Impact of Microbial Contamination and Misidentified Cell Cultures on Research

     Presented By Yvonne Reid, Ph.D., ATCC

     Tuesday, March 9, 2010
     12 noon - 1 pm EST or 17:00 - 18:00 (UK); 18:00 - 19:00 (Europe)

Animal cell lines are important in vitro systems and tools for scientists in diverse disciplines beyond basic cell biology. Cell line authentication and characterization are crucial in these fields, yet they are underappreciated by most research scientists.  Over the years numerous cell lines have been shown to be misidentified due, in part, to poor techniques, inadequate authentication protocols and sharing of unauthenticated cell lines amongst researchers. Technological advances have given rise to improved capabilities. Cell line authentication and characterization now require a comprehensive strategy that employs several complementary technologies for systematic testing for morphology, microbial contaminations, cellular cross-contamination as well as functionality. The validity of conclusions drawn from research data is dependent on consistent and unequivocal verification of cell line identity and function. It is estimated that the financial loss incurred by poorly characterized or misidentified cell lines is in the millions of dollars.  An overview of the current technologies used to authenticate and characterize animal cell lines will be presented.

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Founded in 1925, ATCC is the world's leading Biological Resource Center. Its mission is to acquire, authenticate, preserve, produce, develop and share biological materials for the advancement of scientific knowledge. ATCC offers over 3,600 cell lines from 80 species as well as fully tested media, sera and tissue culture reagents for growing them. Its mission is to acquire, authenticate, preserve, develop and distribute biological materials, information, technology, intellectual property and standards for the advancement, validation and application of scientific knowledge.