It is estimated that 33% of cell lines used in research are misidentified or contaminated. Therefore, routine testing is fundamental. Cell line authentication is a crucial step in scientific research, especially in fields such as cell biology, genetics, and biomedical research.
According to current research and best practice guidelines, cell line testing is recommended:
- Before submitting a paper for review
- Before beginning a new grant or major set of experiments
- To prevent cross-contamination
- If cells give erratic, and unreproducible results
- If a change in morphology or growth characteristics are observed
- When creating a new cell line
- When receiving cells from a non-accredited laboratory or provider
- When creating cell stocks for storage
For more information on the prevalence and impact of cell misidentification see the following references: American Type Culture Collection Standards Development Organization Workgroup ASN-0002. (2010). Cell line misidentification: the beginning of the end. Nature Reviews, Cancer. 10 (subscription required) Capes-Davis, A et al. (2010). Check your cultures! A list of cross-contaminated or misidentified cell lines. International Journal of Cancer. 127, 1–8
What is Mycoplasma and how can it affect my cell culture?
Mycoplasma is a unique genus of bacteria. Unlike most bacterial species, Mycoplasma lacks a cell wall allowing it to assume diverse shapes. These characteristics challenges the effectiveness of antibiotics in cell culture media, as many antibiotics target the bacterial cell wall. Mycoplasma, among the tiniest bacteria (0.2–0.8 µm in size), presents a stealthy contamination risk.
Contamination of cell cultures by Mycoplasma can impact cell behaviour, rendering experimental results unreliable and irreproducible. Detecting Mycoplasma proves challenging due to its small size, potentially affecting cultured cells for extended periods and undermining prior research outcomes. Mycoplasma species commonly disrupt protein, RNA, and DNA synthesis through nutrient scarcity, alter cellular morphology, and modulate cytokine expression, predominantly with negative consequences. Various other detrimental effects may also arise.
Why test for Mycoplasma?
While some changes in cell cultures hint at Mycoplasma contamination, the only definitive method of detection is specific testing.
Why perform mixture analysis?
When discovering contamination in a cell line, the initial reaction is often to discard the culture and consider the issue resolved. However, identifying the contaminant’s profile can help pinpoint its source, allowing for a more targeted approach to address the root cause. This proactive step significantly minimises the risk of future contamination, ultimately saving both time and money.
An unrivalled, UK based service
Our unrivalled, UK based 3-5 day service delivers:
- High accuracy: DNA Analysis using Promega® PowerPlex Fusion gold standard STR profiling system.
- Fast turnaround: Results issued within 5 working days of our laboratory receiving your samples.
- Completely confidentiality.
- Simple sample collection
- Mycoplasma detection and mixture analysis available.
- Electropherograms provided upon request.
- Reference profiling against public databases where required and full result interpretation.
- Performed under our ISO 17025 accredited procedures.
With over thirty years of experience, we offer a comprehensive cell line authentication service designed to give you complete confidence in your models, whilst saving precious time with simple ordering, convenient sample collection and prompt reporting.
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