Disease Specific iPSC Production

Reprogramming somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and then differentiating back to hematopoietic lineage is emerging as an important approach to model human hematopoietic development and non-malignant hematopoietic diseases. The Core will synergize with the existing Yale iPSC/ESC Core to provide YCCEH members with both iPSC generation service and iPSC/ESC to blood differentiation service (the latter to be mentioned in the next section).

Yale iPSC/ESC Core currently performs iPSC generation as a fee-for-service, which allows reprogramming differentiated cells into induced pluripotent cells using two non-integration techniques in defined media and feeder-free conditions. The technique can be either Sendai virus or episomal vectors. The source cells can be fibroblasts or peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This service includes delivery of at least 3 to 5 iPSC clones, each with 3 cryopreserved vials.

In addition to iPSC generation, the Yale iPSC/ESC Core also provides fee-based training for culturing iPSC/ESC cells, as well as assuring compliance with federal and non-federal regulations on ESC research.

The Cell Preparation and Analysis Core will complement these existing services by providing free consultation for YCCEH members, including advice in experimental design, considerations when using iPSC technology, as well as the technical feasibility and the advantages vs. limitations of such approaches.