iPSC Technology
The iPSC technology has revolutionized the field of human biology, disease modeling, regenerative medicine, and has high promises for the development of personalized medicine. While cell and organ model systems are still in development, the reprogramming of somatic cells into human iPSCs is becoming mainstream. There is increasing demand for more rigorous characterization of iPSCs as culture procedures could affect cellular phenotypes and experimental results. By centralizing iPSC reprogramming expertise within Amsterdam UMC, we support individual research labs to work with iPSC lines that meet latest criteria and to focus more on specific iPSC applications in their own research niche.
Patient cell biobanking for iPSC research
The international guidelines regarding the use of somatic cells for iPSC research are becoming stricter, given the immortal nature and potential of these cells. It must increasingly be demonstrated that patients have given explicit consent for the use of tissue for the generation of iPSCs and that patients have been informed that iPSCs are immortal cell lines. Moreover, to allow sharing of iPSC lines with external partners proper consent needs to be in place. The iPSC Biobank offers consent forms that are drafted in consultation with the METC, and facilitates centralized storage that eases collection and storage of donor cells for ongoing or future iPSC research. The iPSC biobank also offer services to WMO-compliant studies.