Teratoma Formation and Analysis Service

A teratoma is a benign tumor composed of tissue not normally found at a particular location of the body. Teratoma formation is characterized by accelerated growth and a mixture of all three embryonic germ cell layers when xenografted into immunodeficient mice (read more about Altogen Labs xenograft services).

A teratoma is created via the injection of a customer’s embryonic stem (ES) cells or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Stem cells that are derived from non-pluripotent (usually adult somatic cells) are artificially reprogrammed to express pluripotent characteristics and are known as iPS cells. Pluripotent stem cells, such as ES cells, are characterized by their ability to differentiate into almost all tissue types and have endless self-renewing capabilities. Typically iPS cells are genetically altered through transfection to become morphologically and biochemically similar to pluripotent stem cells. The features associated with pluripotent cells have brought worldwide attention and interest to their application as potential gene therapeutics and in the field of regenerative medicine.

At Altogen Labs we strive to transition stem cell research into safe, effective and consistent therapies for diseases and cancers effecting populations worldwide. The study of iPS and ES cells for future clinical applications has posed many complex problems both experimentally and ethically that has limited the advance of its research. The influence of growth factors, hormones, genetic modifications and delivery routes all play an important role in teratoma formation and composition. Our qualified staff fully understand the risks and complexities associated with potential stem cell therapies and aim to identify all complications, interactions and factors that could limit or effect stem cell therapeutics.

Download Altogen Labs Teratoma Formation Services PowerPoint Presentation: [PPT]

Altogen Labs uses the following protocol for teratoma service:

The customer provides two vials of ES/iPS cells (approximately 1,000,000 cells/ vial). Cells must be tested to ensure they are pathogen free. The customer is also required to provide information related to cell line ID and genetic modifications, including the modification method details (e.g., retrovirus).

Cells are then cultured and expanded to sufficient numbers for the study. Based on research design and client specifications, mice will be injected with approximately 1 millions cells per injection with a total of 1-2 injections sites per mouse.

We provide information about the number of inoculation/injection sites as well as the growth of teratoma / tumor. Molecular imaging of cell behavior in vivo, histological and immunohistochemical staining and analysis of teratoma are also available. Company scientists can provide additional information and/or fulfill specific marker staining requests as additional services.

After discussing the details of your project, we can provide a price quote for your project (contact e-mail: info@altogenlabs.com or call Altogen Labs technical support: 512-433-6177). Please note that experimental details will help us provide an accurate quote and timeline estimate.

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Teratoma Formation and Analysis Service