Applicants whose proposed research involves the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) should make a strong case in support of the proposed iPSCs being able to appropriately recapitulate the natural state or diseased condition of interest versus other means of gaining similar insight.
Relevant UK regulations and guidelines must be adhered to. For guidance, see the code of practice for the use of human stem cell lines.
iPSC collections should ideally be based on well phenotyped cohorts with linked clinical and lifestyle data. Donations should be altruistic, anonymised and traceable. Appropriate consent must be secured for all proposed uses. To future-proof derived lines, consideration should be given to seeking generic consent for a broad range of potential uses, given their pluripotent nature.
Depending on the specific project, consideration should be given to ensuring specific consent is sought for areas of particular interest, including:
- genetic analysis of derived cells
- potential use in animal research, clinical transplantation or reproductive medicine
- potential commercial applications of cell lines but without donors receiving personal financial benefit
- the feedback of data from derived cell lines
- the tissue source of cells from which the iPSC lines are derived should be documented and ideally banked for future reference.
5.8.1 Derivation and characterisation
This is a fast-moving field with numerous derivation approaches in use emerging.
Comparable methods of iPSC generation should be used where possible, with full details of the reprogramming method provided.
Lines derived using novel methodologies should be calibrated against lines derived using established protocols and ideally human embryonic stem cell lines.
Lines should be characterised to establish features, including:
- clonal purity
- absence of expression of reprogramming factors
- self-renewal capacity
- genetic stability
- pluripotency.
Characterisation should take into account uncertainties regarding the degree of reprogramming and the extent and durability of epigenetic memory.
It is noted that fully characterising lines may be costly and time-consuming. The level of characterisation should be fit for purpose. Robust quality control systems should be put in place to ensure the identity and specification of banked and released cells.
Internationally agreed standards and guidance for stem cell line banking are available through the International Stem Cell Banking Initiative, and advice can be sought through MRC-funded resources such as the UK Stem Cell Bank and the European Bank for Induced pluripotent Stem Cells (EBiSC).
Existing healthy and disease-relevant lines can be accessed from the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures, the UK Stem Cell Bank or EBiSC.
5.8.2 Access
Collections should detail how access will be provided to third parties in line with MRC’s policy on data sharing and cohort resource policy.
Material and Data Transfer Agreements (MDTAs), IP licensing and freedom to operate should be considered, where appropriate, to ensure the broadest utility of derived lines.
MDTAs should control third party use and ensure UK guidelines and ethical procedures are followed, for example in relation to potential use in animals, clinical studies or reproductive science. Equivalent standards should be mandated if exported for international use.