San Diego Nathan Shock Center

Human Cell Models of Aging

Salk Institute for Biological Studies - San Diego Nathan Shock Center - Human Cell Models of Aging

Human Cell Models of Aging


Human Cell Models of Aging

Human Cell Models of Aging

The overarching goal of the SD-NSC Human Cell Models of Aging Core is to create and make available powerful, new human cell-based models to enable studies into the molecular and cellular heterogeneity of human aging. Major activities and resources offered include:

  • Generate a bank of fibroblasts and corresponding induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that represent the breadth of healthy adult chronological age from a human cohort extensively phenotyped for key physical and functional measures of biological age.
  • Create induced cell models that maintain age-related phenotypes. Unlike iPSC-based reprogramming processes that can erase epigenetic and transcriptional signatures of aging, direct-conversion approaches can better maintain molecular signatures of aging in resultant cell types. This makes direct-induction protocols particularly well-suited for creating cellular models of human aging.
  • Drive technology development to create novel organoid and hybrid-cell models to investigate the role of cellular heterogeneity in human tissue and organ aging. This will be iPSC-derived organoids initially, but over time will involve integration of directly converted cells that maintain aging signatures.
  • Distribute protocols and key reagents relevant for creating induced cell types and organoid models.

Protocols

  1. Preparing Matrigel Aliquots, enhanced version
  2. Preparing Matrigel coated plates, written version, enhanced version
  3. Passaging hPSC using Versene EDTA, written version, enhanced version
  4. Maintenance of Primary Human Dermal Fibroblast, written version
  5. Thawing Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Feeder-Free Conditions, written version
  6. Freezing Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Feeder-Free Conditions, written version

SD-NSC Cell lines

Fibroblasts are now available to aging researchers upon request and approval:

In any case, you will need to submit a cell line request by completing: SD-NSC Cell line request form

Personnel and contact information
Jenn Page, Stem Cell Core Director
jepage@salk.edu