Stanford Stem Cell Core

The stem cell core offers a variety of colloborations, including:

• Fibroblast isolation from skin biopsy
• Human cell reprogramming
• iPSC characterization
• Stem cell expansion, banking and distribution
• Differentiation protocol co-development
• Consultation for stem cell-related research

The reprogramming generally takes 2-4 months to complete depending the method requested. We currently provide both integrative and non-integrative methods for iPSC derivation, and the process is milestone-based (as shown on the right).

Step 1: Project discussion and Service agreement

Please contact us to initate the project discussion.

Step 2: iPSC line derivation

2.1- milestone 1: At least 2 frozen vials per sample from same stock are required. The mycoplasma test is mandatory. One frozen vials will be tested for mycoplasma. After confirmation of free of mycoplasma contamination, the 2nd vial will be thawed and cultured in the core for 1~2 weeks for assessing the cell growth and proliferation.

2.2 - milestone 2: After the quarantine is completed, the reprogramming will be conducted with the method(s) from the early discussion. Culture will be monitored daily for 3~4 weeks for potential iPSC colonies. Live staining with TRA-1-81 or TRA-1-60 antibody will be performed to evaluate the reprogramming and positive colonies will be picked for expansion.

2.3 - milestone 3: The iPSC colonies with good morphology will be expanded in traditional human ES cell culture system. Feeder-free and/or xeno-free system can be available upon request. Stable iPSC lines, usually at passage 4~6, will be frozen and tested for mycoplasma.

Step 3: Project report and Cell transfer

The frozen iPSC lines will be transferred to labs with the project report.