alanine, may also be provided in
a cell culture medium for a similar effect. One or more of these analogs may be
provided in a cell culture medium. In certain embodiments, such analogs are
provided in a cell culture medium that lacks carnosine. In certain embodiments,
such analogs are provided in a cell culture medium in combination with carnosine. In
certain embodiments, such analogs are provided at a concentration of about 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15,16, 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,
31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 55, 60,
65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 mM, or higher.
[0068] In certain embodiments, in order to produce a protein of interest, initially,
host cells are transfected or transformed with exogenous DNA coding for a protein to
supply transformed cells, which constitutively produce the desired protein product.
In certain embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule introduced into the cell encodes the
protein desired to be expressed according to the present invention. In certain

embodiments, a nucleic acid molecule contains a regulatory sequence or encodes a
gene product that induces or enhances the expression of the desired protein by the
cell. As a non-limiting example, such a gene product may be a transcription factor
that increases expression of the protein of interest.
[0069] In certain embodiments, a nucleic acid that directs expression of a protein
is stably introduced into the host cell. In certain embodiments, a nucleic acid that
directs expression of a protein is transiently introduced into the host cell. One of
ordinary skill in the art will be able to choose whether to stably or transiently
introduce the nucleic acid into the cell based on experimental, commercial or other
needs.
[0070] A gene encoding a protein of interest may optionally be linked to one or
more regulatory genetic control elements. In some embodiments, a genetic control
element directs constitutive expression of the protein. In some embodiments, a
genetic control element that provides inducible expression of a gene encoding the
protein of interest can be used. Use of an inducible genetic control element (e.g., an
inducible promoter) allows for modulation of the production of the protein in the cell.
Non-limiting examples of potentially useful inducible genetic control elements for use
in eukaryotic cells include hormone- regulated elements (see e.g., Mader, S. and
White, J.H., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:5603-5607,1993), synthetic ligand-
regulated elements (see, e.g. Spencer, D.M. et al., Science 262:1019-1024,1993)
and ionizing radiation-regulated elements (see e.g., Manome, Y. et al., Biochemistry
32:10607-10613, 1993; Datta, R. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:10149-10153,
1992). Additional cell-specific or other regulatory systems known in the art may be
used in accordance with methods and compositions described herein.

[0071] Any host cell susceptible to cell culture, and to expression of proteins, may
be utilized in accordance with the present invention. The host cells are generally
mammalian cells, more particularly animal cells, such as Chinese hamster ovary
(CHO) cells. Other non-limiting examples of mammalian cells that may be used in
accordance with the present invention include BALB/c mouse myeloma line (NSO/I,
ECACC No: 85110503); human retinoblasts (PER.C6 (CruCell, Leiden, The
Netherlands)); monkey kidney CV1 line transformed by SV40 (COS-7, ATCC CRL
1651); human embryonic kidney line (293 or 293 cells subcloned for growth in
suspension culture, Graham et al., J. Gen Virol., 36:59 (1977)); baby hamster kidney
cells (BHK, ATCC CCL 10); Chinese hamster ovary cells +/-DHFR (CHO, Urlaub and
Chasin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 77:4216 (1980)); mouse sertoli cells (TM4,
Mather, Biol. Reprod., 23:243-251 (1980)); monkey kidney cells (CV1 ATCC CCL
70); African green monkey kidney cells (VERO-76, ATCC CRL-1 587); human
cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa, ATCC CCL 2); canine kidney cells (MDCK, ATCC
CCL 34); buffalo rat liver cells (BRL 3A, ATCC CRL 1442); human lung cells (W138,
ATCC CCL 75); human liver cells (Hep G2, HB 8065); mouse mammary tumor (MMT
060562, ATCC CCL51); TRI cells (Mather et al., Annals N.Y. Acad. Sci., 383:44-68
(1982)); MRC 5 cells; FS4 cells; and a human hepatoma line (Hep G2).
[0072] Any protein that is expressible in a host cell may be produced in
accordance with methods and compositions of the present invention. The protein
may be expressed from a gene that is endogenous to the host cell, or from a
heterologous gene that is introduced into the host cell. The protein may be one that
occurs in nature, or may alternatively have a sequence that was engineered or
selected by the hand of man. A protein to be produced may be assembled from
protein fragments that individually occur in nature. Additionally or alternatively, the

