New
Searchable databases of stem cell line characteristics.
The NIH Stem Cell Unit (SCU) has analyzed and compared 21 human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines approved under prior presidential policy, which was revoked March 9, 2009, by President Barack Obama's Executive Order 13505. The eligibility of these lines will not be known until NIH releases final stem cell guidelines in July 2009.
The initial aim of the SCU is to establish standards for all aspects of the culture process, as well as quality control and monitoring of these hESC lines. By performing these assays in a single laboratory, the SCU has established a database to which additional hESC lines, adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells may be directly compared. These data give scientists the information they need when choosing individual cell lines for specific projects.
Researchers in the field may contact us at nihstemcellunit@mail.nih.gov