Database Chemistry for Genomics-Based Safety and Quality Evaluation of Biologics

Abstract

Genomics-based safety and quality evaluation studies are advancing the bioindustry by enhancing various aspects, including viral safety, host cell protein (HCP) control, product heterogeneity control, cellular heterogeneity control, and process reproducibility. High-throughput instruments and genome-scale databases are essential in genomics, with the reference genome sequence being the most critical database. The completeness and accuracy of these genome sequences depend on DNA quality, sequencing instruments, read coverage, and assembly strategies. Significant efforts are being made to perfect genome assembly and continuously improve it. However, the quantitative impact of reference genome sequence accuracy on the safety of biologics is not yet fully understood. In this study, we compared and benchmarked six Chinese hamster genomes, including four newly sequenced genomes derived from Chinese hamster cell lines, from an industrial perspective. We also developed database assembly techniques to enhance the safety of biologics. We recommend using two or more independent reference genomes for viral safety studies. For HCP control, we suggest using protein sequences in which trypsin degradation peptides that overlap with high-risk proteins should be masked and unified. Additionally, we can predict microenvironments using single-cell transcriptome data. In bioengineering processes, any nucleotide samples have potential commercial benefits.