engineered protein may include one or more fragments that are not naturally
occurring.
[0073] In certain embodiments, methods and compositions of the present
invention are employed to express a pharmaceutically or commercially relevant
enzyme, receptor, antibody, hormone, regulatory factor, antigen, binding agent, etc.
In the instant example, the genetically manipulated cells produce an antibody against
growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8). Nonlimiting illustrative embodiments are
termed Myo29, Myo28, and Myo22. These exemplary embodiments are provided in
the form of human IgG isotopes. The nonlimiting examples disclosed use MYO29
covered by patent # WO 2004/037861 entitled Neutralizing Antibodies Against GDF-
8 and Uses Thereof, and is herein incorporated by reference. One of ordinary skill in
the art will be aware of other useful and/or desirable proteins that may be expressed
in accordance with methods and compositions of the present invention.
[0074] Cell lines may be cultured using a variety of techniques to produce the
desired protein product. The cell culture can be done on a small or large scale,
depending on the purpose of the cell culture medium or use of the product. For
example, cells may be grown in a bioreactor. In certain embodiments, the volume of
the bioreactor is at least 1 liter and may be 10, 100, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000,
8,000, 10,000, 12,000 liters or more, or any volume in between. In addition,
bioreactors that may be used include, but are not limited to, a stirred tank bioreactor,
fluidized bed reactor, hollow fiber bioreactor, or roller bottle. The systems can also
operate either in a batch, fed-batch, or continuous/perfusion mode. The bioreactor
and mode in which to control and monitor the cell culture medium will be known to
one of ordinary skill in the cell culture art. In the instant example, the system utilized
is a stirred tank bioreactor and operated in fed-batch mode.

[0075] The bioreactor is generally seeded with an inoculum medium and a
chosen cell line, for example a MYO-29 cell line, which may be transfected to stably
express and produce the desired protein product. Commercially available medium
such as Minimal Essential Medium (MEM, Sigma), Ham's F10 (Sigma), or
Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM, Sigma) may be used as the base
medium. These base mediums may then be supplemented with amino acids,
vitamins, trace elements, and/or other components to produce the inoculum or feed
mediums used during the production run. In certain embodiments, a base medium is
altered to permit robust growth of cells, to increase cell viability, to increase cell
productivity, to increase integrated viable cell density, and/or to improve the quality
of the produced protein in the presence of carnosine. For example, a base medium
may be supplemented with pyruvate, oxaloacetate and/or -ketoglutarate. One of
ordinary skill in the art will be able to alter a base medium for use with methods and
compositions of the present invention without undue experimentation.
[0076] In certain embodiments, cells are cultured in any of a variety of chemically
defined media containing an anti-senescence compound, wherein the components of
the media are both known and controlled. For example, defined media typically do
not contain complex additives such as serum or hydrolysates. In certain
embodiments, cells are cultured in any of a variety of complex media containing an
anti-senescence compound, in which not all components of the medium are known
and/or controlled. In certain embodiments, such an anti-senescence compound
comprises carnosine.
[0077] The conditions of the bioreactor are controlled typically, with the pH set
between about 6.5 to about 7.5. The pH is adjusted using an acid, generally CO2, or
a base, such as sodium bicarbonate. The dissolved oxygen is controlled between

about 5 and 90% of air saturation, and the temperature is held between 30°C to
42°C, during the growth phase. A person of ordinary skill in the cell culture art can
modify the conditions of the bioreactor based upon the cell line and methods being
employed to achieve the desired results without undue experimentation.
[0078] Compositions and methods of the present invention may be used with any
cell culture method or system that is amenable to the expression of proteins. For
example, cells expressing a protein of interest may be grown in batch or fed-batch
cultures, wherein the culture is terminated after sufficient expression of the protein,
after which the expressed protein is harvested and optionally purified. Alternatively,
cells expressing a protein of interest may be grown in perfusion cultures, wherein the
culture is not terminated and new nutrients and other components are periodically or
continuously added to the culture, during which the expressed protein is periodically
or continuously harvested.
[0079] After the cells are seeded they go through a growth phase during which
the number of cells generally increases exponentially. During the growth phase, the
temperature or temperature range of the cell culture will be selected based primarily
on the temperatures or range of temperatures at which the cell culture remains
viable, at which a high level of protein is produced, at which production or
accumulation of metabolic waste products is minimized, and/or any combination of
these or other factors deemed important by the practitioner. As one non-limiting
example, CHO cells grow well and produce high levels or protein at approximately
37°C. In general, most mammalian cells grow well and/or can produce high levels or
protein within a range of about 25°C to 42°C, although methods taught by the
present disclosure are not limited to these temperatures. Certain mammalian cells
grow well and/or can produce high levels of protein within the range of about 35°C to

