Instructions for Ordering Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
from the NIGMS Human Genetic Cell Repository

Requirements

In addition to the standard ordering instructions, available here, investigators ordering induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are subject to the following requirements:

1. The investigator must complete the SCB Prospective Customer Survey, available here. Based on the investigator's responses to the SCB Prospective Customer Survey, the SCB will determine whether to approve the order for the iPSCs

2. Investigators must demonstrate the ability to handle iPSCs by meeting at least one of the following criteria described in the Stem Cell Biobank Prospective Customer Survey:
   • Has cultured mouse pluripotent stem cells
   • Has cultured human pluripotent stem cells
   • Has cultured pluripotent stem cells
   • Has attended a training course in pluripotent stem cells
   • Plans to attend a training course in pluripotent stem cells
   • Has access to expertise in culturing pluripotent stem cells (e.g., a collaborator or colleague who is willing to provide guidance)

3. The reprogramming methods used to generate NIGMS Repository iPSC lines may be patented. The investigator must obtain any required license and request that the licensing organization notify the NIGMS Repository that the license has been granted. Please consult the "Remarks" section of the NIGMS Repository Catalog web page for each iPSC line to determine whether a licensing requirement exists and whom to contact to obtain a license.

4. The investigator must agree to the NIGMS Repository iPSC Replacement Policy, stated below:
   • There are no replacements for iPSC cultures, except for under the following circumstances:
     1. The iPSCs arrive physically compromised at their destination (e.g., not frozen, broken ampoule) and a replacement is requested within 24 hours of receipt. iPSCs physically compromised during shipping will be replaced at no charge.
     2. The customer requests a replacement for any other reason beyond that stated in 4A, and Coriell's Stem Cell Biobank determines that the customer has experience and/or training in culturing iPSCs (e.g., has taken a training course in handling iPSCs and submits a training completion certificate to the Stem Cell Biobank). The replacement iPSCs will be provided at a discounted rate.

PROCEDURE

All orders for iPSCs must be submitted using the Repository’s online catalog. Customers must register online and, after their registration has been approved, can add items to their shopping cart from the catalog and check out. See here for more information. Before requests can be processed, the required information and supporting documentation must be reviewed and approved by the Coriell Order Review Board.

The information required for the Statement of Research Intent can be submitted electronically during the checkout process. The Material Transfer Agreement (if not already on file) must be submitted by fax, mail, or e-mail before an order can be reviewed and approved; this form can be downloaded here. The SCB Prospective Customer Survey must be completed online here.

CLASSIFICATION OF NIGMS REPOSITORY SAMPLES

The DHHS Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) Guidance on Research Involving Coded Private Information or Biological Specimens (October 16, 2008) clarifies when research on human specimens is considered to be human subjects research. According to this Guidance, samples obtained by researchers from the NIGMS Human Genetic Cell Repository are NOT considered to be human subjects because conducting research with the samples does not involve an intervention or interaction with the individual and the samples do not contain identifiable private information. The Repository has policies in place that prohibit the release of any information that would allow investigators to identify the individual from whom the cell culture was derived. Although approval by an IRB at the investigator's institution may not be required, investigators are encouraged to seek advice from their IRB.

ADDRESS

All Material Transfer Agreements and any accompanying paperwork should be emailed to customerservice@coriell.org

FEES

Cell Cultures

Fees for iPSC cultures are listed in the Coriell Cell Repositories online catalog.

Shipping Charges

Shipping charges vary depending upon the mode of shipment requested by the purchaser. Domestic shipments are usually made via Federal Express with second day delivery guaranteed.

SHIPMENT OF CELL CULTURES

iPSC plastic ampoules will be shipped frozen in dry ice. In certain situations, at the discretion of the NIGMS Repository, iPSCs may be shipped as growing cultures.

DESCRIPTIVE DATA

Each shipment will include a packing slip and information about the iPSC culture(s) ordered. Specific details for each iPSC line, including the complete Certificate of Analysis and pertinent reference citations (if available) can be printed from the Coriell Cell Repositories online catalog. Search the Catalog by using the NIGMS Repository ID number for the cell line(s) of interest.

REQUEST FOR CITATIONS AND PubMed ID

The NIGMS Repository number(s) of the iPSCs must be cited as follows in publications or presentations that are based on the use of these materials: "The following cell lines were obtained from the NIGMS Human Genetic Cell Repository at the Coriell Institute for Medical Research: [list Repository ID numbers here].".

Please provide the NIGMS Repository with the PubMed ID of each publication that references an NIGMS Repository cell line by e-mailing nigms@coriell.org.