In response to widespread demand from the scientific community, Target ALS has expanded its Stem Cell Core to include four new reporter lines
Stem cell reporter lines provide investigators with an important human-based model system that can be used to study ALS disease mechanisms and test potential drugs. These four reporter lines will enable scientists to investigate quantitatively the underlying disease mechanisms and effect of drugs on disease pathology.
Target ALS built the Stem Cell Core to make it easier for ALS researchers to collaborate. Other existing stem cell repositories have restrictions on data and intellectual property which limit opportunities for scientists to work together. The Target ALS Stem Cell Core makes these lines accessible quickly to all researchers worldwide without restrictions on data or intellectual property.
See below for more details about each of these new reporter lines. Researchers can find instructions and request stem cell lines directly on the Target ALS website here
The Stem Cell Core is one of several Core Facilities that Target ALS has built in the last seven years to provide ALS researchers with the scientific tools and resources they need to collaborate with one another and accelerate ALS drug development.
Click here to support the Target ALS Stem Cell Core and other programs.
New Stem Cell Reporter Lines
- NCRM1-LSLtdTomato: NCRM-1 modified to insert CAGGS-loxSTOPlox-tdTomato-PuroR in the AAVS1 locus. This line can be used as a backbone line to introduce the Cre or CreERT2 recombinase under the control of your gene of interest. Upon recombinase expression, the STOP signal is removed and the fluorophore (tdTomato) is permanently turned on. Ideal for live imaging and analysis of long-term cultures.
- NCRM1-VAChTcre-LSLtdTomato: NCRM-1 modified as in NCRM1-tdT (insertion of CAGGS-loxSTOPlox-tdTomato-PuroR in the AAVS1 locus) plus a 2nd targeting, in which iCre-IRES was inserted in the VAChT locus. This line reports on the expression of VAChT (vesicular acetyl-choline transporter) and, thus, identifies any cholinergic neuron. The intensity of the fluorophore makes it ideal for live imaging.
- TALSCTRL15.12-HB9TdTomato: FA0000011 modified to insert P2A-tdTomato in HB9 C-terminus. In this line, tdTomato expression is under the control of the HB9 gene regulatory elements. HB9 is a motor neuron-specific gene. Therefore, expression of the reporter indicates motor neuron identity. The expression of the reporter is activated towards the end of the optimized motor neuron differentiation protocol (around 10 days after differentiation starts) and it is maintained for several weeks after conclusion of the differentiation protocol. The intensity of the reporter allows for motor neuron purification by flow cytometry, and the tdTomato can easily be stained with RFP antibodies.
- TALSCTRL11.5-LSLtdTomato (aka AGCF19): FA0000010 modified to introduce CAGGSloxSTOPlox-tdTomato-PuroR in the AAVS1 locus. This line can be used as a backbone line to introduce the Cre or CreERT2 recombinase under the control of your gene of interest. Upon recombinase expression, the STOP signal is removed and the fluorophore (tdTomato) is permanently turned on. Ideal for live imaging and analysis of long-term cultures.
