Cell Authentication (Short Tandem Repeat Analysis)

Cell line authentication is a necessity for reliable research. Authenticating cell lines aids in cataloguing, prevents and can help recover from mix-ups/ cross-contamination, and detects a number of cellular anomalies. Cell authentication is also required for most journal publications and research funding. Before routine Short Tandem Repeat (STR) testing was introduced, cross-contamination was a major problem in cell culture work. For example, the prolific cancer cell line HeLa had been found to have contaminated an inordinate amount of other cell lines. STR testing allows the identification of a unique individual’s tissue which leads to an authentic cell identity.

What is Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis?

Short tandem repeats (STR) are series of (short) identical DNA sections that typically are polymorphic in the amounts of repeats they contain between different individuals. These sequences are 1 – 6 bp in length. Comparison of generated allele tables and electropherograms can lead to seeing if individuals. Short tandem repeat analysis can be used for DNA profiling/ fingerprinting.

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Cell Line Genetics offers two levels of STR Profile analysis— Basic and Comprehensive. Both are designed to accommodate your needs throughout all stages of your cell research including cell line derivation, propagation, and long-term culture. All STR services include STR profile storage in CLG’s secure, encrypted database for future profile comparison analysis, and 24-hour access to reports on our secure cloud database at no additional charge. Short tandem repeat polymorphisms (STRs) are detected by utilizing Promega’s PowerPlex® 16 multiplex STR system which detects STRs for 13 CODIS loci, 2 additional STR loci, plus Amelogenin—the same system used by the FBI and other government forensic labs.

Services:

  • Basic cell authentication: Basic service for conducting database cross-referencing, profile comparisons and cross-contamination analysis in-house.
    • The basic STR profile service designed for scientists who prefer to conduct bioinformatics data analysis, profile comparisons, and cross contamination detection in-house. STR100 delivers easy to read DNA profile report including sample allele tables and electropherograms (by request).  DNA extraction is available, and results are stored in CLG’s secure database for future comparison studies and backup.
  • Comprehensive Cell Authentication: Designed to authenticate and establish the identity of new cell lines – includes ATCC, DSMZ, JCRB, and CLG data cross-reference analysis.
    • We recommend our comprehensive authentication to establish the identity of new cell lines or resolve a potential cell mix-up. This study includes database cross referencing against CLG’s proprietary STR reference data base (includes more than 10,000 cell samples), the ATCC database, JCBR database and the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (DSMZ) database to validate the identity of a cell line’s STR profile.
    • Continued DNA fingerprinting, basic or comprehensive, is recommended on all cell lines in long-term culture to detect culture mix-ups, and cross contamination of lines.
Submit Samples for Testing
STR Profiling 100
STR Profiling 300
  • PowerPlex™ 16 System for co-amplification and three-color detection of fifteen STR loci and Amelogenin.
  • Culture swabs, isolated DNA, or live cells accepted.
  • DNA extraction and amplification (additional $30.00).
  • Results include allele table and electropherogram (by request).
  • Results securely stored in CLG database.
  • 7-10 day turn around – Rush services are available.
  • Service complies with FDA Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
  • PowerPlex™ 16 System for co-amplification and three-color detection of fifteen STR loci and Amelogenin.
  • Complete STR profile report including allele table and electropherogram (by request).
  • Culture swabs, isolated DNA, and live cells accepted.
  • DNA extraction and amplification included.
  • Cross contamination detection and analysis.
  • STR profile comparison analysis (if needed).
  • Bioinformatics Database Analysis—cross references results against CLG, ATCC, JCRB and DSMZ databases.
  • Results securely stored in CLG database.
  • 7-10 day turn around – Rush services are available.
  • Service complies with FDA Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
 
Basic
Comprehensive
Used to:
  • Generate allele table and electropherogram for human DNA sample
  • Authenticate and establish the identity of new cell lines
  • Determine uniqueness via database cross referencing analysis
  • Match between new cell line STR profile and STR profiles in the CLG, ATCC, DSMZ and JCRB database
Provides:
  • Provides cell identity data using
  • Presence of more than one unrelated human cell line
  • Cross contamination of cell lines derived from the same parental line
Doesn’t Detect:
  • Cross Contamination
  • Cell line cross contamination involving non-human species
Sample Requirements:
  • Culture Swabs (Adherent Cells)
  • Live Cells (Suspension Cells – Tube)
  • DNA
  • Frozen Cells
Species:
  • Human
Turnaround:
  • 7 – 10 business days
  • RUSH services available

PROCEDURE: Mailing Samples for Human DNA Fingerprinting

Requisition Form
Each sample must be accompanied by its own Test Requisition Form. Fill out a requisition form Here.

  1. Reid, Y., Storts, D., Riss, T., & Minor, L. (2013). Authentication of Human Cell Lines by STR DNA Profiling Analysis. In: S. Markossian, G. S. Sittampalam, et al. (Eds.), Assay Guidance Manual. Bethesda (MD): Eli Lilly & Company and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; 2004-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK144066