Setting up a Facility for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Abstract

Scientists have distilled their collective experience of setting up over ten stem cell laboratories on three continents, with the intention of lessening the pain of others who are setting up such laboratories for the first time. They are sure of two things: first, the effort extended in setting up systems and processes for a laboratory will be repaid many fold in future efficiencies; and second, the effort to set systems in place from the very beginning is much less than retro-fitting them. Therefore, if someone set up a laboratory from the scratch, the advice is to try to get it right from the beginning. The critical issue of setting up the laboratory is planning for long-term success. This will rest on the functional design and utilization of the space and the appropriate equipment. Most important is the implementation of quality control systems that allow a continuous supply of validated cells and reagents. The chapter provides most of the protocols and methods for these systems, and other resources are also available; however, wherever possible, it is recommneded that key personnel should receive specific training in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) manipulation, and that the laboratory develop a network of communication and collaboration with other hESC group. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.