40°C. In certain embodiments, the cell culture is grown at a temperature of 20, 21,
22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43,
44, or 45oC at one or more times during the growth phase. Those of ordinary skill in
the art will be able to select appropriate temperature or temperature range in which
to grow cells, depending on the needs of the cells and the production requirements
of the practitioner.
[0080] Following the growth phase is a transition phase during which the cells
adapt to any changes occurring in the surroundings, such as a temperature change.
The changes occurring are typically parameters for the production phase. In the
instant examples, on day 4, the temperature decreased from about 37°C to about
31 °C. The temperature shift, however, can occur more than once and does not need
to necessarily go in the downward direction. Moreover, the transition phase and the
temperature shift can occur on any day during the production run. Although most
methods of production include multi-phase processes, carnosine also may be utilized
in a single-phase process.
[0081] When shifting the temperature of the culture, the temperature shift may be
relatively gradual. For example, it may take several hours or days to complete the
temperature change. Alternatively, the temperature shift may be relatively abrupt.
The temperature may be steadily increased or decreased during the culture process.
Alternatively, the temperature may be increased or decreased by discrete amounts
at various times during the culture process. The subsequent temperature(s) or
temperature range(s) may be lower than or higher than the initial or previous
temperature(s) or temperature range(s). One of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that multiple discrete temperature shifts are encompassed in these
embodiments. For example, the temperature may be shifted once (either to a higher

or lower temperature or temperature range), the cells maintained at this temperature
or temperature range for a certain period of time, after which the temperature may be
shifted again to a new temperature or temperature range, which may be either higher
or lower than the temperature or temperature range of the previous temperature or
temperature range. The temperature of the culture after each discrete shift may be
constant or may be maintained within a certain range of temperatures.
[0082] Finally, there is the production phase where the cell number does not
substantially increase, but rather the cells produce the desired protein product. One
of ordinary skill in the art will understand, however, that in certain embodiments, cells
may continue to grow and increase in number during the production phase. During
this phase the environment of the bioreactor is controlled at conditions in which the
cells are more likely to be productive. For example, the temperature is generally
held at a temperature different than that of the growth phase, which is conducive to
the production of a protein product, e.g. 31 °C. Throughout the production run, the
cells may be fed a feed medium containing nutrients and supplements the cells may
need. For example, in certain cases, it may be beneficial or necessary to
supplement the cell culture during the subsequent production phase with nutrients or
other medium components that have been depleted or metabolized by the cells. As
non-limiting examples, it may be beneficial or necessary to supplement the cell
culture with hormones and/or other growth factors, particular ions (such as sodium,
chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate), buffers, vitamins, nucleosides or
nucleotides, trace elements (inorganic compounds usually present at very low final
concentrations), amino acids, lipids, or glucose or other energy source. These
supplementary components may all be added to the cell culture at one time, or they
may be provided to the cell culture in a series of additions. In certain embodiments,

