In order to optimize productivity of a cell culture it is necessary to understand growth and productivity and couple these features of the culture to extracellular nutrients whose profiles can be manipulated. Also, since growth and productivity are directly affected by cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis, it is imperative to understand these mechanisms. This work describes the development of a differential equation based population balance model of apoptosis in a Chinese Hamster Ovary cell culture producing Anti-RhD monoclonal antibody (mAb). The model was verified in isolation and was then coupled to a metabolic flux model. The model distinguishes between various subpopulations at normal healthy states and at various stages of apoptosis. After finding that glucose and glutamine are not limiting nutrients for this culture, different hypotheses were explored to explain growth arrest. Initially, it was hypothesized that there is some unknown nutrient in either media or serum which is depleted, thus causing growth arrest. Accordingly a first model was developed assuming depletion of this nutrient. Subsequent experiments with different additions of media and serum showed that there is no such nutrient limitation for the media and serum conditions used in most of the experiments. Additional experiments with different culture volumes showed that cell growth was actually controlled by a compound that accumulates and causes pH deviation from its optimal range of operation. Since strong correlations were found between culture volume and growth, it was hypothesized that the compound may be carbon dioxide (CO2), which is inhibitory for growth and may accumulate due to mass transfer limitations. Following this finding, a second model was proposed to take into account the accumulation of this inhibitor, although the specific inhibiting compound could not be exactly identified. This second mathematical model of cell growth was then integrated with a metabolic flux model to provide for a link between intracellular and extracellular species balances, since the latter are the ones to be manipulated for increasing productivity. This final model formulation was then used to describe mAb productivity. The model was also able to reasonably predict all cell subpopulations, nutrients, metabolites and mAb. In an attempt to mitigate the effect of CO2 accumulation and renew the cell growth, culture perfusions were performed. Although this approach resulted in some renewal of growth, the cell concentration progressively decreased after each successive perfusion event. This suggests that irreversible cell damage occurs because of CO2 accumulation. The model was used to describe the perfusion experiments. Agreement between data and model predictions were reasonable. In addition, it was shown that operation with successive perfusions results in a significant increase in productivity and therefore it can be used for further process optimization.

A proteomics approach was used to identify proteins potentially implicated in the cellular response concurrent with elevated production levels of human follicle stimulating hormone in a recombinant Chinese hamster ovary cell line (Darren cells), using zinc and sodium butyrate in the production media to increase expression. To this end, 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DGE) was utilized. Firstly, several aspects of 2-DGE were developed for this investigation. Gel drying conditions were optimized, and a glycine-free blotting method is described which achieved greater efficiency in rapid transfer of proteins than those previously described. Next, hFSH expression was characterized in Darren cells. An ELISA developed for this investigation examined intracellular (expression) and extracellular (secretion) of hFSH during increased expression. These results show a disproportionate increase in intracellular hFSH (188%) expression above extracellular hFSH (41%).

A recombinat Chinese Hamster Ovary (rCHO) cell line designated as CHO SEAP was utilized in this investigation to optimize protein production. Two bench top stirred-tank bioreactors, namely a pitched-blade and a packed-bed basket bioreactor, were utilized for a comparative study to determine which bioreactor would produce the best results in terms of protein production. The objective of this research project was to provide basic data that shows cells cultured in a packed-bed basket bioreactor in perfusion mode will generate more protein product than cells in batch mode suspension culture with a pitched-blade bioreactor. The packed-bed bioreactor creates a homeostatic environment similar to the environment found in vivo, where waste products are constantly removed and fresh nutrients are replenished. Closed batch cultures do not provide a homeostatic environment. In batch culture systems, nutrients are depleted and waste products accumulate. The results from this experiment could help investigators involved in protein and/or vaccine production facilities select the appropriate bioreactor and mode of operation to optimize cell productivity for generation of a specific protein product. CHO cells have been used for the production of vaccines, recombinant therapeutic proteins, and monoclonal antibodies, and these cells are now the cell line of choice in the biopharmaceutical industry. Traditional vaccine production methods in egg embryos are slow and outdated, whereas roller bottle-based cell culture techniques are time consuming and have limited scalability. These limitations justify the need for development of stirred tank bioreactors. Cells cultured in a packed-bed bioreactor are not exposed to hydrodynamic forces, as is the case with pitched-blade bioreactors, allowing for maximum growth and protein expression. This mode of operation involves the constant removal of media depleted of nutrients and the addition of fresh media with more nutrients to keep the cells growing. Long run times decrease the constant need for re-seeding cells and re-establishing seed cultures, thus, reducing setup time and labor dramatically. Secreted products are automatically separated from cells in perfusion, eliminating filtration and membrane fouling. A detailed description of both modes of operation are discussed in this thesis.

