Cell Line Characterization & Authentication

Introduction

R&D involving the use of cell lines requires a good understanding of the purity, species of origin, chromosomal and genetic characteristics of the cell lines used. Cultured cell lines in the lab are susceptible to contamination by microbes, mycoplasma and other cells, thereby demanding periodic monitoring for characteristics to authenticate the cell line identity. GeneCopoeia offers cell line characterization reagent kits and services that involve testing for a combination of important genetic markers, including chromosomes, DNA fingerprints, alternative splicing and genes of your interest to analyze genetic variation, exploring transcriptome profiles, and assure culture sterility. 

Please contact GeneCopoeia at 1-301-762-0888 or inquiry@genecopoeia.com for a quote.

 

Analyze genetic variation

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)

For chromosome enumeration, as well as detection of disease-related genetic mutations, amplification and rearrangements resulting in large-scale changes in the physical arrangement of genes on chromosomes.

Chromosome enumeration FISH probes can be used to determine chromosome copy number in diagnosis and prognosis of cancers and other diseases.

Disease gene FISH probes can be used to detect oncogene deletion, amplification and rearrangement in cancer cellls.

 

STR analysis

Cross-contamination among cultured cell lines is a prevalent and persistent problem. Short Tandom Repeat (STR) DNA profiling identifies polymorphisms among STR markers; it is a relatively easy, low cost and reliable method for the detection of cellular cross-contamination to reveal true cell line identity.

 

MSI analysis

MSI is a failure to correct the errors that spontaneously occur during DNA replication, resulting in the accumulation of chromosomal mutations at certain repetitive DNA motifs as microsatellites. MSI testing is performed to analyze colon and other tumor tissue samples for features suggestive of Lynch syndrome or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).

 

Exploring Transcriptome Profiles

RT-qPCR

For the quantification of alternative splicing variants and gene expression profiling. Custom qPCR primers designed for the quantification of mRNA and detection of exon skipping, intron retention, alternative 5' or 3' splicing and other splicing variants to identify and quantify different splicing variants.

 

Assuring Culture Sterility

Mycoplasma detection

Mycoplasma contamination of cell cultures can easily go undetected and adversely affect cell physiology and metabolism. Therefore, routine testing is recommended to ensure the purity of cultured cells. GeneCopoeia offers Mycoplasma Detection Services as a preliminary testing step prior to all mammalian stable cell line services using our own highly sensitive mycoplasma detection kit.