an anti-senescence compound is provided in a feed medium at one or more times
during the production phase.
[0083] According to certain embodiments, use of an anti-senescence compound,
e.g. carnosine, in the cell culture medium during the production phase, whether
provided in an inoculation medium or a feed medium, increases cell viability and/or
specific protein production, thus improving the overall yield of produced protein.
[0084] Aspects of a protein production process are determined by one of ordinary
skill in the cell culture art. The parameters such as seed density, duration of the
production culture, operating conditions during harvest, among others, including
those mentioned above are functions of the cell line and the cell culture medium.
Therefore, the parameters can be determined without undue experimentation by a
person of ordinary skill in the cell culture art.
[0085] As with the temperature or temperature range during the growth phase,
the temperature or temperature range of the cell culture during the production phase
will be selected based primarily on the temperature or temperature range at which
the cell culture remains viable, at which a high level of protein is produced, at which
production or accumulation of metabolic waste products is minimized, and/or any
combination of these or other factors deemed important by the practitioner. In
general, most mammalian cells remain viable and produce high levels or protein
within a range of about 25°C to 42°C, although methods taught by the present
disclosure are not limited to these temperatures. In certain embodiments,
mammalian cells remain viable and produce high levels or protein within a range of
about 25°C to 35°C. In certain embodiments, the cell culture is grown at a
temperature of 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37,
38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45°C at one or more times during the production phase.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will be able to select appropriate temperature(s) or
temperature range(s) in which to grow cells during the production phase, depending
on the particular needs of the cells and the particular production requirements of the
practitioner. The cells may be grown for any amount of time, depending on the
needs of the practitioner and the requirement of the cells themselves.
[0086] In certain embodiments, batch or fed-batch cultures are terminated once
the culture achieves one or more relevant culture conditions, as determined by the
needs of the practitioner. In certain embodiments, batch or fed-batch cultures are
terminated once the expressed protein reaches a sufficiently high titer, once the cell
density reaches a sufficiently high level, once the expressed protein reaches a
sufficiently high cell density, and/or to prevent undesirable production or
accumulation of metabolic waste products (e.g., lactate and/or ammonium). One of
ordinary skill in the art will be aware of other relevant culture conditions that may be
used to determine when a batch or fed-batch culture should be terminated, based on
experimental, commercial, and/or other considerations.
[0087] In certain embodiments, following a production run, the protein product is
recovered from the cell culture medium and further isolated using traditional
separation techniques. For example, the protein may initially be separated by
centrifugation, retaining the supernatant containing the protein. Additionally or
alternatively, the protein product may be bound to the surface of the host cell. In
such embodiments, the media is removed and the host cells expressing the protein
are lysed as a first step in the purification process. Lysis of mammalian host cells
can be achieved by any number of means known to those of ordinary skill in the art,
including physical disruption by glass beads and exposure to high pH conditions.

[0088] Using conventional protein purification methods, the protein may be
additionally isolated. Methods by which to isolate and purify the desired protein
product are known within the cell culture art. Specific methods depend on the cell
line used and the product sought.
[0089] The anti-senescence compound, e.g. carnosine, may be added to the
culture medium at a time optimal for the specific cell culture process. For the instant
examples, the addition of carnosine occurs after the growth phase is substantially
complete and is in the transition phase. During the addition, the cell culture medium
is adapting to the new temperature resulting from the temperature shift. The
transition phase is generally when agents are added to help initiate the production
phase. Carnosine, however, may be added at any point during the production run
that generates optimal results, including the growth phase and the production phase.
Carnosine may also be added in combination with other components, such as a feed
medium. In certain embodiments, an anti-senescence compound is provided in an
inoculation medium and is present in the cell culture during the entire cell culture
process. In certain embodiments, two or more anti-senescence compounds are
provided in the cell culture medium. In certain embodiments, two or more anti-
senescence compounds are provided in an inoculation medium and are present in
the cell culture during the entire cell culture process. In certain embodiments, two or
more anti-senescence compounds are provided, wherein one anti-senescence
compound is provided in an inoculation medium and is present in the cell culture
during the entire cell culture process, while another anti-senescence compound is
provided after the cell culture has begun.
[0090] In certain embodiments, the concentration of an anti-senescence
compound present in the cell culture is different for varying cell types and products.

In certain embodiments, the concentration of carnosine present is different for
varying cell types and products. Generally, the concentration is enough to enhance
the productivity and quality without toxic effects. For the instant examples, the range
includes, but is not limited to, 5 mM to 100 mM. It will be appreciated that the
concentration of carnosine used may vary depending on the cell culture medium.
The appropriate concentration of carnosine for a particular cell line may need to be
determined with routine small-scale experiments, such as, for example, a 2L
bioreactor, using conventional methods. One of ordinary skill in the art will be able to
determine an advantageous or optimal concentration of carnosine or other anti-
senescence compound without undue experimentation using cell culture techniques
and diagnostic methods that are known in the art.
[0091] One advantage to adding carnosine or another anti-senescence
compound, rather than chemical agents, is the effect on viability. Typically, cell
growth ceases and the viable cell number decreases with the addition of a chemical
agent, like sodium butyrate. (Kim et al. Biotechnol Bioeng, 71:184-193,184).
Examples below, however, demonstrate that addition of carnosine to a cell culture
medium results in higher viability at the time of harvest than is observed in a cell
culture grown in the absence of an anti-senescence compound such as carnosine.
Furthermore, such carnosine-containing cell cultures exhibit an increase in specific
productivity. With the positive effects on the cell viability and specific productivity,
the overall yield is higher.
[0092] Another advantage is that an anti-senescence compound such as
carnosine decreases the amount of high molecular weight aggregates and/or the
number of acidic species. Decreasing the amount of high molecular weight
aggregates and acidic species simplifies purification of the protein product. Enabling

