Since 1951, when the first immortal human cell line, HeLa, was established, there has been an increase in the use of human cell line tests. These cell lines are used as models for human diseases such as cancer, substrates for the production of viruses for vaccine production, and as tools for producing recombinant proteins for therapeutics. This accelerated use of human cell lines and the lack of best practices in tissue culture have led to an increase in cellular cross-contamination, resulting in false results. Now a simple molecular technique, Short Tandem Repeat (STR) DNA profiling for human and non-human cell line authentication test, is available. If applied routinely in cell culture management, these tests can significantly improve the detection of cell-line-errors in more critical assays.
Cell Line Authentication DNA Tests in India
Cell-line authentication DNA Test in India is in high demand. It is the process of verifying the cells’ identities used in your experiments. Testing often includes confirming the cell lines are derived from the correct species & donor and are free from contaminations.
What is the Need for Authentication of Human and Mouse Cell Lines?
Cells are the structural & units functional of life. Using the right cell lines in biological and genetic studies and various other purposes is vital. Unfortunately, the cells are prone to biological, environmental degradation & alterations.
There are 3 critical errors when a cell line authentication is needed:
- Misidentification
- Genetic Drifting
- Cross-Contamination
- Misidentification: It’s the most common error in cell lines’ identities. Misidentification occurs at the source. This means that the wrong source was chosen, while collecting the cells.
- Cross-Contamination: Cell lines may become contaminated with other cells, microbes, or environmental pollutants during storage or use.
- Genetic Drifting: Eventually, cell lines can completely lose their identity and drift (genetically) into a different type of cell, affecting the experiment and the results.
What is STR Profiling?
Different genomic technologies have been applied for both mouse and human cell line authentication tests in India. But only one method, i.e., STR profiling, is preferred. An international team of scientists and researchers has prepared a consensus standard on the authentication of human cell line profiling.
STR or Short Tandem Repeats is a microsatellite consisting of a unit of 2-13 nucleotides in the DNA strand. The Cell Line Authentication Test analyzes DNA sequences using a minimum of 8 STR loci. A series of steps are involved in the testing process:
- STR genotyping of the cell line of interest.
- Comparing the resultant profile to the reference database.
- The match formulation technique checks for cross-contamination in the cell lines based on their percentage match.
- Finally, listing the misidentified cell line of interest.
Applications of Cell Line Authentication DNA Tests
In traditional cell line authentication DNA tests, isoenzyme analysis & karyotyping were used. However, these techniques were not enough to differentiate intraspecifically. On the other hand, STR profiling is a low-cost, reliable, and easy method for authenticating human and mouse cell lines. Some of the applications of human and mouse cell line authentication are:
- To produce vaccines, antibodies, & other biological compounds
- To investigate gene functions & drug metabolism
- To conduct cytotoxicity tests
- To perform preliminary screenings
- To conduct high throughput screenings (A method for scientific experimentation used for drug discovery & applies to the fields of biology, materials science, & chemistry.)
Who Provides Accurate Cell Line Authentication Services in India?
DNA Forensics Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. is among the foremost companies for an accurate & reliable cell line authentication test in India. We offer complete human and mouse cell line authentication services. This enhances our ability to detect misidentified, genetically drifted, and cross-contaminated cell lines.
We work with renowned research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, & biotechnology companies. Along with that, our cell line authentication test report contains the following:
- An easy-to-understand STR allele table
- Electropherograms that support the allele calls at each locus
- A comprehensive interpretation of results
- A comparison of the cell’s profile against the provided database
With local collection centers across India & abroad, you can visit your nearest collection center to give your DNA sample. For further queries about cell line authentication tests in India, give us a call at +91 8010177771 or WhatsApp at +91 9213177771 to schedule an appointment.
