Description

[Importance of Cell Genetic Quality Testing] Cell lines, serving as model cells for normal or tumor tissues, are widely used in scientific research and drug development. However, a significant proportion of cell lines are either mislabeled or have been replaced by cells from other individuals, tissues, or lineages.

The problem of cell line misidentification has a 50-year history. According to analysis data from international cell banks, the cell misidentification rate was 35% in 1984 and 18% in 1999. Until recent years, the need for authentication of cell lines used in biomedical research has received little attention.

[Consequences of Cell Line Misidentification]

• Loss of cell lines
• Waste of time and money
• Dissemination of incorrect information in public domain (literature, patents, etc.)
• Inconsistent or irreproducible experimental results
• Personal embarrassment and public humiliation

[Relationship Between Cell Line Authentication and STR] STR (Short Tandem Repeat) genotyping has been established as the gold standard for cell authentication by authoritative organizations such as ICLAC and ATCC.

STR genetic loci consist of short tandem repeat sequences 3-7 base pairs in length. These repeat sequences are widely distributed throughout the human genome and serve as highly polymorphic markers, known as cellular DNA fingerprints. Alleles at STR loci can be distinguished by differences in copy numbers of repeat sequences within amplified regions and detected through fluorescence after capillary electrophoresis separation. Through specific calculation methods, the obtained STR profiling results can be compared with cell STR databases to determine the cell line identity or possible cross-contaminating cell lines. Therefore, regular cell STR authentication should be performed to verify correct cell identity.