Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Profiling

Human samples can be identified using short tandem repeat (STR) profiling, which examines specific loci for nucleotide repeats.  STR profiling has been extensively tested and validated for forensic use, and is recommended as the gold standard for identification of human cell lines.

Samples are analysed by the Australian Genome Resource Facility through their Microsatellite genotyping service.

Effects of passage number of STR profile

STR profiling can also be useful to monitor genetic drift that can occur through prolonged passage number of cell lines. Genetic drift can be responsible for differences in cell functioning and responses, leading to difficulty in replicating data and interpreting results. The effect of extended passage on the STR profile of a number of cell lines derived from a single source was reported in a  CellBank Australia poster presented at the Australasian Biospecimen Network 2008 conference. 

Genetic drift through extended passage - monitored by STR profiling

References

• Masters JR et al (2001) Short tandem repeat profiling provides an international reference standard for human cell lines.  Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98: 8012-8017 [journal site].
• Parson W et al (2005) Cancer cell line identification by short tandem repeat profiling: power and limitations.  FASEB J 19: 434-436 [journal site].
• Collins PJ et al (2004) Developmental validation of a single-tube amplification of the 13 CODIS STR loci, D2S1338, D19S433, and amelogenin: the AmpFlSTR Identifiler PCR Amplification Kit.  J Forensic Sci 49: 1265-1277 [PMID 15568700].
• ATCC STR database (short tandem repeat profiles for ATCC cell lines)
• JCRB STR database (short tandem repeat profiles for JCRB cell lines)