The Office of Intramural Research (OIR) sees human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines as a potential major research tool and will be keeping a catalog for future reference, to be shared with intramural scientists. If you have any of these lines, send us the source, cell/tissue origin, how they were induced (reprogramming factors used), whether they are patient- or disease-specific, and any known genetic markers of interest.

Although there are no specific restrictions in the NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP) with regard to acquiring or sending out human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines, there are relevant requirements in the new NIH guidelines on human embryonic stem cells that apply to potential uses of human iPS cell lines (see Attachment). Specifically:

• The cells must come from eligible sources (check with the Office of Human Subjects Research (301-402-3444) about the relevant human subjects protections before receiving or deriving iPS cell lines).
• Research in which human iPS cells are introduced into non-human primate blastocysts is not permitted.
• Research involving the breeding of animals where the introduction of human iPS cells may contribute to the germ line is not permitted.

Summary - What you need to do and know:

1 - send us a list and information about any iPS cell lines you obtain or create

2 - check with the Office of Human Subjects Research (301-402-3444) about the relevant human subjects protections before receiving or deriving iPS cell lines. See attachment for HHS Regulations that Govern Derivation and Use of Human iPS Cells.

3 - use of iPS cells in certain animal experiments is prohibited.