the protein to be isolated more efficiently decreases the cost to produce the protein
product. In certain embodiments, an anti-senescence compound other than
carnosine is used to decrease the amount of high molecular weight aggregates
and/or acidic species. In certain embodiments, two or more anti-senescence
compounds are used to decrease the amount of high molecular weight aggregates
and/or acidic species.
[0093] In certain embodiments, cells are grown in accordance with any of the cell
culture methods described in United States Patent Application Serial Nos.
11/213,308,11/213,317 and 11/213,633 each of which was filed August 25, 2005,
and each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, in
certain embodiments, the cells may be grown in a culture medium in which the
cumulative amino acid concentration is greater than about 70 mM. In certain
embodiments, the cells may be grown in a culture medium in which the molar
cumulative glutamine to cumulative asparagine ratio is less than about 2. In certain
embodiments, the cells may be grown in a culture medium in which the molar
cumulative glutamine to cumulative total amino acid ratio is less than about 0.2. In
certain embodiments, the cells may be grown in a culture medium in which the molar
cumulative inorganic ion to cumulative total amino acid ratio is between about 0.4 to
1. In certain embodiments, the cells may be grown in a culture medium in which the
combined cumulative glutamine and cumulative asparagine concentration is between
about 16 and 36 mM. In certain embodiments, the cells may be grown in a culture
medium that contains two, three, four or all five of the preceding medium conditions.
Use of such media allows high levels of protein production and lessens accumulation
of certain undesirable factors such as ammonium and/or lactate.

[0094] In some embodiments, the cells are grown under one or more of the
conditions described in United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
60/830,658, filed July 13,2006 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
For example, in some embodiments, cells are grown in a culture medium that
contains manganese at a concentration between approximately 10 and 600 nM. In
some embodiments, cells are grown in a culture medium that contains manganese at
a concentration between approximately 20 and 100 nM. In some embodiments, cells
are grown in a culture medium that contains manganese at a concentration of
approximately 40 nM. Use of such media in growing glycoproteins results in
production of a glycoprotein with an improved glycosylation pattern (e.g. a greater
number of covalently linked sugar residues in one or more oligosaccharide chains).
[0095] In certain embodiments of the invention, proteins produced according to
one or more methods of the present invention will have pharmacologic activity and
will be useful in the preparation of Pharmaceuticals. Proteins produced according to
one or more methods of the present invention may be administered to a subject or
may first be formulated for delivery by any available route including, but not limited to
parenteral (e.g., intravenous), intradermal, subcutaneous, oral, nasal, bronchial,
opthalmic, transdermal (topical), transmucosal, rectal, and vaginal routes. Inventive
pharmaceutical compositions typically include a purified protein expressed from a
mammalian cell line, a delivery agent (i.e., a cationic polymer, peptide molecular
transporter, surfactant, etc., as described above) in combination with a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As used herein the language "pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier" includes solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and
antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like, compatible

with pharmaceutical administration. Supplementary active compounds can also be
incorporated into the compositions.
[0096] A pharmaceutical composition is formulated to be compatible with its
intended route of administration. Such formulations will be known by those of skill in
the art. In certain embodiments, a protein produced according to the present
invention is formulated in oral and/or parenteral form. In certain embodiments, for
ease of administration and uniformity of dosage, such oral and/or parenteral forms
are formulated as unit dosage form, wherein each unit contains a predetermined
quantity of active protein calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in
association with the required pharmaceutical carrier. One of ordinary skill in the art
will be aware of unit dosage formulations appropriate for proteins produced
according to the present invention.
[0097] Certain embodiments and aspects are discussed in detail above. The
present disclosure is further illustrated by the following, non-limiting examples.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, however, that various modifications
to these embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. It is noted that
the addition of carnosine and/or other anti-senescence compounds is equally
applicable to other mammalian cell cultures and protein products. It is the claims
and equivalents thereof that define the scope of the present invention, which is not
and should not be limited to or by this description of certain embodiments.
EXAMPLES
[0098] Example 1
[0099] Dish Scale Carnosine Experiments

