UMN hES Cell/iPS Cell Training Program

UMN hES Cell/iPS Cell Training Program: Essentials of Human Embryonic Stem Cell and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Culture Techniques

The 3-day training course, offered approximately every six months provides hands-on training in the culture of human embryonic stem (hES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Participants will be offered written training materials, laboratory instruction and practice, as well as lectures from experts in the field on stem cell research and clinical applications.

hES Cell and iPS Cell Culture and Characterization of hES Cell and iPS Cells: Participants will be instructed in evaluating hES cell and iPS cell morphology, as well as colony size, and density. Instruction in passaging, freezing, thawing and banking of hES cell and iPS cell will be provided. The importance of regular hES cell and iPS cell characterization will be discussed and methods in monitoring hES cell and iPS cell cultures by karyotype, stem cell marker expression and pluripotency assays will be demonstrated.

Feeder Preparation: Participants will be instructed in methods to establish primary mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF) cultures used as feeder cells for hES cells and iPS cells. Participants will be instructed to expand, inactivate, and prepare feeders cells. Alternative sources of MEFs, as well as alternative inactivation methods will be presented. Alternative methods of culturing hES cells and iPS cells without the use of MEFs will be discussed.

Differentiation and genetic modification: Applications for hES cell and iPS cell research invariably involve methods to differentiate hES cells and iPS cells. Various methods of differentiation will be discussed, including preparation of embryoid bodies, teratomas, adherent cultures, and cocultures. Methods of genetic modification for transient and stable gene expression will also be presented.

Selection of Trainees
Individuals eligible for participation in the UMN hES Cell/iPS Cell Training Program are researchers of all levels, including but not limited to graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, research technicians, and junior and senior faculty. Researchers must have a minimum of 6 months mammalian cell culture experience and be involved in research at a recognized academic, clinical, or commercial research institution. All applicants will be accommodated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Special consideration will be given to scientists who are the first individual from their laboratory to attend, and who have recently implemented hES cell or iPS cell research, or will be implementing hES cell or iPS cell research immediately after participation in the program.

Program Description
The program will be offered approximately every three months. Training will take place Tuesday through Thursday from 8 AM to 6 PM. Participants are expected to take part in all activities of the program. A maximum of eight investigators can be trained during each session. Applications are due seven weeks prior to the beginning of each session. Notification of acceptance into the program will be made by email. Trainees will receive printed copies of all protocols at the beginning of the course, which will include all culture protocols and relevant details of reagents, supplies, and equipment. Program faculty and instructors will also provide ongoing support via electronic mail or telephone for investigators upon their return to their own laboratories.

Registration Fees and Travel
Registration is $2000 USD for candidates accepted for the UMN hES Cell/iPS Cell Training Program. Travel to and from, and accommodations in Minneapolis will be covered by the trainee. Information on accommodations near the training facility will be provided with notification of acceptance in the program. Applicants currently enrolled in a graduate program or employed in a laboratory at the University of Minnesota should contact Sue Keirstead at 612 626 2290 or sakeir@umn.edu to inquire about registration fees for internal trainees.

Applications
Please complete the UMN hES Cell/iPS Cell Training Program Application. Applications are due four weeks prior to the start date for each session. Notification of acceptance to the program will be made within 2 weeks of due date.

Program Contact
For more information about the UMN hES Cell/iPS Cell Training Program, please contact Dr. Meri Firpo at 612-625-3250 or firpo001@umn.edu.

Sessions
Sessions will be offered as follows: