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The NIH Stem Cell Characterization Facility

[NEW] StemCellDB: The Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Database at the National Institutes of Health, Stem Cell Research.

NIH Stem Cell Unit (SCU) has analyzed and compared the 21 human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines approved under prior presidential policy, which was revoked March 9, 2009, by President Barack Obama's Executive Order 13505. Lines eligible for use by NIH-funded researchers under current NIH policy (per the July 7, 2009, NIH stem cell guidelines) are listed at http://grants.nih.gov/stem_cells/registry/current.htm.

The initial aim of the SCU is to establish standards for all aspects of the culture process, as well as quality control and monitoring of these hESC lines. By performing these assays in a single laboratory, the SCU has established a database to which additional hESC lines, adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells may be directly compared. These data give scientists the information they need when choosing individual cell lines for specific projects.

Researchers in the field may contact us at nihstemcellunit@mail.nih.gov

Culture Protocols with new banner

Learn about the cell lines being analyzed, culture procedures, and assay protocols used by the SCU.

Analysis Results

Review the results of the SCU's analyses for genotyping, karyotyping, subcloning, and more.

Search Databases

Get advanced analysis and characterization results for 21 human embryonic stem cell lines.