mESC - How to Order

Instructions for Ordering Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells (mESCs) or Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) from the NIA Aging Cell Repository

In addition to the standard ordering instructions, available here, investigators ordering induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are subject to the following requirements:

1. Investigators must demonstrate the ability to handle mESC or iPSCs by meeting at least one of the following criteria described in the Stem Cell Biobank Prospective Customer Survey. The investigator must complete the SCB Prospective Customer Survey, available   here.
   
   • Has cultured mouse pluripotent stem cells
   • Has cultured human pluripotent stem cells
   • Has cultured pluripotent stem cells
   • Has attended a training course in pluripotent stem cells
   • Plans to attend a training course in pluripotent stem cells
   • Has access to expertise in culturing pluripotent stem cells (e.g., a collaborator or colleague who is willing to provide guidance)
   Based on the investigator's responses to the SCB Prospective Customer Survey, the SCB will determine whether to approve the order for the mESC or iPSCs.
2. The investigator must agree to the NIA Repository Stem Cell Replacement Policy, stated below:
   • There are no replacements for stem cell cultures, except for under the following circumstances:
     1. The cultures arrive physically compromised at their destination (e.g., not frozen, broken ampoule) and a replacement is requested within 24 hours of receipt. Cultures that meet these criteria will be replaced at no charge.

PROCEDURE

All orders for stem cells must be submitted using the Repository’s online catalog. Customers must register online and, after their registration has been approved, can add items to their shopping cart from the catalog and check out. See here  for more information. Before requests can be processed, the required information and supporting documentation must be reviewed and approved by the Coriell Order Review Board.

The information required for the Statement of Research Intent can be submitted electronically during the checkout process. The Assurance Form (if not already on file) must be submitted by fax, mail, or e-mail before an order can be reviewed and approved; this form can be downloaded here. The SCB Prospective Customer Survey must be completed online here.

CLASSIFICATION OF NIA REPOSITORY SAMPLES

The DHHS Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) Guidance on Research Involving Coded Private Information or Biological Specimens  (October 16, 2008) clarifies when research on human specimens is considered to be human subjects research. According to this Guidance, samples obtained by researchers from the NIA Human Genetic Cell Repository are NOT considered to be human subjects because conducting research with the samples does not involve an intervention or interaction with the individual and the samples do not contain identifiable private information. The Repository has policies in place that prohibit the release of any information that would allow investigators to identify the individual from whom the cell culture was derived. Although approval by an IRB at the investigator's institution may not be required, investigators are encouraged to seek advice from their IRB.

ADDRESS

All Assurance Forms and any accompanying paperwork should be emailed to ccr@coriell.org

FEES

Cell Cultures

Fees for stem cell cultures are listed in the Coriell Cell Repositories online catalog.

Shipping Charges

Shipping charges vary depending upon the mode of shipment requested by the purchaser. Domestic shipments are usually made via Federal Express with second day delivery guaranteed.

SHIPMENT OF CELL CULTURES 

Stem cell plastic ampoules will be shipped frozen in dry ice. In certain situations, at the discretion of the NIA Repository, stem cells may be shipped as growing cultures.

DESCRIPTIVE DATA

Each shipment will include a packing slip and information about the stem cell culture(s) ordered. Specific details for each stem cell line, including the complete Certificate of Analysis and pertinent reference citations (if available) can be printed from the Coriell Cell Repositories online catalog. Search the Catalog by using the NIA Repository ID number for the cell line(s) of interest.

REQUEST FOR CITATIONS AND PubMed ID

The NIA Repository number(s) of the stem cell line must be cited as follows in publications or presentations that are based on the use of these materials: "The following cell lines were obtained from the NIA Human Genetic Cell Repository at the Coriell Institute for Medical Research: [list Repository ID numbers here].".

Please provide the NIA Repository with the PubMed ID of each publication that references an NIA Repository cell line by e-mailing nia@coriell.org.