Virtual screening and experimental analysis of caspase-7 inhibitors as candidates for extending the lifespan of CHO cells

Abstract

Background: Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells are widely employed in biotechnology for the production of recombinant proteins. Extending the life span of CHO cells and inhibiting the loss of producing cell population through the inhibition of apoptosis can benefit the productivity of those cells. In this study, we aimed to screen and evaluate the impact of some caspase-7 inhibitor candidates on the lifespan of CHO cells. Results: Through virtual screening and molecular docking, risperidone was screened and selected as a potential inhibitor of caspase-7 in CHO cells. The results of MTT assay revealed that the cytotoxicity of risperidone at all concentrations was lower than 50%, and thus it can be suggested as a safe treatment for CHO cells. Annexin V apoptosis and flow cytometry assays revealed that risperidone at 1, 25, and 50 µM concentrations inhibited apoptosis 72 h post-treatment through caspase-7 inhibition. Although gene expression analysis through qRT-PCR demonstrates that risperidone did not affect caspase-7 gene expression. Conclusions: This bioinformatics and experimental study suggests risperidone as a caspase-7 inhibitor with the potential to extend the lifespan of CHO cells and offers possible opportunities in biotechnology.How to cite: Kafi S, Najafi S, Mahnam K, et al. Virtual screening and experimental analysis of caspase-7 inhibitors as candidates for extending the lifespan of CHO cells. Electron J Biotechnol 2024;71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2024.04.007.

Keywords

• Anti-apoptotic
• Apoptosis inhibition
• Caspase-7
• Caspase-7 inhibitors
• CHO cells
• Lifespan