No description available.

Although the eDNA sequences for the 10 k:Da (hsp 10, hsp 1 0) and the 60 k:Da (hsp60, cpn60) heat shock proteins have been obtained for a number of mammalian species, until very recently information was not available on the functional genes encoding these proteins. The primary objective of this work was to clone and sequence the functional genes for these proteins from CHO, Chinese hamster ovary cells. Screening of a lambda EMBL3 CHO genomic library with the CHO hsp 10 eDNA identified a clone containing the putative hsp 10 functional gene. A -5.5 kb fragment was isolated from one of these clones by enzymatic digestion and -3.3 kb was sequenced. The clone was found to contain consensus regulatory sequences upstream of the putative transcription initiation site, + 1, including two Sp 1 binding sites, a CAAT box, and a single heat shock element, HSE, but lacked a TATA box. The coding region consists of four exons, identical to the hsp10 CHO eDNA sequence, separated by three introns, of 200 bp, 600 bp and 1600 bp in size, containing conserved splice sites. Screening of the same EMBL3 CHO genomic library with the CHO hsp 10 eDNA also resulted in isolation of a full length processed pseudogene with -90 % identity to the eDNA. This pseudogene lacked introns, contained a poly(A) tract, as well as various single bp changes, additions and deletions. The upstream region of this pseudo gene was found to contain similarity to the human LINE sequence, a DNA repetitive element. PCR amplification ofCHO-WT genomic DNA resulted in isolation offive additional processed pseudogenes, corresponding to the central -270 bp of the CHO hsplO eDNA. All the pseudogenes displayed a high degree of similarity to the CHO hsp 10 eDNA sequence despite the presence of numerous mutations. Prior to this report, pseudogenes had not been found associated with hsp 10. The identification of these pseudogenes suggests the presence of a multi gene family for this heat shock protein in the CHO genome. Previously, a semi-processed pseudogene, Gel, was identified for hsp60 from CHO cells which contained a single -87 bp intron near its 3' end (Venner eta/., 1990). From this pseudo gene, a fragment containing the -87 bp intron was isolated for use as a probe to screen a lambda EMBL3 CHO genomic library. This resulted in isolation of several positive clones, two of which were purified, a -1.0 kb fragment amplified by PCR and then sequenced revealing two additional semi-processed pseudogenes, designated .A4 and .AS. These pseudo genes were found to be homologous to the GC 1 clone, containing many similar mutations as well as the -87 bp intron. Utilizing CHO-WT genomic DNA, a separate PCR amplification resulted in isolation of a -2.5 kb fragment which was partially sequenced and found to correspond to the putative hsp60 functional gene. The fragment contained one exon, which was identical to the CHO hsp60 eDNA in the region sequenced, and two introns of800 bp and 1500 bp. This fragment can now provide an ideal probe for isolation ofthe CHO hsp60 functional gene. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Recombinant glycoproteins are important biopharmaceuticals, providing solutions for numerous previously untreatable illnesses, in everything from cancer to infertility. Most recombinant biopharmaceuticals are produced in mammalian cells due to their ability to provide the correct post-translational processing for use in humans. The post-translation processing influences many of the protein’s properties including pharmacokinetics, bioactivity, secretion, half-life, solubility, recognition and antigenicity. The aim of this thesis is to further study the upstream production of a glycosylated recombinant protein produced by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells on production scale within the confines of an existing process. The process in question uses adherent CHO cells to produce a glycosylated recombinant hormone. As with most recombinant protein production processes, this process has two sections to the upstream production: a seed train to grow enough cells to inoculate production, and a production section, which focuses on the production of a recombinant protein. The seed train is predominantly conducted in roller bottles, while the production section takes place in perfusion bioreactors, where the cells are attached to microcarriers, with spin-filters for cell retention. The whole process uses medium with serum. There are two process challenges regarding an existing recombinant-protein production process: 1. The gradual increase, over the past several campaigns, of the final population doubling level of the cells (which must remain within certain specified limits) at the end of the seed train. 