Searchable STR Database for Human Cell Lines
As part of our continuing efforts to characterize and authenticate the cell lines in the Cell Biology collection, ATCC is developing a comprehensive database of short tandem repeat (STR) DNA profiles for all of our human cell lines.
Background
Short tandem repeat (STR) loci are among the most informative polymorphic markers in the human genome. Studies have shown that a minimum of eight STR markers are required to positively identify human cell lines. Use of 8 core STR loci enables a 1 in 108 discrimination rate for unrelated individuals.1 ATCC generates human STR profiles by simultaneously amplifying eight STR loci (D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, vWA, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO) and amelogenin (for gender determination) using the Promega PowerPlex® 1.2 system. Amplicons are separated by capillary electrophoresis and analyzed using Genemapper® ID 3.2.1 software from Applied Biosystems. Each relevant peak in the resulting electropherogram represents an allele which is alphanumerically scored and entered into the database.
As part of our quality control procedures and commitment to cell line authentication, we have developed a comprehensive database of STR DNA profiles of all ATCC human cell lines. STR profiles help ensure the quality and integrity of human cell lines in the scientific community. After determining the STR profiles of your human cell lines, you may compare them to the human cell lines in the ATCC STR database.
Recent enhancements include:
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Updated algorithms providing more specific results
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Search results that can be sorted by category
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Excel-exportable search results
If you have questions about STR profiles or this database, please contact a technical service representative. ATCC encourages citations and/or references to this database and the data contained therein may be cited in publications.
As in the past, when we find a misidentified cell line among our holdings (i.e., the DNA profile is similar or identical to that of an unrelated cell line), we will post a note on the Misidentified Cell Lines page of our website.
How to use the database
- Log in to the ATCC website to access the STR database query form.
- For each query, enter either (1) an ATCC catalog number, OR (2) at least 7 of the 8 STR loci.
- Separate each allele entry with a comma (e.g., CSF1PO = 11, 12); a space after the comma is not required.
- Blank entries at any loci will be treated as null values.
- The amelogenin gene is a genetic marker used for gender determination and is not comprised of STR units. Leaving the amelogenin field blank will not affect the results, since the algorithm is based on STR statistics independent of gender.
- Click “Submit”.
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