Cell Line Authentication

We offer a variety of services in order to identify the cell line or authenticate the cell line used for production in drug discovery: 

• CO1 barcode assay
• Karyotyping
• DNA Analysis – DNA fingerprinting & genotyping
• Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA

CO1 Barcode Assay

DNA sequence for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (CO1) barcode region is determined by the Sanger method for confirmation of the species of origin for the cell type.

For more information on the CO1 Barcode method, please click here.

Karyotyping

The results from Karyotyping can confirm your sample’s cell line identity and species of origin. We have extensive experience of karyotyping cell lines derived from multiple species including human cells, human stem cells, monkey, rat, mouse, rabbit, dog, hamster, and insect.

Standard karyotyping analysis includes, but not limited to:

• Metaphase nuclei harvest and chromosome count (to give the modal diploid chromosome number, frequency distribution and polyploidy levels)
• Chromosomal abnormality quantification
• Metaphases G-banded and, where feasible, karyotypes are constructed

Karyotyping studies also can be customized to your study needs.  Please contact us for more information.

DNA Analysis (DNA fingerprinting, genotyping)

DNA analysis is used as an alternative to, or in addition to Karyotyping authentication for certain types of cell lines. By interrogating endonuclease digested genomic DNA with probes to hypervariable regions, cell line identity and/or cross contamination can be determined.

BioReliance® CRO services provides comprehensive DNA analysis techniques, including:

• AFLP (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) detection
• RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) identification of genomic DNA
• SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat)
• EST (Expressed Sequence Tag)
• SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism)

RAPD

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis allows detection of genomic polymorphisms using nanogram amounts of DNA.  The assay uses single short oligonucleotide primers and PCR to generate strain specific products that are compared to standards for the target cell line for authentication.  This method can be used on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. 

RAPD assay design for the authentication of mammalian, microbial and other cell lines has to be species-specific.  Further, the results can vary depending on the history of the cell line and the type of media used for cell growth. 

We suggest consulting with one of our experts to determine the best methods for using RAPD for cell line authentication that are suited for your needs. 

**March 2015 – Isoenzyme analysis has been withdrawn until further notice. For more details, click here.

Contact us and our team can help assist you in planning you cell line authentication studies.