Tag: Disease modelling

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🧬EBiSC’s APOE isogenic iPSC lines

Understanding the role of genetic risk factors in Alzheimer’s disease is critical for developing effective treatments. One of the most important genetic contributors is APOE, with the APOE4 variant significantly increasing disease risk.

To support the research community, EBiSC offers a collection of APOE isogenic iPSC lines. These carefully engineered cell lines differ only at the APOE locus, providing researchers with tools to investigate the specific biological effects of APOE variants while minimising genetic background variability.

Isogenic iPSC cohorts are generated from:
– Male and female backgrounds
– Alzheimer disease affected (APOE4/E4) and unaffected (APOE3/E3 and APOE3/E4) individuals

See more information on available isogenic cohorts here: https://ebisc.org/collections/APOE

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📢 New publication highlights the vital role of stem cell core facilities in advancing biomedical research

Led by CorEUStem and COREdinates, this article “The transformative impact of stem cell core facilities in biomedical research” in Stem Cell Reports, highlights how iPSC core facilities have become essential drivers of innovation, collaboration, standardisation, and reproducibility internationally.

At the European Bank for iPSCs, we are happy to have contributed to this work and proud to be recognised as part of the infrastructure that enables researchers worldwide to access high-quality human iPSC resources. By providing well-characterised cell lines, associated data, and supporting services, EBiSC helps accelerate disease modelling, drug discovery, and the development of future therapies.

The article underscores the importance of specialised facilities and shared resources in ensuring scientific rigour, fostering collaboration, and supporting both fundamental and translational research. As the iPSC research landscape continues to evolve, sustainable infrastructures such as EBiSC remain critical for improving accessibility, reproducibility, and impact across academia and industry.

We would like to thank all co-authors and contributing organisations for their collaboration on this important publication.

📖 Read the publication here: Stem Cell Reports article

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Introducing BIONi010-C-42: a doxycycline-inducible CRE recombinase iPSC line with targeted integration into the AAVS1 safe harbour locus.

Designed for precise temporal control of gene editing and recombination, this iPSC line features:
– Stable AAVS1 integration
– Tight doxycycline-inducible CRE expression
– Scalable for developmental biology and translational research applications

A powerful tool for researchers advancing next-generation stem cell and functional genomics studies.

See full characterisation here: https://ebisc.org/BIONi010-C-42

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🧠 Advancing Dravet syndrome research with patient-derived iPSC models.

Researchers investigating the mechanisms of Dravet syndrome can access high-quality patient-derived iPSC lines through EBiSC.

These well-characterised lines provide valuable tools for studying disease biology, exploring genotype-phenotype relationships, and supporting the development of new therapeutic approaches. By offering access to robust and reproducible stem cell models, EBiSC helps accelerate research into these severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathies.

✅ Patient-derived iPSC lines carrying clinically relevant variants

✅ Quality-controlled and extensively characterised resources

✅ Available to researchers worldwide through the EBiSC catalogue

🔗 Explore EBiSC’s Dravet syndrome iPSC resources here.

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Introducing: inducible NEUROG2 MAPT iPSC lines

We’re excited to spotlight another valuable set of EBiSC iPSC tools for neurodegeneration research: SIGi001-A-15, SIGi001-A-17 and SIGi001-A-19.

These lines combine doxycycline-inducible Neurogenin 2 (NGN2) with different MAPT genotypes, enabling rapid generation of human neurons while modelling tau-driven disease biology in a controlled, isogenic system.

🔬 Key features:

  • NGN2 cassette inserted at the AAVS1 locus for robust, inducible neuronal differentiation
  • Rapid conversion to cortical-like neurons upon doxycycline treatment
  • Isogenic background, differing only in MAPT genotype

🧠 Genotype breakdown:

This design enables clean, side-by-side investigation of how specific MAPT mutations influence tau pathology, neuronal phenotype, and function—without confounding background variation.

All three lines meet EBiSC quality control standards, ensuring reliability and reproducibility for downstream applications.

💡 By combining rapid NGN2-driven differentiation with precise genetic modelling, these lines provide a powerful platform to study tauopathies, including mechanisms relevant to frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

A highly practical toolkit for accelerating translational neuroscience and therapeutic discovery.

