Human, mouse or rat? Species authentication of glioma-derived cell cultures

S. Higgins, H. Steingrimsdottir, Geoff Pilkington

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Cell culture and the use of cell lines are often fundamental requirements in basic scientific research. It is of the utmost importance for researchers to ensure that the cell lines in use have a well defined origin and are routinely re-analysed to highlight possible areas of contamination. In this preliminary study species specific primers were designed to easily distinguish between human, mouse and rat DNA with standard agarose gel electrophoresis. Inter-species contamination is often the most common form of contamination experienced, with the most common of cell lines in use being of human, mouse and rat derivation. A PCR-based assay was therefore developed to ensure an accurate, quick and cost effective means of determining any cell line contamination which could be easily executed on a routine basis. Furthermore, this simple PCR is able to identify the species in the inter-species mixture of DNA and therefore provides a valuable tool for the authentication of human cell lines.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)139-143
    Number of pages5
    JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods
    Volume194
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2010

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