Experts have proposed a new convention for the reporting on the
derivation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines. The proposal, published
in the November issue of the journal Regenerative Medicine, also includes
recommendations on the minimum information required to establish this new
standard.

There is no universally agreed method for reporting the quality and stage of
embryo used as a starting material for hESC line derivation, and this lack of an
consistent reporting system has made comparison of methodologies and results
difficult.

Agreeing a standard and reporting on the number, and grade, of embryos
reaching each stage of growth allows for many benefits including, comparisons
between protocols, increased culture efficiency and an overall contribution to
best IVF and stem cell manufacturing practice.

The proposal was co-authored by Emma Stephenson (University College
London, & King’s College London), Peter Braude (King’s College London, Guy’s
and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust) and Chris Mason (University College London)

The authors comment; ‘The aim is that our proposal begins the ‘bottom-up’
debate to identify the need and scope of the minimum information metadata to be
captured in the future standard for derivation of hESC line.’. They continue; ‘If a
standardized grading system is established for hESC derivation, researchers can
be confident that the grading will be consistent and reproducible.’

It is widely accepted that open and transparent reporting of results would move
the hESC field more rapidly towards clinical translation and application.

The proposal was written with the support of several international experts from
the stem cells community. Jennifer Nichols from the Wellcome Trust Centre for
Stem Cell Research at the University of Cambridge, commented; ‘It is a heroic
effort. I found it [the proposal] very clear and it will be most useful for those of
use who care about the derivation process in the future.’

The authors hope that interested parties will forward their views and comments
on the proposal as soon as possible in order that a consensus document can be
published in a few months time.

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The proposal is available free-to-view online and download here

Contacts:
Simon Boisseau,
Future Science Group

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