Stanford Stem Cell Core
About the Stem Cell Core Facility
Since the discovery of reprogramming technology in 2006, the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) has become a more and more popular tool to study numerous human diseases. The fundamental goal of the Genetics Stem Cell Core is to collaborate with stem cell researchers in the Stanford community and accelerate their human iPSC-related studies by facilitating the derivation and distribution of iPS cell lines.
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.
Module 3: iPSC characterization
Currently, we only characterize the iPS cells derived in our facility by confirming the experssion of pluripotency markers (Nanog, TRA-1-60 and SSEA-4) expression with immunostaining.
Module 4: ES/iPS cell expansion and banking
Get ESC/iPSC lines from outside and don't know how to start? We can help. Please contact us for more details.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
Guangwen (Gavin) Wang, Ph.D.
Director, Stem Cell Core
Department of Genetics, Stanford University
265 Campus Drive West
Lorry Lokey Stem Cell Building (SIM1), RM G1165A
Stanford, CA 94305
Email: gavin.wang@stanford.edu
Phone: 650-725-8832