Fee for Service iPSC Line Generation

• Description of Reprogramming Services
• Table 1: Reprogramming and Characterization Services
• Table 2: iPSC Release Criteria
• Pricing and Payment Structure
• Additional Services
• Services Under Development
• Annual iPSC Training Workshop

                                   
Description of Reprogramming Services

CCRM performs reprogramming of somatic cell types to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for clients in both academia and industry. We specialize in non-integrative strategies, including Sendai virus infection and episomal transfection of the four reprogramming factors, Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc. We are able to reprogram both fibroblasts and cells isolated from peripheral or cord blood samples. We accept cryopreserved vials of low passage primary fibroblasts, freshly collected blood samples or frozen buffy coat.

Reprogramming using alternative methods, or using alternative cell types may be possible. Please contact us to discuss your project further.

The Table below describes an example of the Reprogramming and Characterization Services that we provide:

Table 1: Reprogramming and Characterization Services Work Plan

Release Criteria

Induced pluripotent stem cell aliquots must meet the release criteria specified in Table 2.

Table 2: iPSC Release Criteria

*Reference genes used are Eef1a1 & 18S
**Assessed by an independent laboratory

A final service report will be prepared that includes all of the protocols used, and data collected throughout, iPSC manufacturing.

Pricing and Payment Structure

The cost to reprogram a sample is $10,000 CAD. This includes delivery of three karyotyped and fully characterized iPSC lines, produced as outlined in Tables 1 and 2. Investigators affiliated with CCRM’s member institutions are eligible for subsidies totaling $2,500 CAD/iPSC sample derived.

Every research project is different. Customized projects may have additional costs. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements so that we can help you design a successful experiment.

Additional Services

CCRM also offers the following services on a cost recovery basis:

• Mycoplasma testing
• Immunohistochemistry
• Flow cytometry
• qPCR
• DNA Fingerprinting (STR analysis)
• Quality analysis and quantification of DNA, RNA and Protein
• Media testing
• Embryoid body or directed differentiation assays
• Cell stock expansion
• Controlled-rate cell freezing

Services Under Development

• iPSC banking and distribution
• Reporter cell line generation

Annual iPSC Training

“Thank you for organizing an amazing workshop. I learned all I needed to know about iPS cells.” – 2012 University of Calgary trainee

CCRM hosts a Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (HiPSC) Workshop to teach participants how to apply the processes involved in the production and maintenance of iPSCs, and gain a strong foundation in standardized validation and characterization methods to ensure quality stem cell lines are being produced.

The workshop is also an excellent opportunity for participants to build a national and international network of colleagues whose interests are in iPSC technology. During the workshop, you will learn the following:

• Theory of iPSC production and underlying technical methodologies applied to achieve reprogramming.
• Hands-on basic cell culture for human ESCs, iPSCs and primary fibroblast lines, including media preparation, colony picking and expansion, cryopreservation and revival.
• Hands-on induction of fibroblasts and blood cells using various transgene delivery methods.
• Hands-on identification of emergent iPSC colonies and their isolation.
• Characterization of established iPSCs via immunostaining and quantitative PCR, as well as 
high-throughput methods using flow cytometry.
• Differentiation of iPSCs along desired embryonic lineages.

“I wanted to thank you all for putting together the iPSC workshop - it was a great introduction to working with iPSCs, and I enjoyed the hands on practice. The preparatory lecture and your guidance during the lab time was invaluable.” – 2012 workshop participant.

If you would like to receive information about CCRM’s next HiPSC workshop, please indicate your interest by e-mailing Kamal Garcha, Director Cell Reprogramming and Engineering Platform, at kamal.garcha@ccrm.ca

To view a copy of CCRM’s 2012 HiPSC workshop program, please click here.