Stem Cell Research Protocol Survey

Choosing the Right Stem Cell Culture Protocol

This questionnaire asks for your view on various complex issues associated with human stem cell research and the journey towards regenerative medicine. It is designed for scientists, managers, directors and PI's involved in the field of stem cell research. The aim is to generate a better understanding of some of the issues involved in generating robust protocols for isolation, expansion and differentiation of human stem cells. The questionnaire consists of 16 questions and will only take a few minutes to complete. On finishing the survey, you will be shown a real-time summary of the result. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated!

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* 1. Which stem cell type do you work with?

Human embryonic stem cells (hESC)

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs)

Other human progenitor cells or adult stem cells

Animal stem cells

Other (please specify)

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* 2. Do you experience variations between your cell lines (pluripotency, transcriptional profiling, genetic stability, epigenetic stability etc.)?

I only work with one cell line

No variations

Yes, minor variations

Yes, moderate variations

Yes, major variations

If yes, please specify

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* 3. Do you have standardized and operator independent protocols for stem cell expansion and maintenance?

I'm 100% satisfied with my protocol

Yes, but the cell yield could be improved

Yes, but the consistency could be improved

Yes, but the protocol is person dependant

Yes, but the protocol is laborious

Yes, but the cell quality cannot be maintained

Yes, but (other):

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* 4. Which substrate do you use to culture your stem cells?

Feeder cells

murine Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm tumor extract (Matrigel, Geltrex etc.)

Vitronectin (Synthemax, Vitronectin XF, etc.)

Laminin (hrLaminin-521 etc.)

Fibronectin

E-cadherin (StemAdhere etc.)

Collagen

Synthetic peptides

Other (please specify)

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* 5. Which medium do you use to culture your stem cells?

Essential 8 Medium

Nutristem

mTeSR1

iPS-Brew

StemPro

PluriSTEM

Stemline

Human platelet lysates

I make my own

Other (please specify)

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* 6. Do you experience batch to batch variations with the medium or substrate that you use?

Yes, with the substrate

Yes, with the medium

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* 7. Do you single-cell passage your cells

Yes

No, I do colony pasage

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* 8. Do you experience spontaneous differentiation of your stem cells?

No, they are homogenous

Yes, but it's minor and does not cause concern

Yes, but I remove differentiated areas before spilt

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* 9. What is your research focus?

Adhesion molecules

Apoptosis and Signal Transduction

Core facility / cell producer

Embryonic development

Epigenetics

Subtype-specific stem cells and differentiation

Other (please specify)

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* 10. Do you do lineage-specific differentiation of stem cells?

Yes, (please specify which cell type)

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* 11. Are you satisfied with the differentiation potential and cell purity of your protocol? Do you get large enough quantities of the desired cell type?

I don't work with differentiation protocols

Yes, protocol is working well

No, the differentiation potential could be improved

No, cell purity could be improved

No, I don't get large enough quantities of the desired cell type

No, the protocol is not reproducible

No, because:

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* 12. Do you have a cell therapy focus?

Yes, (please specify disease/therapy area)

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* 13. What part will cell therapy grade rather than RUO (research use only) cell culture products (e.g. matrices and media) play in getting therapies through clinical trials successfully?

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* 14. If you answered yes in question 12, which do you feel is the single biggest issue/hurdle to reach the clinic?

Successful/specific engraftment

Cell maturity

Cell quality

Cost

Documentation / Traceability of materials used

Ethical factors

Formulating standardized protocols

Governmental regulations - lack of info, accessibility, slow processes etc.

Immunorejection

Lack of knowledge about the disease and disease progression

Other (please specify)

Stem Cell Research Protocol Survey

Choosing the Right Stem Cell Culture Protocol

Question Title

* 1. Which stem cell type do you work with?

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* 2. Do you experience variations between your cell lines (pluripotency, transcriptional profiling, genetic stability, epigenetic stability etc.)?

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* 3. Do you have standardized and operator independent protocols for stem cell expansion and maintenance?

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* 4. Which substrate do you use to culture your stem cells?

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* 5. Which medium do you use to culture your stem cells?

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* 6. Do you experience batch to batch variations with the medium or substrate that you use?

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* 7. Do you single-cell passage your cells

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* 8. Do you experience spontaneous differentiation of your stem cells?

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* 9. What is your research focus?

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* 10. Do you do lineage-specific differentiation of stem cells?

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* 11. Are you satisfied with the differentiation potential and cell purity of your protocol? Do you get large enough quantities of the desired cell type?

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* 12. Do you have a cell therapy focus?

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* 13. What part will cell therapy grade rather than RUO (research use only) cell culture products (e.g. matrices and media) play in getting therapies through clinical trials successfully?

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* 14. If you answered yes in question 12, which do you feel is the single biggest issue/hurdle to reach the clinic?

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* 15. What is your job title/profession?

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* 16. In which country are you currently active?