Human Cells, Tissues, and Organoids (hCTO) Core

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Human Cells, Tissues, and Organoids Core Services:

1. Facilitate research on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) by providing the infrastructure necessary for preliminary data collection.

One of the biggest limitations in using hESCs and human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) is that they require unique expertise and dedicated tissue culture facilities. Infrastructure for (hPSC) work is a major limitation for many scientists in the Washington University (WU) community to initiate scientific inquiry in these research directions. The Department of Developmental Biology and the Center of Regenerative Medicine (CRM) have constructed an hPSC tissue culture room in the Couch Building. These facilities will enable WU investigators to initiate new projects and to gather preliminary data necessary for developing competitive NIH grant applications for continuation and expansion of these projects. The hCTO will also implement and develop new methods for cellular differentiation and organoid models. Importantly, by providing the required “in house” experience, the Core will significantly enhance competitiveness of applications for extramural grants in the area of hPSCs from WU investigators.

WU investigators who do not have sufficient training and/or infrastructure will be able to discuss their research with the Core staff and develop and implement an experimental plan for use of these facilities.

 2. Provide education and training in hPSC methods and experimental approaches.

The field of hESCs and iPSCs is developing at a rapid pace. To ensure that WU researchers are aware of new developments in the field and that they can acquire expertise needed to adapt new methodologies in their research, the hCTO Core will offer several educational activities. This will be particularly beneficial to WU early career researchers to attract federal or private funding to support their work in the area of hPSC research. On-site customized training can be highly productive in addressing specific research challenges or to standardize technical processes.

Stem Cell Training Course: Under industry sponsorship, the hCTO offers two-day, hands-on training courses on maintaining and differentiating hESC/iPSC cultures using feeder-free systems. The training consists of technical lectures, course materials, and most importantly, practical lab sessions and an in-depth discussion of topics and questions raised by the participants. A minimal charge per participant is requested to cover some of the cost.

Service available to All entities, including for-profit organizations.

Priority service for No distinctions.

• hPSC tissue culture hood rental, with and without staff assistance
• Quality controlled hESC lines approved for use in NIH-funded research
• Training and implementation of established and novel culture and differentiation protocols, including human organoids
• Assistance with obtaining IRB and ESCRO approvals
• Assistance with data generation and collection
• Group Pluripotent Stem Cell training courses
• Individual training on pluripotent stem cell differentiation

• 3 biosafety cabinets
• 6 incubators
• 1 clean bench
• microscope
• centrifuge

Please contact this core directly for pricing information.