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The Applied Genomic Technologies Core

Human Cell Line Verification by short tandem repeat (STR) testing

The AGTC, in conjunction with the Forensic Identity Section, provides short tandem repeat analysis for verification of human cell lines. This service is being offered out of concerns raised recently in the literature noting contamination of many established cell lines.¹²³⁴⁵

The system used investigates 15 STR loci and a gender specific marker, amelogenin. The loci investigated can be used to compare the genotype obtained with available data for the cell line at ATCC and DSMZ (German Tissue Repository) to determine the likelihood of any possible gross contamination or sample switch. The system in use will provide data for eight loci included in the ATCC and DSMZ databases. (The Coriell Cell Repository database contains data on only one locus that will be investigated by this system.) This service may also be used to establish a baseline genetic profile for your current cell lines, the identity of which can then be confirmed in the future.

Specimens for testing may be either purified DNA or pelleted cells. Purified DNA should be provided at a concentration of 0.05ng/µL in ddH2O. For those wishing to submit cells, the AGTC will provide DNA purification and quantitation services.

Guidelines

Please contact a member of the AGTC staff before you submit a request for service that has never been performed within the Core.

Complete the Sample ID Sheet and Service Request form whenever you submit samples to the AGTC.

Sample Submission

Samples may be submitted using one of the two options below.

1. Purified DNA in a 96 well format
   • Purified DNA should be at a concentration of 0.05ng/µL in ddH2O.
   • Fill columns before rows on the plate and assign unique sample names.
   • Enter the sample names into the 96 well plate template on the Sample ID Sheet and include a copy with your samples.
2. Pelleted Cells in a 1.5mL or 15mL tube
   • Frozen, pelleted cells will be purified and quantitated for an additional charge.
   • Pelleted cells should be at a concentration of 1-2X10^6.
   • Enter the sample names into the 1.5mL tube template on the Sample ID Sheet and include a copy with your samples.

¹Masters, et al; PNAS. 2001; 98(14):8012-8017
²Dirks et al; ALTEX. 2005; 22(2):103-109
³Markovic & Markovic; In Vitro Cell Dev Biol. 1998; 34:1-8
⁴MacLeod, et al; Int J Cancer. 1999; 83:555-563
⁵Rae, et al; Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2007; 104(1): 13-19