Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are generated from skin or blood cells that have been reprogrammed into an embryonic-like pluripotent state. This breakthrough provides an unlimited source of virtually any human cell type. Human iPSCs offer a powerful tool for disease modeling, enabling the use of patient-specific iPSCs (preserving the patient’s genotype), performing genetic manipulations with genome editing technologies to study specific mutations, or applying pathological stimuli. The PARCC-iPSORG technical platform is here to provide technological and scientific support to all teams aiming to develop new cellular models for the study of cardiometabolic diseases. Our objective is to share material resources, expertise, and skills in the field of pluripotent stem cells. iPSCs can give rise to almost all cell types in unlimited numbers, and patient-specific iPSCs enable mechanistic and molecular studies of specific diseases. Genomic tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 allow for the study of specific mutations, and this platform serves as a versatile cellular platform for drug screening and testing. Patient-specific iPSCs can be obtained through cellular reprogramming from human fibroblasts or blood cells, with access to several platforms in France. Commercial iPSC lines (normal or pathological) are available from sources like ATCC, EBISC, and HipSci. Additionally, the iPS-PARCC Library (for internal use) includes healthy controls, patient-specific lines (DCM, HCM, LQT syndrome, muscular dystrophy), and CRISPR/Cas9-edited iPS cells.
Stem Cells and Organoids Platform MANAGER
3 Type II Microbiological Safety Cabinets: These provide a sterile environment essential for cell culture, protecting both the cells from contamination and the users from potential biohazards. They are critical for maintaining the high standards required for iPSC manipulation.
2 Lynxx Systems for iPSC Line Passaging and Maintenance: These automated systems facilitate the efficient and standardized subculturing and long-term care of iPSC lines, reducing manual variability and ensuring consistency. They are key for high-throughput maintenance of numerous iPSC lines.
2 CO2 Incubators Dedicated to iPSC Culture: These precisely control temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels to create optimal growth conditions specifically tailored for the stable proliferation of undifferentiated iPSCs. They ensure a consistent and ideal environment for pluripotent cell growth.
2 CO2 Incubators Dedicated to iPSC Differentiation into Mature Cells: Separate incubators are used to provide distinct environmental conditions necessary for guiding iPSCs towards specific mature cell types, ensuring successful and controlled differentiation protocols. This segregation prevents cross-contamination of differentiation cues.
Cell Counter and Microscope: Essential tools for routine cell culture, allowing for accurate quantification of cell numbers and visual assessment of cell morphology and health. They are fundamental for monitoring cell growth and quality throughout iPSC culture and differentiation.
Our platform boasts specialized expertise in the derivation and application of specific iPSC-derived cell types:
Patient-specific iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes: Utilized extensively for modeling heart failure and other cardiac pathologies, offering a highly relevant human cellular model for disease mechanisms and drug testing.
iPSC-derived Smooth Muscle Cells: Employed as valuable cellular models for studying complex genetic arterial diseases, providing insights into vascular biology and disease pathogenesis.
iPSC-derived Immune Cells (Monocytes/Macrophages): Used to investigate immuno-inflammation within cardiovascular pathologies, enabling the study of immune cell interactions in disease contexts.
Head of platform : Charlène Jouve Email: charlene.jouve@inserm.fr Phone: 01 53 98 79 93
Training : The platform provides comprehensive theoretical and practical training for users on the derivation, culture, and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), including specialized protocols for various cell types. We offer continued support, accompanying users during their first few experiments and differentiation runs until they feel confident working autonomously with iPSCs and their derivatives. Additionally, the platform offers training on specific genome editing techniques relevant to iPSC manipulation.
Consulting : The platform can provide expert assistance in developing and optimizing iPSC-based protocols tailored to the specific needs of your projects, including reprogramming strategies, differentiation into various mature cell types, and disease modeling. We offer guidance on experimental design, data interpretation for iPSC studies, and the integration of genomic tools like CRISPR/Cas9. We can also provide support for establishing and managing iPSC lines, and their subsequent characterization and application in drug screening.
