Services
Quality Control and Research Services
The ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä Boulder Stem Cell Research and Technology Resource Center provides researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, academic collaborators, industry partners, and investigators from across the United States and around the world with access to advanced technologies, specialized expertise, and training opportunities to accelerate discoveries in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
Supporting rigorous, reproducible, and cutting-edge stem cell research with comprehensive QC, culture, and technical services, together with innovative research by offering state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure, technical guidance, and educational programs designed to help investigators implement stem cells models for their research.
hiPSC Services
Goal: Ensure pluripotency, genomic integrity, neural identity, and functional competence of hiPSCs, NPCs, and differentiated neurons.
- Thawing, expansion, and freezing of iPSCs
- Quality Control (QC) AssaysÌý
Quality Control (QC) Assays for iPSCs
QC Category | Purpose | Assays / Notes |
|---|---|---|
Morphology & Growth | Assess cell health and colony characteristics | Phase-contrast microscopy; colony counting; alkaline phosphatase (AP) staining; monitor colony density, edges, nuclear-to-cytoplasm ratio |
Pluripotency Markers | Confirm expression of transcription factors and surface antigens | ICC: OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81, SSEA-3, SSEA-4; qRT-PCR: OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, REX1, LIN28 |
Functional Differentiation | Validate trilineage differentiation potential | Embryoid Body (EB) formation; directed differentiation into neural, cardiac, hepatic lineages |
Genomic & Epigenetic Stability | Detect chromosomal and epigenetic abnormalities | Karyotyping (G-banding), optional SNP array or WGS |
Contamination & Identity | Ensure culture purity and authentication | Mycoplasma testing, sterility assays, STR profiling |
Checkpoint: Only healthy, stable, and verified hiPSCs are used for downstream differentiation.
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iPSC-Derived NPCs and Neuronal Stem Cell Services
- Thawing, expansion, and freezing
- QC Assays
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QC Assays for Neural DerivesÌý
Neural Progenitor Cells (NPCs)
Goal: Confirm neural lineage, proliferation, and multipotency.
QC Category | Assays / Notes |
|---|---|
Morphology | Bipolar/multipolar morphology and rosette formation by phase-contrast microscopy |
NPC Markers | ICC: PAX6, SOX1, NESTIN, FOXG1 |
Proliferation | Ki67 staining, EdU/BrdU incorporation |
Multipotency | Directed differentiation into neurons/glia; check TUBB3/MAP2 (neurons), GFAP (astrocytes) |
Purity / Heterogeneity | ICC or flow cytometry to quantify NPC fraction vs residual hiPSCs |
Genomic Stability | Karyotyping after extended culture |
Checkpoint: Confirm NPC identity, proliferation, and multipotency before neuronal differentiation. Include batch comparisons and reference controls.
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Neurons
Goal: Confirm neuronal identity, subtype specification, functional maturity, and network formation.
QC Category | Assays / Notes |
|---|---|
Morphology & Networks | Neurite outgrowth, branching, network formation; assessed by phase-contrast microscopy and ICC |
Pan-Neuronal Markers | ICC / Flow Cytometry: MAP2, TUBB3, NeuN, Synapsin-1 |
Subtype Specification | ICC / qPCR: VGLUT1 (excitatory), GAD65/67 (inhibitory), TH (dopaminergic) |
Synapse Formation | ICC: Synapsin-1, PSD95, VGLUT/VGAT |
Functional Maturity | Patch-clamp, multi-electrode array (MEA), calcium imaging; confirms excitability and network activity |
Purity / Heterogeneity | ICC / Flow Cytometry for residual NPCs, glia, or undifferentiated hiPSCs |
Genomic Stability | Karyotyping |
Checkpoint: Only mature, functional neurons with confirmed identity and network activity are suitable for experiments or therapeutic applications. Repeated assessments ensure reproducibility.
Miscellaneous Cell Services
- Cell proliferation assays
- Media changes and live culture maintenance
- Fresh Matrigel/Vitronectin/Geltrex pre-coated plates
- Generating iPSC cell pellets for RNA/DNA extraction
- Monthly Core usage charge
iPSC Cell Line Requests
- Fluorescently tagged human iPSC lines available for research
- Contact the Core Director for availability
Other Cell Culture Services
- 24/7 Remote cell culture monitoring (Olympus Provi CM20)
- COâ‚‚ shaker for organoid derivation
- Transfection systems: Nucleofector 2b, Neon NxT
- Microscope training: Evos M7000, Olympus IX83, CKX53, Provi CM20
- Consulting and experimental design support
Incubators
- Normoxic and hypoxic conditions
- Monthly rental available
- Organoid derivation support
Fluorescence Microscopes (24/7)
- Olympus IX83: live-cell and fixed imaging, organoids, embryos, organotypic slides
- Olympus CKX53: sterile dissection and imaging
- Evos 7000: live/fixed imaging with multiple magnifications (1.2X–100X)
Biorepository
- Storage for vials or boxes of 100 cryovials
- Pricing: monthly or annual
Reagents & Consumables
- From STEMCELL Technologies, VWR, ThermoFisher, Peprotech, Gibco
- Media, kits, supplements, serum, matrices, cytokines, small molecules
- Up to 15% discount; includes shipping
- Free samples and demos available
Technical Support & Consultation
- Experimental design support
- Protocol optimization
- Differentiation guidance
- Troubleshooting and hands-on support for reproducible outcomes
Training & Workshops
- Stem cell culture techniques
- iPSC methodologies
- Differentiation protocols
- Advanced imaging and analysis
- Programs for both new and experienced researchers
"All workshops and training, are available in Spanish upon request"
"Todos los talleres y capacitaciones están disponibles en español bajo solicitud."
Technical Support and Consultation
Our team provides expert consultation and hands-on support to help researchers successfully design and perform stem cell experiments.
Services include:
- Experimental design support
- Optimization of stem cell culture protocols
- Guidance on differentiation strategies
- Troubleshooting of technical challenges
We work closely with researchers to ensure high-quality, reproducible experimental outcomes
"All services, including consultation and technical support are available in Spanish upon request"
“Todos los servicios, incluida la consultorÃa y el apoyo técnico, están disponibles en español bajo solicitud.â€
Collaborative Research Support
- Interdisciplinary and industry collaborations
- Technology development and optimization
- Translational research initiatives
Custom Services
Contact the Center the Center for specialized or customized services not listed above
Who Can Access Our Services
Our services are available to:
- Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder
- Academic collaborators from other institutions
- Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry partners