Authentication of Cell Lines for Pre-Clinical Cancer Research

Join us on June 22nd for a special Corning-sponsored webinar presented by ATCC®. Abstract: Animal cell lines are important in vitro systems and tools for scientists in diverse disciplines such as basic cell biology, genetic mapping, gene expression and gene therapy. Cell line authentication and characterization are crucial in these activities, yet they are underappreciated by most research scientists. Over the years numerous cell lines have been shown to be misidentified due, in part, to poor techniques and inadequate verification of cell line authenticity. Technological advances have given rise to improved capabilities. Cell line authentication now requires a comprehensive strategy that employs several complementary technologies for systematic testing for morphology, microbial contaminations, cellular identity/cross-contamination as well as functionality. The validity of conclusions drawn from research data is dependent on consistent and unequivocal verification of cell line identity and function. It is estimated that the financial loss incurred by poorly characterized or misidentified cell lines is in the millions of dollars. An overview of the current technologies used to authenticate cell lines will be presented. Speaker Bio: Dr. Yvonne A. Reid joined ATCC in 1980 and during the mid-1980’s her research focused on the use of DNA hypervariable probes for the intraspecies identification of cell lines. The evolution of this work has led to the implementation of routine screening of all human cell lines by STR analysis. She co-chaired the ATCC SDO committee on the Development Consensus Standard on the Authentication of Human Cell Lines: Standardization of STR profiling. Dr. Reid has more than 30 years of experience in cell biology, immunology and molecular biology. As Collection Scientist for the Cell Biology Program for over 10 years, she was responsible for acquisition of new animal cell lines and hybridomas into the Cell Biology General Collection.