Stem Cell Overview
MDS offers services in the many phases of stem cell therapy. We can culture adult or embryonic stem cells and monitor the differentiation markers for your therapy development. Embryonic stem cells are obtained from the inner cell of the blastocyst. When placed into culture they can differentiate into many types of cells such as blood cells, neurons, pancreatic cells, muscle cell, heart (cardiomyocytes) cells and germ cells.
Our scientists can help clients to develop stems cells that synthesize their therapeutic molecule by initiating differentiation and monitoring specific production.
MDS's scientists are highly experienced in techniques to evaluate expression of genes and/or factors that enable differentiation into specific stem cell lines. Examples of these factors include:
- Interleukin 3 and 6, which will result in red and white blood cells and platelets
- Epithelial growth factor, neurotrophic growth factor and retinoic acid, resulting in astrocytes and neurons
- Fibroblast growth factor resulting in astrocytes, neurons, oligodendrocytes
- Retinoic acid resulting in cardiac muscle cells
| Services | Description |
| Cytogenetics |
G-band karyotyping; 20 to 50 cell counts FISH analysis offered for human and mouse cells |
| Human Pathogen Screening |
Human viral panel for 10 adventitious agents: HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV type I, HTLV type II, HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, EBV, HBV and HCV |
| Identity Testing |
Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis using 16 probes - 15 STR loci plus Amelogenin - to ensure the identity of your cell. Also available: SNP, DNA Profiling |
| Murine Pathogen Screening | MAP tesing by PCR for adventitious murine viruses |
|
Sterility Testing |
Assays to ensure the absence of bacterial, fungal and mycoplasma contamination. Also available: Cell Bank Sterility, Cell Line Characterization |