Genetic algorithm as an optimization tool for the development of sponge cell culture media

Stephanie Munroe,Detmer Sipkema,Dirk E Martens,Shirley A Pomponi,Kenneth Sandoval

doi:10.1007/s11626-018-00317-0

Abstract

Sponges are rich sources of novel natural products. Production in cell cultures may be an option for supply of these compounds but there are currently no sponge cell lines. Because there is a lack of understanding about the precise conditions and nutritional requirements that are necessary to sustain sponge cells in vitro, there has yet to be a defined, sponge-specific nutrient medium. This study utilized a genetic algorithm approach to optimize the amino acid composition of a commercially available basal cell culture medium in order to increase the metabolic activity of cells of the marine sponge Dysidea etheria. Four generations of the algorithm were carried out in vitro in wet lab conditions and an optimal medium combination was selected for further evaluation. When compared to the basal medium control, there was a twofold increase in metabolic activity. The genetic algorithm approach can be used to optimize other components of culture media to efficiently optimize chosen parameters without the need for detailed knowledge on all possible interactions.

Highlights

The discovery that marine sponges are a natural source for novel bioactive compounds has created an interest in the in vitro cultivation of their cells (Koopmans et al 2009)
Amino acid optimization via GALOP In this study, the objective was to optimize the concentrations of amino acids (AAs) in order to maximize the metabolic activity of cells from D. etheria in wet lab conditions
Results clearly indicate that the intracellular metabolic activity of D. etheria cells increases when Marine Medium 199 (M199) was supplemented with additional AAs

Summary

Introduction

The discovery that marine sponges are a natural source for novel bioactive compounds has created an interest in the in vitro cultivation of their cells (Koopmans et al 2009). Researchers have spent decades attempting to develop a cell line from multiple sponge species. These efforts have resulted in primary cell cultures with a finite lifespan (Pomponi and Willoughby 1994), but not in the development of a continuous cell line. It has previously been observed that glutamine affected metabolic activity, esterase activity, DNA content, and protein content in cells of the sponges Axinella corrugata, Hymeniacidon perleve, and Suberites domuncula (Willoughby and Pomponi 2000; Zhang et al 2004; Zhao et al 2005). Analysis of the amino acid composition of the sponge Amphimedon queenslandica revealed that nine amino acids were at least

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion