DNA Fingerprinting of Stem Cells

DNA FINGERPRINTING, or genotyping, is a common name that has been given to several DNA—based methodologies for determining the DNA signature or genetic identity of an individual that differentiates him or her from another individual of the same species. Use of DNA fingerprinting is important for research involving cultured stem cells (SCs) because of the need to guarantee the genetic identity of the SC line being studied and the fact that many studies of cultured human SCs have demonstrated a significant level of intras—pecies and interspecies cross—contamination. Historically, cross—contamination of cultured cells has been a major problem, with long—reaching repercussions, emphasizing the need to use DNA fingerprinting to prevent the use of accidentally cross—contaminated cultured human SCs.