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DOX inducible SNCA iPSCs at EBiSC

At EBiSC, we need no persuading that iPSCs are transforming how we study neurodegenerative diseases, offering scalable, human-relevant systems for understanding disease biology. Among the most impactful innovations are inducible, gene-edited models that allow precise temporal and spatial control of disease-associated proteins. EBiSC provides a suite of such tools focused on α-synuclein (SNCA)—a central player in Parkinson’s disease.

Flexible SNCA Modelling with Inducible iPSC Lines

The EBiSC lines BIONi010-C-43, BIONi010-C-44, BIONi010-C-49 and BIONi010-C-50 are designed to enable investigation into α-synuclein biology with high precision. All four feature doxycycline-inducible SNCA expression inserted into the AAVS1 locus, enabling controlled, dose-dependent induction.

Ubiquitous Expression Models: BIONi010-C-43 and BIONi010-C-44

  • SNCA expression is driven by the CAG promoter (broad expression across cell types)
  • BIONi010-C-43 encodes wild-type SNCA: https://ebisc.org/BIONi010-C-43
  • BIONi010-C-44 encodes the A53T pathogenic mutation: https://ebisc.org/BIONi010-C-44
  • Both iPSC lines include HA-tagged constructs to distinguish exogenous from endogenous α-synuclein

Neuron-Specific Expression Models: BIONi010-C-49 and BIONi010-C-50

  • SNCA expression is controlled via the Synapsin-1 (hSyn) promoter
  • This restricts expression to neuronal cells
  • Both lines use neuron-specific M2rtTA for doxycycline inducibility
  • BIONi010-C-49 encodes wild-type SNCA: https://ebisc.org/BIONi010-C-49
  • BIONi010-C-50 encodes the A53T pathogenic mutation: https://ebisc.org/BIONi010-C-50

Spotlight on BIONi010-C-24: A Translational Model

BIONi010-C-24 (https://ebisc.org/BIONi010-C-24) is a gene-edited human iPSC line featuring doxycycline-inducible expression of A53T α-synuclein, a mutation strongly linked to familial Parkinson’s disease. This system allows precise control over disease-relevant protein expression, supporting reproducible and scalable experimental workflows.

In the publication “Establishment of a human induced pluripotent stem cell neuronal model for identification of modulators of A53T α-synuclein levels and aggregation” (PMID: 34932569), EBiSC project partners Bioneer and Lundbeck demonstrate the potential of this line.

Key highlights from the study include:

  • Differentiation into functional cortical neurons with spontaneous activity
  • Robust expression of neuronal markers
  • Controlled induction and quantification of α-synuclein aggregation, a hallmark of Parkinson’s pathology

Importantly, the model proved suitable for drug discovery and target validation, with compatibility for scalable production and genetic screening approaches, including siRNA-based modulation. Notably, findings from this human neuronal system demonstrated differences coma[pred to non-human and immortalised models—emphasising the importance of physiologically relevant platforms in translational research.

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Happy 10th Birthday EBiSC!

Established in 2014 with support from the Innovative Health Initiative and EFPIA, EBiSC began distributing its first iPSC lines in 2016. Since then, it has enabled researchers worldwide to access and share valuable iPSC resources. The first phase of the project (2014–2017) focused on building the foundational infrastructure for a centralised iPSC biobank, including processes and protocols for an ethical and legal infrastructure, cell banking and quality control and data management, whilst the second phase (2019–2023) prioritised sustainability, refining and strengthening operations to ensure long-term efficiency, scalability, and robustness.

These achievements were made possible through collaborations with scientists internationally who contributed their iPSC lines in support of EBiSC’s open science mission. Their commitment has been fundamental in shaping a diverse and accessible collection. Thanks to these partnerships, EBiSC has:

  • Collaborated with more than 25 research groups across the UK, EU, and USA
  • Safeguarded over 1,000 iPSC lines derived from samples collected in more than 30 clinical studies
  • Shared lines representing more than 45 diseases
  • Included familial cohorts from rare conditions such as Angelman syndrome and FSHD
  • Distributed genetically modified iPSC lines, including gene knockouts, missense knock-ins, reporter lines, and inducible expression systems
  • Developed pre-differentiated and cryopreserved neuronal cell products
  • Advanced best practices and innovations in upscaling, automation, and cryopreservation

This rich and diverse catalogue has established EBiSC as a trusted international resource, supporting research across disease modelling, organoids, genomics, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine by providing access to well-characterised, quality-controlled iPSCs.

