Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility

Reprogramming, genome engineering, and differentiation projects are performed by HPSCF staff (3 FTE) 7 days per week – as is required for human PSC projects. Trainees performing human PSC work within the HPSCF also have access to advice and troubleshooting from HPSCF staff 7 days per week. 

Contract services are generally limited to cell line generation. However, our staff is able to provide intensive training and guidance for all projects conducted within our core for the entire duration of the project to ensure we are maintaining the highest standard of research. 

Human pluripotent stem cells are a powerful tool for modeling disease and have also reached phase I/II clinical trials as cell and tissue replacement therapies. By definition, PSCs can differentiate to essentially any cell type. PSC organoid differentiation platforms generate target tissue such as kidneys, liver, and pancreas that are equivalent to mid and late gestational human tissue. Hence, regulatory bodies in Europe and North America have approved PSC-derived organoid systems in place of animal studies in investigational new drug applications. It is our mission to make this technology accessible to all uOttawa affiliated researchers.