[00100] A MYO-29 cell line was cultured in a serum free production medium in a
bioreactor with a 1L working volume and was temperature shifted from 37°C to 31 °C
on day 4. The pH of the bioreactor was held at 7.00 and the dissolved oxygen was
at 30% air saturation. Cell culture medium was then taken from the bioreactor on
day 4, day 7, and day 10 and put into culture dishes with an 8 ml working volume
and placed into a 31 °C incubator, where the dish cultures were cultured until day 12.
The cells were supplemented with a feed medium on days 5 and 7. On day 5,10
%(v/v) of feed medium was added to the cell cultures and on day 7, 5%(v/v) of feed
medium was added to the cell cultures. 10 mM of carnosine was added on day 4,
day 7, and day 10, respectively, to the dishes and the cell culture medium was
harvested on day 12.
[00101] Figure 1a shows the effect of the carnosine additions on the amount of
acidic peaks in the culture on day 7. Figure 1b shows the effect of the carnosine on
the high molecular weight aggregates on the day 7 culture. Figure 1c illustrates the
effect of carnosine additions on day 4, versus day 7, versus day 10 on the acidic
peaks. Figure 1d shows the same experiment's results but for high molecular weight
aggregates. Overall, carnosine had a positive effect by decreasing both the acidic
peaks and the high molecular weight aggregates in cultured dishes.
[00102] Example 2
[00103] Effects of Carnosine Addition to Cell Culture Medium
[00104] Five bioreactors were inoculated with 0.9 x106 cells/ml with a 1L working
volume of a MYO-29 cell line in a serum free inoculation medium. All the bioreactors
were fed 5% (v/v) of a feed medium on days 3, 5, 7, and 12 of a 14-day run. A day
10 feed of 5% (v/v) of the feed medium was added to two of the control bioreactors
and one containing carnosine. The conditions of the bioreactors were held at a

temperature of 37°C, a pH of 7.00, and a dissolved oxygen level at 30% air
saturation. The agitation rate was 200 rpm and the sparge gas had a combination of
air and 7% carbon dioxide.
[00105] All cells were cultured for 4 days at which point 20 mM of carnosine was
added to two of the bioreactors, the controls did not have carnosine added, and the
temperature was shifted to 31 °C in all of the bioreactors on day 4 also. The
bioreactors were harvested on day 14 of the production run. Samples were taken
throughout the run to monitor the progress of the cell culture medium. The controls
performed as expected.
[00106] Figure 2a shows the daily viable cell density. Figure 2b shows that the
daily cell viability of the bioreactors with carnosine was higher upon being harvested
compared to two bioreactors without it. Figure 2c shows the daily titer of the
bioreactors and that the two bioreactors with carnosine present had higher titer at the
time of harvest. The cultures with carnosine had better cumulative specific cellular
productivity shown in Figure 2d. Figure 2e shows the amount of high molecular
weight aggregates and shows a decrease of high molecular weight aggregates in the
bioreactors with carnosine present.
[00107] Example 3
[00108] Effect of Different Concentration of Carnosine Additions
[00109] Four bioreactors were inoculated with 0.4 x 106 cells/ml with a 1L working
volume of a MYO-29 cell line in a serum free inoculation medium. AH the bioreactors
were all fed 5% (v/v) of a feed medium on day 7 of the 14-day run. The conditions of
the bioreactor were held at a temperature of 37°C, a pH of 7.00, and a dissolved
oxygen level at 30% air saturation. The agitation rate was 200 rpm and the sparge
gas had a combination of air and 7% carbon dioxide.

