Generation of integration-free, high-quality iPS cell lines from a non-invasive, accessible tissue source, the plucked hair follicle

In theory, hair cells will be reverted back into stem cells and then pushed towards pancreatic progenitor cells to create pancreatic organoids. The goal of the project is to pluck hair follicles from individuals across Canada, cryogenically preserve them and use those follicles towards reprogramming. We want to determine whether or not we can create high quality iPS cell lines using a tissue source which can be obtained anywhere in the world, without a painful procedure. If successful, this would mitigate the burden of cell collection with respect to autologous iPS- based therapies. It would also generate a research biobank of iPS cell lines, which can be further evaluated to determine the effects of donor age and the quality of the starting material on iPS generation. This in turn would validate Acorn Biolab’s commercial services of biobanking as well as provide a possible end-use case for the stored samples.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ian Rogers

Student:

Partner:

Acorn Biolabs

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Toronto

Program: