Consumable cryopreserved cells transiently overexpressing gene(s) encoding drug transporter protein(s) and/or drug metabolizing enzyme(s)

Abstract

The present invention discloses cryopreserved recombinant cells for screening drug candidates that transiently overexpress one or more drug transporter proteins and/or drug metabolizing enzymes. Advantageously, such cells provide a cost-efficient consumable product that streamlines the process of screening whether drug candidates are substrates or inhibitors of drug transporter proteins and/or drug metabolizing enzymes.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A cryopreserved recombinant cell comprising one or more transiently overexpressed genes encoding a drug transporter protein, wherein activity of the drug transporter protein is detectable in a population of the cryopreserved recombinant cells following thaw from cryopreservation, wherein the cryopreserved recombinant cell is transiently transfected with the one or more genes by a method comprising electroporation, and wherein said one or more genes is OAT1 and wherein said cell is HEK293. 
     
     
         22 . The recombinant cell of  claim 21 , wherein said one or more genes is derived individually from human or an animal species selected from mouse, rat, guinea pigs, dog, and monkey. 
     
     
         23 . The recombinant cell of  claim 21 , wherein activity of the drug transporter protein is detectable in a population of said cell at least 24 hours post plating following thaw from cryopreservation. 
     
     
         24 . The recombinant cell of  claim 21 , wherein activity of the drug transporter protein is detectable in a population of said cell at least 48 hours post plating following thaw from cryopreservation. 
     
     
         25 . The recombinant cell of  claim 21 , wherein activity of the drug transporter protein is detectable in a population of said cell at least 72 hours post plating following thaw from cryopreservation. 
     
     
         26 . A process of preparing cryopreserved transiently transfected recombinant cells, the process comprising:
 transiently transfecting cells with one or more genes encoding a drug transporter protein to provide the transiently transfected recombinant cells; and   cryopreserving the transiently transfected recombinant cells within 48 hours of transfection, wherein the transient transfection of the cells comprises electroporation; wherein said one or more genes is OAT1 and wherein said cell is HEK293.   
     
     
         27 . The process of  claim 26 , wherein the transiently transfected recombinant cells are cryopreserved at 30 minutes to 24 hours post transfection. 
     
     
         28 . A cryopreserved transiently transfected recombinant cell prepared according to the process of  claim 26 .