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Pluripotency Marker Assays for iPSC

Overview Service Features Published Data FAQs Scientific Resources Related Services

Creative Biolabs has long-term devoted to the generation and application of iPSCs. Based on years of experience, now we can provide the pluripotency marker analysis for iPSC enrichment and isolation. Furthermore, we can also provide a customized proposal to meet your project requirements.

Overview of Pluripotency Marker Assays for iPSC

Introduction of Pluripotency Gene Marker in iPSC

With the similar properties with human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) both at molecular and functional levels, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are considered to be potential for drug screening, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. Now, hiPSCs can be generated from different somatic cell types by overexpressing four transcription factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and MYC). However, there is a major limitation during reprogramming process that low efficiency in pluripotency induction leads to the generation of a few reprogrammed hiPSCs. Although the morphology analysis of iPSCs has been used for their isolation, some studies have shown that the isolated hiPSC clones have differences in the expression of pluripotency gene markers and those with the similar levels of pluripotency marker expression present different abilities in lineage differentiation. In this case, the analysis of pluripotency gene marker expression would be a potential strategy for the enrichment and isolation of iPSCs.

Pluripotency Marker Assays

After a series of studies, the expression of three pluripotency markers, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, and NANOG, have been analyzed by immunofluorescence staining in emerging iPSCs. We have found that the reprogramming cells achieve the SSEA-4+TRA-1-60+NANOG+ pluripotent state in the very early days of reprogramming and the number of this kind of cells increases with the colony size increased. SSEA-4+ cells are molecularly heterogeneous throughout reprogramming according to the temporal changes whereas the TRA-1-60+ cells are less heterogeneous. Different markers present function signal in different stages. The emergence of SSEA-4 signal occurs in the early stages, while TRA-1-60 signal appears in the intermediate stages and the expression of NANOG is a definitive marker of pluripotency. In summary, the use of established markers to verify stem cell pluripotency at the start of an experiment is a good method to ensure the pluripotency states for the studies of iPSCs proliferation and differentiation.

Expression of the pluripotency markers (SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, and NANOG) in the colonies during reprogramming.Fig.1 Expression of the pluripotency markers (SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, and NANOG) in the colonies during reprogramming.

Apart from the established markers, we are looking for the other pluripotency gene markers for iPSCs. On the basis of your special requirement, we can help for iPSCs culture, reprogramming, and differentiation. Based on our mature flow cytometry and immunofluorescence technologies, we provide high-efficient pluripotency marker assays for the enrichment and isolation of iPSCs. Creative Biolabs also provides other iPSC-related services including the generation and applications, please feel free to contact us if you are interested in our services.

Services at Creative Biolabs

Our pluripotency marker assays for iPSCs provide comprehensive analysis to confirm the pluripotent state of iPSCs. This service is designed for research use only and is tailored to meet the rigorous standards required in stem cell research. Our assays offer a robust suite of tests to verify the expression of key pluripotency markers at both the transcriptional and protein levels.

Our specific workflow includes:

  • Sample Submission - Clients submit their iPSC samples along with a completed service request form detailing their specific requirements.
  • Sample Processing - Upon receipt, samples undergo rigorous quality checks before being processed for the selected assays.
  • Assay Execution - Our experienced scientists perform the assays using standardized protocols to ensure reproducibility and accuracy.
  • Data Analysis - Results are analyzed using state-of-the-art software and methodologies to ensure accurate interpretation of the data.
  • Report Delivery - A detailed report is prepared and delivered to the client, usually within 2-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the assays requested.

Features of Our Services

  • Comprehensive Marker Analysis - Our assays cover a wide range of pluripotency markers including, but not limited to:
    a. Transcription factors: OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, KLF4, and MYC.
    b. Surface markers: SSEA-3, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81.
    c. Other pluripotency-associated proteins: LIN28, DPPA4.
  • Comprehensive Methodologies - Immunocytochemistry (ICC), flow cytometry, qPCR, western blotting.
  • Comprehensive Report - Raw data, processed results, and detailed analysis.
  • We accept iPSC cultures in various formats, including frozen cells, cell pellets, and live cultures. Detailed guidelines for sample preparation and shipping are provided upon service request.

By choosing our pluripotency marker assays, researchers can confidently validate the pluripotent state of their iPSC lines, ensuring the reliability and robustness of their downstream applications.

Published Data

Below are the findings presented in the article related to pluripotency marker assays for iPSC.

Carol X.-Q. Chen, et al. established a multi-step workflow to evaluate newly generated iPSCs. The workflow tested four benchmarks: cell growth, genomic stability, pluripotency, and the ability to form three germline layers. The workflow is scalable and specialized for use with iPSC for research applications.

In their workflow, each iPSC cell line was examined for pluripotency. As detected by immunohistochemistry (ICC), all tested iPSC cell lines expressed the pluripotency markers SSEA-4, OCT3/4, NANOG, and Tra-1-60R, which were the same as the H9 ESC cell line. There was no difference in the fluorescence intensity of these markers in these cell lines. These iPSCs were not only morphologically similar to each other and to ESCs, but also to many common pluripotency markers (OCT3/4, SOX2, NANOG) at the transcriptional level.

Fig. 2 Pluripotency markers in hiPSCs. (Chen, Carol X-Q., et al., 2021)Fig. 2 Expression of pluripotency markers in hiPSCs.2

FAQs

  • Q: What sample sizes are required for your pluripotency marker assays?
    A: Typically, our assays require a minimum of 1 million iPSCs per sample for accurate detection of pluripotency markers. This ensures that the assay can effectively assess the pluripotent state of the cells and provide meaningful data for research purposes.
  • Q: Can you handle large-scale projects requiring extensive sample analysis?
    A: Yes, we have the capacity to handle large-scale projects and can scale our services to accommodate extensive sample analysis while maintaining efficiency and quality.
  • Q: What markers do you typically test for in your assays?
    A: We focus on core pluripotency markers such as Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2, which are transcription factors essential for maintaining pluripotency. Additionally, we assess surface markers like SSEA-4 and TRA-1-60, which are indicative of undifferentiated iPSCs. These markers collectively define the pluripotent state of iPSCs and provide valuable information on their differentiation potential and quality.
  • Q: What types of iPSC samples are suitable for your pluripotency assays?
    A: Our assays are adaptable to various types of iPSC samples, including lines derived from different tissues and sources. Whether from patient-specific cells or commercially available lines, we accommodate diverse sample origins and culture conditions to provide comprehensive assessments of pluripotency marker expression and functionality.

Scientific Resources

References

  1. Bharathan, Sumitha Prameela, et al. "Systematic evaluation of markers used for the identification of human induced pluripotent stem cells." Biology Open 6.1 (2017): 100-108.
  2. Chen, Carol X-Q., et al. "A multistep workflow to evaluate newly generated iPSCs and their ability to generate different cell types." Methods and protocols 4.3 (2021): 50.

For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.