DigitalMLPA: a new technology to monitor genetic stability in stem cells
Patient-derived stem cell models are widely used in personalized medicine, but genetic changes during cell culture can reduce their reliability. In this project, Amsterdam UMC and MRC Holland collaborate to develop a new, digitalMLPA based method that enables routine monitoring of genetic stability in these models, improving their quality and trustworthiness.
Personalized medicine depends on models that accurately reflect a patient’s biology. Stem cell technologies are increasingly used to study diseases such as neuropsychiatric disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. However, genetic changes can arise during cell growth and differentiation, potentially leading to incorrect conclusions and limiting the safe application of these models. Reliable and scalable quality control is therefore essential to ensure that these models remain accurate and useful for research and future therapies.
DigitalMLPA is an NGS-based technology to reliably detect copy number alterations, targeting up to 1.500 genomic targets in one reaction. This offers an affordable and efficient solution to systematically monitor key regions of the genome during cell culture and differentiation, helping researchers to identify unwanted changes early and make informed decisions about which cell lines to use. The approach combines biological expertise with technological innovation to create a practical solution that can be applied in both academic and industrial settings.
The project will deliver an optimized and validated method for genetic monitoring, including protocols, quality control guidelines, and recommendations for use in research and development. It will also generate new insights into how genetic changes affect disease models, supporting the development of more reliable and safer applications in personalized medicine.