2. The low glycosylation levels of the product seen in certain campaigns, which meant that a certain number of final product batches were below the specified acceptable glycosylation limits. Following a literature survey several controlled process variables were chosen for investigation and hypotheses made on their effect on the seed train or glycosylation. To investigate their effect on the PDL and cell growth in the seed train: - Medium volume: decreasing the medium volume will yield a lower PDL due to slower cell growth caused by lower glucose availability. - Seeding density: if cells obtain confluence by the time they are harvested, decreasing the seeding density will yield a higher PDL. - Cultivation temperature: decreasing the temperature ought to decrease the growth rate. - Medium feed temperature: there will be no significant difference to the cell culture when pre-heated or cold medium is used. Aeration: using vent caps will increase the oxygen content of the medium in the roller bottles and the cell growth, yielding a higher PDL. To investigate their effect on glycosylation during production: - pH: better glycosylation will be seen at pH 6.9, than at pH 6.7. - Perfusion rate: a higher perfusion rate will lead to better glycosylation due to increased glucose and glutamine concentrations. In the seed train, the only factor that significantly influenced the final PDL was the seeding density. Cell growth was inhibited once cells reached confluence, so lowering the seeding density lead to a higher PDL. It is recommended to use a high seeding density to ensure a lower PDL. Historic data indicated that the seeding density was not the cause of the apparent increase of the final PDL, as all previous campaigns had been seeded with a high seeding density. What then became apparent was that the final PDL remained relatively constant during a campaign and that the increase in final PDL occurred between campaigns. It appears that the apparent increase in the final PDL is due to differences in cell counting between operators as each new campaign was managed by different operators. It is recommended that a mechanical cell counter be used to verify cells counts and to maintain a standard between campaigns. In the bioreactors, varying the pH proved to have no significant effect on the glycosylation levels. However, both the initial perfusion rate and the specific perfusion rate proved to be important from both historical data and the data generated during these experiments. Lower levels of the initial perfusion rate lead to better glycosylation and it is recommended that an initial perfusion rate of 1.0 volumes/day be used. The relationship between the specific perfusion rate and the glycosylation appears to be non-linear and requires further study, for now it is recommended that the specific perfusion rate be kept below 0.3 volumes/day/109 cells. Probable reasons for the unsatisfactory glycosylation seen in certain runs could also be proposed from these two factors: • RP33-133 : Very high specific perfusion rate • RP32-135 : High initial perfusion rate and very high specific perfusion rate • RP32-138 : High initial perfusion rate • RP33-139 : High initial perfusion rate Further research is recommended into the effect of the specific perfusion rate as well as the specific glucose consumption rate and the specific glutamine concentration on the glycosylation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Rekombinante glikoproteïene is baie belangrike biofarmaseutiese produkte wat oplossings bied vir talle voorheen ongeneeslike siektes in alles van kanker tot onvrugbaarheid. Meeste rekombinante farmaseutiese produkte word gemaak deur diere-selle as gevolg van hulle bevoegtheid om die korrekte na-translasie stappe te volg sodat die produkte in mense gebruik kan word. Die na-translasie stappe beïnvloed baie van die proteïene se karaktertreke insluitende die farmakokinetika, bioaktiwiteit, uitskeiding, half-leeftyd, oplosbaarheid, herkenbaarheid