Short-Tandem Repeat (STR) Profiling

Contamination and misidentification of commercial cell lines can jeopardize your research. Short-tandem repeat (STR) profiling of cell lines is an easy-to-use way to authenticate/confirm the identity of your cells. STR profiling aids in the detection of misidentified, cross-contaminated or genetically drifted cells, which invalidate research results.

Short-tandem repeat (STR) loci are among the most informative polymorphic markers in the human genome. STR profiles help ensure the quality and integrity of human cell lines in your research. Studies have shown that a minimum of eight core STR markers are required to positively identify human cell lines. Use of these 8 core STR markers (loci), D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, vWA, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO are recommended to uniquely identify human cells. Besides these 8 loci, we test for an additional Amelogenin locus.

TEP generates human STR profiles by amplifying multiple STR loci and amelogenin (for gender determination) using the Applied Biosystems AmpFLSTR™ Identifiler™ Plus PCR Amplification system.

STR Analysis Sample Preparation & Submission Instructions

1. We receive both cell pellets and genomic DNA samples for this test.

• a) For cell pellets samples, at least 2M cells should be provided in sterile/autoclaved tubes. freeze samples in – 80 °C freezer for at least 1 hour.
• b) For genomic DNA samples, at least 20 μl genomic DNA with a concentration of more than 10 ng/μl can be provided for detection.

2. Clearly label Sample Name, Person Name, and Submission Date on both the cap and the side of the tube with a blue or black permanent marker. (Cell pellets samples can be frozen at-80 °C for up to 1 week before submission, Genomic samples can be frozen at -20 °C for up to 1 week before submission, but prevent freeze/thaw cycle.)

3. Please fill out the sample submission form. External users please ship the samples to below address. Internal users at Illinois, please email Hui Xu (huixu@illinois.edu) to schedule a time to drop the samples at Beckman Institute Room B410 during work hours.

Hui Xu

405 N. Mathews

Urbana, IL 61801

 

Note:

TEP does not accept cultures infected with HIV or Biosafety Level 3 or 4 agents. To the best of knowledge, the cell line being submitted should be free of hazardous materials, agents, and carcinogens.

 

Sample Submission

Returning users, please submit orders on the online ordering system FBS.

First-time users, please email huixu@illinois.edu to set up an account.