We extend our sincere thanks to all project partners, collaborators, depositors, and users whose contributions and engagement have been central to EBiSC’s success. We also acknowledge and thank Culture Collections for their earlier role as the EBiSC distribution hub. Special recognition goes to our teams at Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd and the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering, whose expertise and dedication ensure excellence in cell banking, data management, and distribution.

Looking ahead, EBiSC remains committed to expanding access, maintaining the highest quality standards, and driving innovation in stem cell research. We will continue to grow our collection, adopt new technologies, and share emerging approaches with the community.

To deposit iPSC lines, access the collection, or explore collaboration opportunities in iPSC generation, banking, quality control, or differentiation, please contact us at Contact@EBiSC.org.

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Driving Parkinson’s research forward: EBiSC highlights advanced iPSC models for awareness month.

At the European Bank for induced pluripotent Stem Cells, we are proud to support researchers by providing access to high-quality iPSC models that enable investigation into Parkinson’s disease biology.

The EBiSC collection includes well-characterised iPSCs across a range of genetic variants, including:

• STBCi004-B and STBCi004-B-1 (patient derived LRRK2 variant and an isogenic correction)

• STBCi026-A from a healthy background alongside its derivatives STBCi026-A-1 (LRRK2 knockout) and STBCi026-A-3 (R1441C variant)

• And patient-derived lines carrying mutations in GBA, LRRK2, and SNCA, reflecting the genetic diversity observed in Parkinson’s disease

You can view all iPSC lines here and use filters to select for donor age, sex and many other characteristics.

We are grateful to the contributions of all individuals living with Parkinson’s disease for making these vital research tools possible!

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Up-scaling the differentiation of functional cardiomyocytes.

A key area of research for the EBiSC team is focusing on robust iPSC cardiac differentiation, generating cardiomyocytes from both healthy donors and patients with cardiac disease. Alongside optimising protocols for differentiation, upscaling and cryopreservation, we offer characterisation and functional phenotyping services to support disease modelling and drug discovery.

By combining high-quality iPSC resources with expert differentiation and analysis, EBiSC helps researchers build reliable, human-relevant cardiac models.

Get in touch via Contact@EBiSC.org to discuss your needs.

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2025 at EBiSC: new iPSCs, new partners, continued excellence.

As we finish our second year operating independently and sustainably, we want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we have made in 2025 and to thank our teams, partners and collaborators who have contributed to making it a success. It has been a year of hard work, collaboration and teamwork, fed by our continued commitment to building a sustainable, long-term resource for the scientific community.

Expanding the EBiSC collection with new disease relevant iPSC lines

This year, we were pleased to welcome a number of new iPSC lines into the EBiSC collection, strengthening the diversity of iPSCs we can provide for disease-modelling and translational research. Newly added lines include models for Alzheimer’s disease, Angelman syndrome, and congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) — each representing an important and fast moving area of iPSC research.

These additions broaden the scope of iPS cells and data which we are able to make available to researchers worldwide and reflect our commitment to continuing to provide a secure, sustainable and long-term home for iPSC lines generated across diverse research projects.

Improved access through new international distribution partnerships

To improve how we share resources to researchers worldwide, EBiSC has established new delivery partnerships to support regional and international shipping across Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the USA. These local partners help reduce delivery times, streamline logistics and lower shipping costs, ensuring that EBiSC iPSCs reach laboratories more efficiently than ever.

We look forward to strengthening these relationships in 2025 and improving access for new and existing users across additional regions.

A strong year for banking, quality control and data management

Behind every iPSC line in the EBiSC catalogue, a huge amount of work is invested into cell banking, quality control, documentation and data management. This is possible thanks to the strong partnership between Fraunhofer UK and Fraunhofer IBMT, who jointly operate and maintain the EBiSC collection. The shared commitment from our teams in the UK and Germany to quality assured cell banking and QC, robust and secure cryostorage and FAIR data principles ingrained into our IT infrastructure, ensure the longevity, sustainability and reliability of the EBiSC resource for years to come. A huge thank you to all involved!

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for the new year, we remain dedicated to expanding the collection, enabling access to high-quality datasets and supporting the global iPSC research community through collaboration, cell and service provision and development of new resources, tools and models.

From all of us at EBiSC, thank you for your continued engagement and support throughout 2025.

We wish you a restful winter break and a bright start to 2026.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!