MADISON, Wis.–Promega Corporation, a provider of premier cell analysis tools, announces the launch of StemElite™ ID System, which is designed to improve and simplify human cell line authentication in research applications. The new StemElite ID System allows scientists to quickly and easily validate the authenticity and purity of their human cell lines prior to submitting their results for publishing or passing the cell line to another laboratory. Understanding that cross-contamination between cell lines is a frequent cause of scientific misrepresentation, StemElite ID is designed to give scientists confidence in the integrity of their results.

The StemElite ID System incorporates the same short tandem repeat (STR) analysis technology as Promega PowerPlex® products used for genetic identity by forensics labs world wide. StemElite ID includes ten human loci for human cell line authentication and a sensitive marker that specifically detects contamination with the mouse (mus musculus) DNA. For stem cell researchers using mouse ‘feeder’ cells this is the most sensitive method for detection of mouse contamination in their human stem cell samples.

The kit provides all reagents required for co-amplification and three color detection of DNA fragments in a single tube and delivers following benefits:

Confidence in data – StemElite ID System provides a genetic profile with a random match probability of 1 in 2.92 × 109. Cell authentication by genetic profiling has been raised recently as a critical issue for its grant recipients by US NIH.

Detects contamination with mouse DNA – The system incorporates a sensitive mouse marker. This is specifically important for human cells lines grown on mouse feeder cells.

Convenience – Includes a hot start Taq DNA polymerase for convenient room-temperature reaction assembly as well as lane marker standards.

As a supplier of premier cell analysis tools, Promega plans to continue to make innovative contributions such as StemElite ID that will fulfill the complex needs of scientists in the area of human stem cell research.

For more information, visit Promega Cell Line Authentication page.

Promega Corporation is a leader in providing innovative solutions and technical support to the life sciences industry. The company’s 2,000 products enable scientists worldwide to advance their knowledge in genomics, proteomics, cellular analysis, molecular diagnostics and human identification. Founded in 1978, the company is headquartered in Madison, WI, USA with branches in 14 countries and over 50 global distributors. For more information about Promega, visit www.promega.com.