and antigeniciteit. Die doel van hierdie tesis is om die stroomop produksie van ‘n rekombinante glikoproteïene vervaardig deur Chinese hamster ovariale (CHO) selle verder te bestudeer binne die grense van ‘n bestaande proses op grootskaalse vlak. Die huidige proses gebruik CHO selle om ‘n rekombinante glikohormoon te produseer. Soos meeste prosesse wat rekombinante proteïene produseer bestaan die stroomop gedeelte van die proses uit twee dele: ‘n saad trein wat genoeg selle maak vir produksie en ‘n produksie gedeelte wat fokus op die vervaardiging van die glikoproteïen. Die saad trein bestaan hoofsaaklik uit roller bottels terwyl produksie plaasvind in perfusie bioreaktors waar die selle op “microcarriers” groei, met spin-filters om die selle binne die bioreaktors te hou; die hele proses gebruik medium met serum. Daar is twee probleme in die stroomop gedeelte van die bestaande proses: 1. Die geleidelike toename oor die afgelope paar jaar van die finale verdubbelingsvlak van die selle aan die einde van die saad trein 2. Die lae glukosilering van die eindproduk wat veroorsaak dat sekere lotnommers buite spesifikasie is Na ‘n literatuur studie, was seker beheerde proses parameters gekies om verder te bestudeer en hipotesisse gemaak oor hulle effek op die saad trein of die vlak van glukosilering. Die volgende faktore is bestudeer vir hulle effek op die finale verdubbelingsvlak van die selle in die saad trein: - Medium volume: ‘n laer medium volume sal lei tot a laer verdubbelingsvlak van die selle as gevolg van stadige groei - Konsentrasie van selle vir inokulasie: as die selle konfluent is teen die tyd wat hulle versamel word sal ‘n laer konsentrasie selle lei tot ’n hoër verdubellingsvlak. - Temperatuur: laer temperatuur behoort te lei tot ‘n stadiger groei koers van die selle - Medium voer-temperatuur: die voer-temperatuur van die medium sal geen beduidende verskil maak - Belugting: die gebruik van “vent-caps” sal die suurstof inhoud van die roller bottels verhoog Die volgende faktore is bestudeer vir hulle effek op die glukosilering tydens produksie: - pH: beter glukosilering word verwag by by pH 6.9 dan by pH 6.7 - Perfusie koers: ‘n hoër perfusie koers sal lei tot beter glukosilering as gevolg van hoër glukose en glutamien konsentrasies Die konsentrasie van die selle wat gebruik word vir inokulasie blyk die enigste faktor te wees wat die finale verdubbelingsvlak van die selle en die groei van die selle in die saad trein beïnvloed het. Die groei van die selle was beprek wanneer die selle konfluent geraak het en dus het ‘n laër sel konsentrasie by inokulasie gelei tot ‘n hoër sel verdubbelingsvlak. Dit word aanbeveel dat ‘n hoë sel konsentrasie by inokulasie gebruik word. Die geleidelike toename van die finale verdubbelingsvlak van die selle in die saad trein is waarskynlik as gevolg van die variasie in sel tellings tussen verskillende operateurs eerder as as gevolg van die beheerde proses parameters. Dit word aanbeveel dat ‘n meganiese sel-teller gebruik word om die verskil in sel tellings tussen operateurs te kontroleer en om ‘n standaard te handhaaf tussen produksie lotte. In die bioreaktors, het die pH geen beduidende invloed gehad op die glukosilering maar uit historiese data en die huidige data van hierdie eksperimente blyk albei die begin perfusie koers en die spesifieke perfusie koers ‘n belangrike invloed te hê op die glukosilering. Laër vlakke van die begin perfusie koers lei tot beter glikosilsie en dit word aanbeveel dat elke produksielot ‘n begin perfusie koers het van 1.0 volume/dag. Die verhouding tussen die glukosilering en die spesifieke perfusie koers blyk om nie-liniêr te wees nie. Nog navorsing hieroor word aanbeveel, maar vir nou word dit aanbeveel dat die spesifieke perfusie koers onder 0.3 volumes/dag/109 selle gehou word. Hierde twee faktore blyk die oorsaak te wees vir die lae glukosilering wat in sekere produksielopies gevind was: • RP33-133 : baie hoë spesifieke perfusie koers • RP32-135 : hoë begin perfusie koers en baie hoe spesifieke perfusie koers • RP32-138 : hoë begin perfusie koers • RP33-139 : hoë begin perfusie koers Dit word aanbeveel dat verdere navorsing gedoen word op die effek van die spesifieke perfusie koers asook die spesifieke koers van glukose verbruik en die spesifieke glutamien konsentrasie op die glukosilering van die produk.

