NHLBI-UMN MAPC Training Program
The six-week training course is designed to teach all techniques required for MAPC derivation from mouse and rat bone marrow, maintenance of established MAPC cell lines, and MAPC differentiation towards mesodermal, endodermal, and neuroectodermal cell types.
MAPC derivation: Each investigator will be trained in the selection of MAPC from fresh bone marrow sample, including Miltenyi column depletion of CD45 positive and Glycophorin-A positive cells, initial plating in 96 well culture plates, assessment of timing of sub-culturing of initial adherent cell populations from 96 well plates into larger culture plates, and subsequent passaging.
MAPC maintenance: Each investigator will be trained in assessment of cell densities, timing of passaging of MAPC to maintain a density between 500 and 2,000 cells/cm2, with attention to even distribution of MAPC throughout the culture vessel, and proper morphology of MAPC. This component of the MAPC culture technique is difficult and most important component of MAPC culture, as too low a density leads to cell death, whereas too high a density leads to differentiation of MAPC to the default MSC lineage. This commonly takes new investigators in the lab between 6 weeks and 2 months to learn. Investigators will also be trained in proper quality control of MAPC, including FACS phenotyping, Q-RT-PCR for Oct4 and Rex1, and periodic assessment of cytogenetics and telomerase activity. Quality control also comprises demonstration of multilineage differentiation, as described below.
MAPC differentiation: Using established cell lines, investigators will be trained in proper techniques for differentiation of MAPC to endothelium, neuroectoderm-like cells, and endodermal hepatocyte-like cells. This training will include proper replating at high density on appropriate extracellular matrix components, correct media condition changes, and for endothelium, timing for sub-culturing and addition of fetal calf serum. Training will also include proper characterization of differentiated cell products, including immunohistological assessment of multiple differentiation markers.
Trainees will receive printed copies of all protocols at the beginning of the course, which will include all culture protocols and relevant details of reagents, supplies, and equipment. Dr. Yuehua Jiang, the MAPC Training Coordinator, will also provide ongoing support via electronic mail and/or via the telephone for investigators upon their return to their home institutions.
Selection of Trainees
Eligible trainees for the NHLBI-UMN MAPC Training Program would be researchers and principal investigators of all levels, including but not limited to graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, research technicians, research specialists, research assistants, junior faculty and senior faculty. Researchers must have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree, and must have at least 6 months cell culture experience. All trainee applicants will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. Special consideration will be given to scientists who are the first individual from their particular laboratory to attend.
Program Length and Trainee Capacity
The training module will be offered on a six-week basis. A maximum of two (2) investigators can be trained during each session.
Registration Fees and Travel
Registration is free for candidates accepted for the NHLBI-UMN MAPC Training Program; however, travel and accommodations in Minneapolis will need to be covered by each trainee. Lauri Andersen (ander607@umn.edu), Administrator for the Stem Cell Institute, will be available to assist trainees in securing housing in Minneapolis during the training program.
Applications
Please complete the NHLBI-UMN MAPC Training Program Application located on the Stem Cell Institute’s Web site at www.stemcell.umn.edu.
Program Contact
For more information about the NHLBI-UMN MAPC Training Program, please contact Lauri Andersen at 612-625-0602 or ander607@umn.edu.