Research Article
Forecasting Host Cells for Recombinant Protein Expression
Hung Van Le*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-13
Received:
15 January 2026
Accepted:
26 January 2026
Published:
6 February 2026
Abstract: Selection of an appropriate host cell is a critical determinant of success in recombinant protein expression. In practice, host choice is still largely guided by individual experience, ad hoc consultation of the literature, and intuitive decision-making, often resulting in suboptimal expression outcomes and costly cycles of experimental trial and error. Despite several decades of accumulated empirical knowledge in the field, there is currently no systematic, evidence-based framework for forecasting host cell suitability from protein sequence and structural characteristics. The purpose of this study was to develop predictive models that enable rational selection of host cells for recombinant protein expression based on intrinsic protein features. To achieve this, we leveraged collective experimental experience embedded in publicly available structural data. Protein entries from the Protein Data Bank were curated and analyzed, and logistic regression approaches were applied to relate expression outcomes to a range of protein attributes, including structural parameters, stability indices, predicted subcellular localization, and post-translational modification requirements. Using these variables, we constructed and validated statistical models capable of forecasting expression preferences across four commonly used host systems: Escherichia coli, insect cells, mammalian cells, and yeast. Model performance was assessed using internal validation procedures, demonstrating that distinct combinations of protein features are associated with differential expression success among host types. In conclusion, this work provides an evidence-based and quantitative framework for predicting suitable host cells for recombinant protein expression. By translating accumulated empirical knowledge into practical predictive tools, the proposed models reduce reliance on subjective judgment and trial-and-error experimentation. To facilitate broad adoption, the models, together with user guidance, have been implemented in a publicly accessible web server, offering a practical resource to improve experimental efficiency and success rates in protein expression studies.
Abstract: Selection of an appropriate host cell is a critical determinant of success in recombinant protein expression. In practice, host choice is still largely guided by individual experience, ad hoc consultation of the literature, and intuitive decision-making, often resulting in suboptimal expression outcomes and costly cycles of experimental trial and e...
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Research Article
Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities of Beta Vulgaris Ethanol Extract Against Hydrogen Peroxide–Induced Oxidative Stress in HepG2 Cells
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
14-25
Received:
16 February 2026
Accepted:
27 February 2026
Published:
12 March 2026
Abstract: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of hepatic dysfunction through excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairment of antioxidant defense systems. This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of Beta vulgaris ethanol extract in a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress model using HepG2 cells. Antioxidant potential was first evaluated through 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, where the extract demonstrated strong concentration-dependent radical inhibition, achieving 93.14% DPPH scavenging at 600 µg/ml. The extract exhibited IC₅₀ values of 147.41 µg/mL (DPPH) and 297.82 µg/mL (H2O2), indicating substantial free radical scavenging capacity comparable to ascorbic acid. In the cell-based model, H2O2 exposure significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, confirming lipid peroxidation and oxidative injury. Pretreatment with Beta vulgaris extract reduced MDA concentrations in a dose-dependent manner, with optimal protection observed at 600 µg/ml, comparable to the standard antioxidant silymarin. Furthermore, the extract significantly restored intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), demonstrating improved cellular redox balance. These findings suggest that Beta vulgaris ethanol extract possesses strong antioxidant and cytoprotective properties and may serve as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for mitigating oxidative stress-mediated hepatic damage.
Abstract: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of hepatic dysfunction through excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and impairment of antioxidant defense systems. This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of Beta vulgaris ethanol extract in a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative st...
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