Electroporation affects the dielectric properties of cells. Dielectric measurement techniques can provide a label-free and non-invasive modality to study this phenomenon. In this thesis we introduce a dielectrophoresis (DEP) based technique to study changes in the cytoplasm conductivity of single Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells immediately after electroporation. Using a microfluidic chip, we study changes in the DEP response of single CHO cells a few seconds after electroporation. First, in order to quantify our DEP measurement results and relate them to the cells internal conductivity, we introduce a dielectric model for CHO cells. This is achieved by measuring the DEP response of many individual cells in the β-dispersion frequency region and curve fitting to the measured data. Second, we present quantitative results for changes in the cytoplasm conductivity of single cells subjected to pulsed electric fields with various intensities. We observe that when electroporation is performed in media with lower ionic concentration than cells cytoplasm, their internal conductivity decreases after electroporation depending on the intensity of applied pulses. We also observe that with reversible electroporation there is a limit on the decrease in the cells’ internal conductivity. We hypothesize the reason is the presence of large and relatively immobile negative ions inside the cell which attract mobile positive ions (mainly sodium and potassium) to maintain cell electrical neutrality. We monitor the temporal response of cells after electroporation to measure the time constant of changes due to ion transport and observe this ranges from seconds to tens of seconds depending on the applied pulse intensity. This result can be used to infer information about the density and resealing time of very small pores (not measurable with conventional marker molecules). Lastly, we measure the electroporation of cells in media with different conductivities. Our results show that electroporation in very low conductivity media requires stronger pulses to achieve a similar poration extent as in high conductivity media. The outcome of this thesis can be used to improve our understanding of the dynamics of electroporation as well as its modelling in order to make more accurate predictions or optimize the process for specific applications. / February 2017

No description available.

A produção de proteínas recombinantes, principalmente para uso farmacêutico, tem sido intensamente estudada, juntamente com suas propriedades físico-químicas, o que possibilita uma melhor escolha da técnica de purificação, e assim, evitar perdas no rendimento e custos elevados. A glicocerebrosidase (GCR) é uma enzima lisossomal, e sua deficiência ocasiona um distúrbio autossômico recessivo denominado doença de Gaucher. Atualmente o tratamento para essa patologia é por meio da Terapia de Reposição Enzimática (TRE), a qual tem sido realizada com grande êxito. Tendo em vista fornecer dados que possam auxiliar na redução do número de etapas cromatográficas no processo de downstream, este trabalho teve como objetivo, a purificação da GCR expressa por células de Ovário de Hamster Chinês (CHO), em meio livre de soro fetal bovino (SFB). Para se alcançar tais resultados, realizou-se o cultivo das células CHO-GCR em meio quimicamente definido livre de SFB (CHO-S-SFM II). Foram realizadas três técnicas cromatográficas (troca iônica, interação hidrofóbica e afinidade), com base em suas propriedades físico-químicas. E para o ensaio da atividade enzimática, foi utilizado o substrato fluorogênico 4-Methylumbeliferyl β-D-glucopyranoside (4MU-G). As células CHO-GCR cultivadas em meio CHO-S-SFM II, apresentando viabilidade maior que 95%, e produção da GCR ativa, durante todo o período de cultivo. Os protocolos aplicados para a purificação da GCR, não apresentaram resultados significativos. Com o volume não retido