[00110] All cells were cultured for four days at which point the temperature was
shifted in all of the bioreactors to 31 °C. Also on day 4, 20 mM of carnosine was
added to one bioreactor, a second had 40 mM of carnosine added, and the controls
did not have any carnosine added. All bioreactors were harvested on day 12 of the
production run. Samples were taken throughout the run to monitor the progress of
the cell culture medium. The controls performed generally as expected, except one
control had slightly lower daily viabilities than previously seen.
[00111] Figure 3a shows the daily viable cell density, the different bioreactors are
fairly similar with the exception of the bioreactor with 40 mM of carnosine. Figure 3b
shows that the daily cell viability of the bioreactors with carnosine had a higher
viability upon being harvested compared to two control bioreactors without it. Figure
3c shows the daily titer; the bioreactors with the carnosine additions and one of the
controls were similar. The bioreactor with 40 mM of carnosine had a higher
cumulative specific cellular productivity. (Figure 3d). Figure 3e shows the amount of
high molecular weight aggregates; overall there is a decrease in high molecular
weight aggregates with the carnosine additions compared to the controls.
[00112] Although the some embodiments of the disclosure have been described
herein, the above description is merely illustrative. Further modification of the
embodiments herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the cell culture art and all
such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments as
defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
1. A method of producing a protein in cell culture comprising steps of:
culturing mammalian cells that contain a gene encoding a protein of interest,
which gene is expressed under conditions of cell culture, in a cell culture medium
comprising an anti-senescence compound; and
maintaining the culture under conditions and for a time sufficient to permit
expression of the protein;
wherein the cell culture exhibits an improved cell culture characteristic that
differs from a corresponding cell culture characteristic that would be observed under
otherwise identical conditions in an otherwise identical medium that lacks the anti-
senescence compound;
wherein the improved culture characteristic is selected from the group
consisting of: increased titer, increased cell specific productivity, increased cell
viability, increased integrated viable cell density, decreased accumulation of high
molecular weight aggregates, decreased accumulation of acidic species, and
combinations thereof.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the anti-senescence compound is selected
from the group consisting of carnosine, acetyl-carnosine, homo-carnosine, anserine,
and.3.-alanine and combinations thereof.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the anti-senescence compound comprises
carnosine.
4. The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the anti-senescence compound is
present in the cell culture medium at a concentration of between about 5 mM and
about 100 mM.
5. The method of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the cell culture is further
provided with supplementary components.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the supplementary components are provided
in a feed medium.

7. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein the supplementary components are
selected from the group consisting of hormones and/or other growth factors,
particular ions (such as sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate),
buffers, vitamins, nucleosides or nucleotides, trace elements (inorganic compounds
usually present at very low final concentrations), amino acids, lipids, glucose or other
energy source, and combinations thereof.
8. The method of claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the supplementary components
include an anti-senescence compound.
9. A method for producing a protein comprising steps of:
culturing mammalian cells that contain a gene encoding a protein of interest in
a cell culture medium, which gene is expressed under conditions of cell culture, at a
first temperature or temperature range conducive for cell growth during a growth
phase;
shifting the temperature or temperature range of the cell culture medium to a
second temperature or temperature range conducive for protein production;
culturing the host cells in the cell culture medium at the second temperature
or temperature range through a transition phase and into a production phase;
wherein an anti-senescence compound is added to the cell culture and such
that the cell culture exhibits an improved cell culture characteristic that differs from a
corresponding cell culture characteristic that would be observed under otherwise
identical conditions in an otherwise identical medium that lacks the anti-senescence
compound;
wherein the improved cell culture characteristic is selected from the group
consisting of: increased titer, increased cell specific productivity, increased cell
viability, increased integrated viable cell density, decreased accumulation of high
molecular weight aggregates, decreased accumulation of acidic species, and
combinations thereof.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the anti-senescence compound is added to
the cell culture medium at the beginning of the cell culture process.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the anti-senescence compound is
added to the cell culture medium during the growth phase.
12. The method of claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the anti-senescence compound is
added to the cell culture medium during the transition phase.
13. The method of any one of claims 9-12, wherein the anti-senescence
compound is added to the cell culture medium during the production phase.
14. The method of any one of claims 9-13, wherein the anti-senescence
compound is selected from the group consisting of camosine, acetyl-carnosine,
homo-carnosine, anserine, and 3-alanine and combinations thereof.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the anti-senescence compound comprises
carnosine.
16. The method of any one of claims 9-15, wherein the anti-senescence
compound is present in the cell culture medium at a concentration of between about
5 mM and about 100 mM.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the cell culture is further provided with
supplementary components.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the supplementary components are provided
in a feed medium.
19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein the supplementary components are
selected from the group consisting of hormones and/or other growth factors,
particular ions (such as sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate),
buffers, vitamins, nucleosides or nucleotides, trace elements (inorganic compounds
usually present at very low final concentrations), amino acids, lipids, glucose or other
energy source, and combinations thereof.

