How to use the search engine for cell identification

This system is able to compare identities of human cells from data sets generated by STR DNA profiling (1). STR data sets represent allelic size determinations performed by capillary electrophoresis of PCR products using primers mapping to a number of genetic loci as described recently (2, 3), or using the PowerPlex 1.1 or 1.2 systems (Promega).

In order to check cell line identity, enter allelic ID numbers into appropriate boxes using commas to separate ID numbers (e.g. TH01: 8,12), or periods in the case of invariant alleles (e.g. TH01: 9, 9.3). For each analysis an arbitrary evaluation value (EV ? see below for definition) should be entered prior to clicking the search box. We recommend initially setting EV low - to 60%, say. Please note that EVs may exceed 1, since the number of alleles analysed per single cell line can vary. A graphical presentation of each analysis can be viewed at the bottom of the page indicating hits as bars in green (match), or red (non-match).

Evaluation value (EV) =

(number of generated peaks cell line A) x 2
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total number of peaks of cell line A + B

1) Tanabe H, Takada Y, Minegishi D, Kurematsu M, Masui T and Muzusawa H. Cell line individualization by STR multiplex system in the cell bank found cross-contamination between ECV304, and EJ-1/T24. Tissue Culture Research Communications,18:329-338 (1999)
2) Dirks WG, Drexler HG. Authentication of Cancer Cell Lines by DNA Fingerprinting. in: Cancer Cell Culture - Methods and Protocols (ed Langdon SP, Humana Press, Totowa, NJ (2004), pp. 43-55. PubMed ID 14634217
3) Dirks WG, Fahnrich S, Estella IAJ, Drexler HG: Short tandem repeat DNA typing provides an international reference standard for authentication of human cell lines. ALTEX 22: 3-9 (2005). PubMed ID 15953965)