Stem Cell Biobank and Disease Modeling Core
Overview
The Stem Cell Biobank and Disease Modeling Core (SCB&DM core), sponsored by the Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, offers complete services related to the production of high quality human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patient-derived somatic cells. The core employs a patent-pending, RNA-based methodology to reprogram human somatic cells, such as dermal fibroblasts, urine derived renal epithelial cells, and amniotic fluid derived stem cells, into iPSCs. The RNA-based technology eliminates the possibility of confounding insertional mutagenesis events and consistently reprograms healthy, disease-associated and aged/senescent somatic cells into high-quality iPSCs with an ultra-high efficiency (up to 90%).
In addition to reprogramming services, the core provides genome engineering services using CRISPR/Cas to modify genes of interest in human iPSCs. Genome editing services include (1) the development of iPSC-based lineage tracing models, (2) specific correction and introduction of disease-associated mutations in human iPSCs and (3) the generation of isogenic pairs of genetically corrected and unmodified iPSCs by simultaneous reprogramming and gene editing of patient’s somatic cells. We also produce custom-made modified mRNAs encoding a variety of factors for transient transfection into cells of interest.
Reprogramming and iPSC Services
- Establish patient-derived fibroblasts, urine-derived renal epithelial cells, fetal amniotic fluid-derived cells, etc.
- Reprogram primary cells using non-integrating modified mRNAs and miRNAs
- iPSC characterization (pluripotency staining, karyotyping, etc.)
- Fully characterized, wild-type iPSCs reprogrammed using mRNA available for purchase
- Experimental design (gene knock-out (INDEL), knock-in (HDR), mutation correction (ssODN))
- Guide RNA assembly and in vitro transcription
- iPSC transfection and gRNA functional characterization
- Clonal iPSC expansion and genotype confirmation
- Reprogramming RNAs available for purchase
- Ready-to-transfect Cas9 modified mRNA (SpCas9, SpCas9n, eSpCas9(1.1), HypaCas9, SpCas9-hGEM, dCas9-VPR)
- A complete spectrum of fluorescent mRNAs
- See our complete list of mRNAs here
- Custom cloning and in vitro transcription for any cDNA of interest
- Programmable, controlled-rate liquid nitrogen freezer for freezing cells
- Vapor-phase liquid nitrogen storage tanks
If you need additional information, or would like to see how we can assist with your research needs, please contact us.