Teratoma Formation Assay

Derived from various adult somatic cell types via the introduction of four specific transcription factors, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the ability to differentiate into derivatives of all three germ layers and show great potential in fields ranging from regenerative medicine to disease modeling. A teratoma is a nonmalignant tumor comprised of a disorganized mixture of cells and small foci of tissue comprised of cells from all three of the embryonic germ-layers.

With any iPSC lines, it is necessary to confirm pluripotency and characterize the cell lines before the following downstream regulation experiments. Teratoma formation is an essential criterion to determine the pluripotency and assess the tumorigenic potential of human iPSCs. Currently, Creative Bioarray has established a standard protocol for teratoma assay based on subcutaneous co-transplantation of human iPSCs with mitotically inactivated feeder cells and Matrigel into immunodeficient mice.

A simple grading scale for monitoring teratoma development.Figure 1. A simple grading scale for monitoring teratoma development.

Workflow of Teratoma Formation Assay service:

  • Thawing and preparing of iPSCs for injection.
  • Injection of iPSCs into the immunodeficient mice.
  • Excision and fixation of teratoma for paraffin embedding
  • Analyzing histology sections for germ layers to confirm pluripotency

Samples required: 2 vials, 10^6 cells/vial

Deliverables:

  • HE staining images of three germ layer, including Mesoderm, Endoderm, Ectoderm.
  • Paraffin embedded tissue sections
  • Project report

A representative microscopic image of H&E-stained teratoma sections showing iPSC-derived tissues of all three germ layers.Figure 2. A representative microscopic image of H&E-stained teratoma sections showing iPSC-derived tissues of all three germ layers.

Creative Bioarray is an experienced and outstanding provider of Teratoma Formation Assay service. We are dedicated to providing quality data and comprehensive service for your scientific research, and we are pleased to use our extensive experience and advanced platform to offer the best service to satisfy each demand from our customers.

If you have any special need in Teratoma Formation Assay service, do not hesitate to contact us for this special service. Please let us know what you need and we will accommodate you. We look forward to working with you in the future.

For research use only. Not for any other purpose.