FAQ: Stem Cell Research
Q: What is the best method for making iPS Cells?
A: We recommend using either retrovirus or lentivirus to make iPS cells, because they have been demonstrated to yield higher reprogramming efficiencies than other methods. To make iPS cells using one of these viral methods, you can use the following:
Retrovirus
1. Packaging cell line such as our Platinum Retroviral Packaging Cells that stably express retroviral structure proteins.
2. Retroviral expression plasmids containing stem cell factors
Lentivirus
1. Packaging system such as our ViraSafe™ Lentiviral Packaging Systems
2. pLentG-KOSM Lentiviral Plasmid containing 4 individual iPS cell factors
Q: Can I use vectors containing mouse stem cell factors to make human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)?
A: We have not done this ourselves, but it has been demonstrated in the following paper: Carey, B.W. et al. (2009). Reprogramming of murine and human somatic cells using a single polycistronic vector. PNAS 106: 157-162.
Q: I used your StemTAG™ Alkaline Phosphatase kit to characterize my differentiated vs. undifferentiated cells. I was surprised to find that my differentiated cells actually showed a higher level of alkaline phosphatase compared to the undifferentiated cells. Why did this happen?
A: The vast majority of adult cells will exhibit far less alkaline phosphatase activity compared to stem cells. However, there are a few cells such as osteoblasts that actually express higher levels of alkaline phosphatase after differentiation.
Q: Are your Alkaline Phosphatase Kits dependent on species or cell type?
A: All of our Alkaline Phosphatase kits may be used for any cell type that expresses alkaline phosphatase such as osteoblast cells. The kits are not dependent on either cell type or species.
Q: I am interested in using your MEF Feeder Cells. Can they be further passaged prior to inactivation?
A: Our MEF feeder cells are not primary cells; they can be passaged for at least 6 weeks without seeing reduced activity in terms of supporting ES growth.