após cromatografia por interação hidrofóbica, se estimou os valores de KM 2,13 e VMAX 0,0295 UFR/h para as constantes cinéticas da GCR. A diálise no processo de purificação mostrou ser uma etapa necessária para a atividade enzimática da GCR. No cultivo das células CHO-GCR para a formação do banco de trabalho, nos meios RPMI 1640 e α-MEM, ambos com a adição de 10% SFB, não houve diferença significativa no crescimento entre eles, e apresentaram 100% de viabilidade durante todo o período de cultivo. Porém, ao analisar de forma isolada a fase exponencial de cada curva, notou-se que às células cultivadas no meio RPMI 1640, apresentaram taxa de crescimento superior, às cultivadas em meio α-MEM. Concluiu-se que a expressão da GCR em meio livre de SFB, proporciona amostras menos complexas, em relação aos meios de cultura que necessitam de suplementação com SFB, o que pode reduzir o número de etapas cromatográficas, melhorando o rendimento e a redução da perda da atividade da GCR. O meio basal RPMI 1640 com a adição de SFB foi uma alternativa satisfatória para o cultivo das células CHO-GCR. Este estudo forneceu dados que podem contribuir para a melhoria do processo de purificação da GCR. Novas pesquisas podem ser desenvolvidas a fim de melhorar o processo de purificação da GCR. / The production of recombinant proteins, mainly for pharmaceutical use, has been intensively studied along with its physico-chemical properties, which allows a better choice of the purification technique, and thus avoid losses in yield and high costs. Glucocerebrosidase (GCR) is a lysosomal enzyme, and its deficiency causes an autosomal recessive disorder called Gaucher\'s disease. Currently the treatment for this pathology is through Enzymatic Replacement Therapy (ERT), which has been successfully performed. In order to provide data that may help reducing the number of chromatographic steps in the downstream process, this work aimed to purify GCR expressed by Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells in fetal bovine serum free (FBS). To achieve such results, the CHO-GCR cells were cultured in chemically defined Serum-free medium (CHO-S-SFM II). Three chromatographic techniques (ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction and affinity) were performed, based on their physicochemical properties. And for the enzymatic activity assay, the fluorogenic substrate 4-Methylumbeliferyl β-D-glucopyranoside (4MU-G) was used. CHO-GCR cells cultured in CHO-S-SFM II medium, presenting viability greater than 95% and GCR production active, throughout the culture period. The protocols applied for GCR purification did not present significant results. With the volume not retained after chromatography by hydrophobic interaction, KM values of 2.13 and VMAX 0.0295 UFR/h were estimated for GCR kinetic constants. Dialysis in the purification process was shown to be a step necessary for the enzymatic activity of GCR. In the culture of the CHO-GCR cells for the formation of the working bank, in the media RPMI 1640 and α-MEM, both with the addition of 10% FBS, there was no significant growth difference between them, and they showed 100% viability during all the growing period. However, when analyzing in isolation, the exponential phase of each curve, it was observed that the cells grown in RPMI 1640 medium showed higher growth rates, tham grown in α-MEM medium. It was concluded that the expression of GCR in serum-free medium provides less complex samples, relative to the culture media requiring FBS supplementation, which may reduce the number of chromatographic steps, improving yield and loss reduction of GCR activity. The basal medium RPMI 1640 with the addition of FBS was a satisfactory alternative for culturing the CHO-GCR cells. This study provided data that may contribute to the improvement of the GCR purification process. New research can be developed to improve the GCR purification process.

