Stem Cell Bank
The Barcelona Stem Cell Bank (B-SCB) is a node of the Spanish National Stem Cell Bank/ Banco Nacional de Líneas Celulares (BNLC), together with the Stem Cell Banks of Valencia (Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe) and Granada (Biobanco del Sistema Sanitario Público de Andalucía).
The principal aim of the Barcelona Stem Cell Bank is the generation, characterization, banking and registry of pluripotent stem cell lines (PSC), both embryonic stem cells (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC).
- Generation and characterization of PSC
- Promotion of the basic research with PSC as disease models.
- Establishment of a roadmap for the clinical translation with PSC derivatives.
- Development of new methodologies related to the generation, culture, and characterization of PSC.
- Training activities related to the generation, culture, and characterization of PSC.
The B-SCB host a collection of PSC lines available to researchers upon request. To date, more than 200 lines have been generated and registered in the BNLC (Banco Nacional de Líneas Celulares (BNLC)). Most of these lines have been generated from fibroblasts and peripheral blood cells as original cells. Additional cell types, including cord blood, keratinocytes some tumoral cells and urine cells have also been used for reprogramming.
These lines have been generated using both integrative methods (retroviral and lentiviral vectors) and non-integrative approaches (Sendai virus, episomal plasmids-and mRNA-based methods).
The collection includes lines derived from patients affected by of more than 50 diseases, which can serve as valuable disease models, such as multiple sclerosis, Williams-Beuren syndrome, autism, or Parkinson disease among others. In addition, more than 50 lines have been generated from healthy donors to be used as controls lines.
The B-SCB periodically organizes courses and workshops on handling of PSC that cover:
- Culture and manipulation of iPSC
- Cryopreservation and thawing
- Characterization and differentiation
Researchers requesting lines can also be trained in the handling of PSC at the B-SCB on request.
To request information please contact blc@idibell.cat
