SHORT TANDEM REPEAT (STR)

 
Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) are 2 to 6 base pair DNA sequences that are scattered throughout the genome. These short sequences can be repeated multiple times and the number of these repeats is highly variable between individuals. This high variability allows for the identification of different samples from one another. Using this, we can identify different cell lines by their unique STR profiles. 

Cell line misidentification, contamination, or poor annotation affects scientific reproducibility and can invalidate your research results. Recently, the NIH increased their standards for grant applications requiring authentication of cell lines used for research. Alongside this, a wide variety of journals have also made it mandatory to provide cell line identity verification as well. WiCell’s STR profiling provides highly reliable detection of cell lines that have been misidentified, cross-contaminated, or have genetically drifted so you can be confident in the material you’re using for your research.

WiCell’s STR profiling is an affordable and easy-to-use method to authenticate the cell lines you use for research. We can help you establish or verify an STR profile using the Promega PowerPlex 16HS system. This highly sensitive system detects 15 different loci plus 1 sex determination marker (amelogenin) and can detect contamination of other cell lines as low as 2-5%. We generate highly reliable data which is reviewed by multiple trained technicians prior to reporting. We also will match your samples back to any other cell lines from your institution that WiCell has previously tested, ensuring that any mislabeling event is caught as early as possible.