A prolactina humana (hPRL) é um hormônio polipeptídico secretado pela hipófise anterior sob regulação do hipotálamo, envolvido em uma variedade de processos biológicos como o desenvolvimento da glândula mamária e lactação. O produto recombinante é importante no diagnóstico médico e no tratamento de insuficiência da lactação. Este hormônio pode ocorrer sob a forma de proteína não glicosilada (NG-hPRL) e glicosilada (G-hPRL), com pesos moleculares de aproximadamente 23 e 25 kilodalton (kDa), respectivamente; possui um único sítio de N-glicosilação localizado na asparagina (Asn) posição 31, que é parcialmente ocupado, representando assim um modelo particularmente interessante de glicosilação. A atividade biológica da G-hPRL é muito menor comparada à NG-hPRL (~4 vezes) e sua função fisiológica ainda não é bem definida: a porção de carboidrato parece ter um importante papel na biossíntese, secreção, atividade biológica, e sobrevivência plasmática do hormônio. O objetivo principal desse trabalho foi comparar as estruturas dos N-glicanos presentes na prolactina glicosilada hipofisária (G-hPRL-NHPP) com a recombinante. Para obter a G-hPRL recombinante foi realizada uma produção em escala laboratorial a partir de células de ovário de hamster chinês (CHO) geneticamente modificadas e adaptadas ao crescimento em suspensão. Foi adicionada, ao meio de cultura cicloheximida (CHX), cujo efeito principal foi aumentar a relação G-hPRL/NGhPRL que passou de 5% para 38%, facilitando assim a purificação da G-hPRL. A G-hPRL foi purificada em duas etapas, uma troca catiônica seguida de purificação por cromatografia liquida de alta eficiência de fase reversa (RP-HPLC) que se demonstrou eficiente na separação das duas isoformas de hPRL. A G-hPRL recombinante IPEN foi assim analisada por diversas técnicas confirmando a sua pureza e atividade biológica, incluindo comparações com outras amostras de referências de origem hipofisária adquirida junto ao National Hormone & Peptide Program (NHPP-E.U.A.) . Foi realizada também a determinação inédita de Nglicanos presentes na G-hPRL produzida por células CHO e na G-hPRL nativa, produzida pela hipófise humana, possibilitando comparar as duas estruturas de carboidratos e alcançando assim uma das principais metas desse projeto. Entre as principais diferenças encontradas nas estruturas dos dois N-glicanos, destacam-se a baixa quantidade de ácido siálico (NeuAc), a alta porcentagem de glicanos sulfatos (74,0%) e com fucose (Fuc) (93,3%) presentes na amostra hipofisária e a tendência da preparação recombinante de apresentar glicanos com maior peso molecular e com uma menor variação nas isoformas. / Human prolactin (hPRL) is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary under the regulation of the hypothalamus, involved in a variety of biological processes such as mammary gland development and lactation. The recombinant product is important in medical diagnosis and treatment of failure of lactation. This hormone may occur in the form of non-glycosylated protein (NGhPRL) and glycosylated (G-hPRL) with molecular weights of approximately 23 and 25 kilodalton (kDa), respectively; has a single N-glycosylation site located at asparagine (Asn) position 31, which is partially occupied, thus being a particularly interesting model of glycosylation. The biological activity of G-hPRL is lower compared to NG-hPRL (~4 times) and its physiological function is not well defined: the portion of carbohydrate appears to have an important role in the hormone biosynthesis, secretion, biological activity, and plasma survival of the hormone. The main objective of this study was to compare the structures of N-glycans present in glycosylated pituitary prolactin (G-hPRL-NHPP) with those present in the recombinant. To obtain the recombinant G-hPRL the production was performed in laboratory scale from Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO), genetically modified and adapted to growth in suspension. Cycloheximide (CHX), whose main effect was to increase the ratio G-hPRL/NG-hPRL from 5% to 38% was added to the culture medium, thereby facilitating the purification of G-hPRL. The G-hPRL was purified in two steps, a cation exchanger followed by a purification by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) which demonstrated the efficient separation of the two isoforms of hPRL. Recombinant G-hPRL-IPEN was well characterized by several techniques confirming its purity and biological activity, including comparisons with other reference preparation of pituitary origin purchased from the \"National Hormone & Peptide Program (NHPPU. S.)\". The composition of N-glycans present in the G-hPRL, produced by CHO cells, and that of native G-hPRL, produced by the human pituitary gland, were also determined for the first time, allowing the two structures of carbohydrates to be compared and thus, achieving one of the main goals of this project. Among the main differences in N-glycan structures, we highlight the low presence of sialic acid (NeuAc) and the high percentage of sulfated glycans (74.0%) and of fucose (Fuc) (93.3%) in the pituitary sample and the tendency of the recombinant preparation to present glycans with higher molecular weight and less isoforms variation.