Research Report ‘Impact of Misidentified Cell Lines in Dutch Institutions’

In life sciences research, cultured cell lines of human or animal origin are widely used. When other cell lines are used than those assumed, for example due to errors in characterisation or labelling, cross-contamination or unintended mix-ups, this may sometimes result in biosafety risks.

The Committee on Genetic Modification (COGEM) has commissioned a study into the current situation in the Netherlands regarding the identification of cell lines in scientific research. The study was carried out by Dr Joyce Mulder and Prof Dr Kerensa Broersen of the University of Twente.

The research report provides background information on the identification of cell lines and presents the results of a survey conducted among Dutch research institutions. The study shows that researchers working with GMOs are largely aware of the importance of correct cell line identity, but that in many cases this is not verified, and that there is often undue trust in the quality of a supplied cell line.