Stem Cell Core Facility
The Human Stem Cell Core Facility is dedicated to promoting research involving hES and human iPS cells. The STEM core maintains well characterized human embryonic stem (hES) cell lines, and provides the physical space and hands on training for scientist to use these pluripotent cells for their research goals. We also have dedicated space and the requisite equipment for viral vector production, and the facility is ideally suited for the derivation and propagation of reprogrammed iPS cells.
Director, Travis Berggren and lab manager Margaret Lutz provide individualized training in the basic techniques for successful culturing of these cells. We are available for consultation on experimental design, and can assist in getting projects involving hES (or iPS) cells moving quickly. The facility is centrally located on the Salk campus, making it convenient for Salk researchers to 'drop in' to care for their hES cell cultures while staying within easy reach of their home laboratories. The STEM Core is free of federal funding making it a safe haven for research involving either the NIH registered or the newer non-NIH registered human ES cell lines. For those investigators whose labs are partially supported with federal grant money, the 'safe haven' can help them avoid a conflict between their federal and non-federal research projects. The Stem Cell Core operates on a recharge rate basis.