CELL LINE COLLECTION
ECACC’s state-of-the-art cryostore facility (2023).
High-tech advancements One of the most significant developments in the 2000s, however, was the establishment of the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures Cryostore at Porton. A state-of-the-art facility housing more than thirty -196°C liquid nitrogen storage tanks was built, enabling cell lines to be stored long-term, in bulk, ready for international distribution. More recently, technological advances have also included the addition of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to the collection, with ECACC as the banking partner for the EBiSC stem cell collection, plus cell lines from the Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Initiative (HipSci). The 2000s and 2010s heralded a period of organisational change, seeing ECACC become part of the Health Protection Agency in 2002, and subsequently Public Health England in 2014. Throughout this time the ECACC team have continued to share their knowledge and expertise with others, including the publication of the Fundamental Techniques in Cell Culture Laboratory Handbook and a cell culture training DVD.
Throughout its existence, ECACC has
provided cell culture training courses. By the 2000s these included workshops and forums around the world. The ‘Fundamentals of cell culture’ course attracts a global audience and resumes this year for external delegates following a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leading role during the COVID-19 pandemic The ECACC team supported Public Health England’s national COVID-19 response from early 2020. ECACC cell lines, especially VERO derivatives, were in high demand to cultivate the SARS- CoV-2 virus in the laboratory. ECACC was able to manufacture the additional supply, despite many staff having been deployed to pandemic operations, helping with the establishment of new laboratories, undertaking PCR testing and serology.
Once lockdown restrictions
were lifted and life began to return to normal, it was evident that ECACC required a renaissance. New laboratory space was needed to ensure the collection could continue to support
the newly formed UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). ECACC has now been revived in new laboratories, with a rejuvenated team and high hopes for a future committed to supporting the scientific community while protecting public health.
The AuthentiCell STR Profiling service
was recently launched to support researchers identify misidentified and cross contaminated cell lines and ECACC is actively focusing on ways in which its exceptional capability can be used to support UKHSA in preventing, preparing for, and responding to emerging global pandemic threats.
Dr Jim Cooper has held the position of Operational Lead at ECACC since October 2022. Prior to that he worked as a Cell Biology Applications Scientist at ECACC, developing
cell line models and applications, as well as managing cell culture training courses. He was awarded his PhD in 2021 by the University of Southampton for his studies of inflammation and immunity.
ECACC cell lines, especially VERO derivatives, were in high demand to cultivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the laboratory
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM DECEMBER 2024
You can find out more about the ECACC and keep up to date with its 40th anniversary celebrations on the Culture Collections website and social media channels.
www.culturecollections.org.uk www.linktr.ee/culturecollections
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