Summary

This platform focuses on the generation of patient and disease specific human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines and direct reprogrammed cells allowing CCRM to provide a portfolio of characterized cell lines that will attract global research collaborators, industry sponsors and generate early revenue. This platform will also optimize standard operating procedures (SOPs) for existing technologies, develop new reprogramming technologies, and will serve as an international partner to guide the standardization and characterization of reprogrammed cells.

Cell Reprogramming & Engineering Capabilities

Establishment of cell lines

• Tissue biopsies or blood samples are obtained under consent for the establishment of cell cultures (i.e. B-cells, T-cells, fibroblasts, endothelial, smooth muscle, epithelial cells etc.)
• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) derived using CCRM or customer specified strategies and technologies

Cell banking of public, private, or specialty collections

• Cryopreservation of primary or transformed cell lines
• Cryopreservation of peripheral blood cells and selected tissue biopsy material
• Maintenance of seed and distribution stocks
• Expansion of cell lines for molecular and cytogenetic analysis
• Database of all cell lines and associated clinical notes

Mycoplasma testing

• Detection by PCR or microbiological assays
• Identification of mycoplasma species by immunological or PCR methods

Remote Fail-Safe Storage

• Cell lines
• DNA
• RNA
• Protein
• Blood products and other biomaterials

Reagents and Protocols

• All reagents and protocols required for iPSC derivation and maintenance available upon request

Training

• Annual course open to researchers and industry focusing on derivation, manipulation and characterization of iPSCs

Lead Scientists

James Ellis and Bill Stanford

Platform Director

Kamal Garcha