20. The method of claim 17, 18, or 19, wherein the supplementary components
include an anti-senescence compound.
21. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the produced protein is
heterologous to the mammalian cells.
22. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the mammalian cells are
CHO cells.
23. A protein produced according to the method of any of the preceding claims.
24. The protein of claim 23, wherein the protein is an antibody.
25. The protein of claim 24, wherein the antibody is an anti-GDF-8 antibody
selected from the group consisting of: Myo29, Myo28, Myo22, and combinations
thereof.
26. A method for preparing a protein according to any of claims 1-22, further
comprising the step of isolating the protein from the cell culture medium.
27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the protein is further purified or
processed for formulation.
28. A method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the protein is formulated into a
pharmaceutical composition.
29. A method for producing a protein comprising:
culturing a mammalian cell transformed with a gene encoding a protein of interest in
a cell culture medium;
adding to said cell culture medium an effective amount of an anti-senescence
compound;

maintaining said cell culture medium until said protein of interest accumulates;
and
isolating said protein of interest, wherein production of said protein of interest
is enhanced, cell viability is maintained, and high molecular weight aggregate is
decreased as compared to the production of said protein of interest in the absence of
said anti-senescence compound in otherwise identical conditions.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein said host cell is a mammalian cell.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein said mammalian cell is a CHO cell.
32. The method of claim 29, wherein said protein of interest is an antibody.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein said antibody is an IgG isotope.
34. The method of claim 32, wherein said antibody is a recombinant human
antibody.
35. The method of claim 32, wherein said antibody is specifically reactive with
growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) or an epitope thereof.
36. The method of claim 32, wherein said recombinant antibody specifically binds
to BMP-11.
37. The method of claim 29, wherein said anti-senescence compound is
carnosine or a carnosine analog.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein said carnosine analog is selected from the
group consisting of acetyl-camosine, homo-camosine, anserine, and 3-alanine.
39. The method of claim 29, wherein said anti-senescence compound is at a
concentration between about 5 mM to about 100 mM.

40. The method of claim 29, wherein said anti-senescence compound is at a
concentration between about 10 mM to about 40 mM.
41. The method of claim 29, wherein said anti-senescence compound is at a
concentration of about 20 mM.
42. The method of claim 29, wherein said anti-senescence compound is added in
combination with a feed medium.
43. The method of claim 29, wherein said cell viability at time of harvest Is
maintained.
44. The method of claim 29, wherein production of said protein of interest is
increased.
45. The method of claim 29, wherein cell specific productivity of said protein of
interest is increased.
46. The method of claim 29, wherein quality of said protein of interest is increased
by a decrease in high molecular weight aggregate.
47. The method of claim 29, wherein quality of said protein of interest is increased
by a decrease in acidic species.
48. A method for producing a protein comprising:
culturing a cell line in a cell culture medium at a temperature conducive for
cell growth during a growth phase;
shifting said temperature of said cell culture medium at least once to a
temperature conducive for protein production;
culturing said host cells in said cell culture medium at said temperature
conducive for protein production through a transition phase and into a production
phase;

adding said anti-senescence compound to said cell culture medium during
said transition phase at a concentration wherein production of said protein of interest
is enhanced, cell viability is maintained, and high molecular weight aggregate is
decreased as compared to the production of said protein of interest in the absence of
said anti-senescence compound in otherwise identical conditions.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein said anti-senescence compound is at a
concentration between about 5 mM to about 100 mM.
50. The method of claim 48, wherein said anti-senescence compound is at a
concentration between about 10 mM to about 40 mM.
51. The method of claim 48, wherein said anti-senescence compound is at a
concentration of about 20 mM.

Methods of producing a protein in cell culture comprising an anti-senescence compound, such as the antioxidant carnosine, are provided. According to teachings of the present invention, cells grown in a cell culture medium comprising an anti-senescence compound exhibit increased viability and productivity. Furthermore, cell cultures grown in the presence of an anti-
senescence compound exhibit decreased levels of high molecular weight aggregates in the cell culture medium.