UCLA-CIRM
Shared Resources Laboratories
The UCLA Stem Cell and Genome Engineering Center, supported by an INFR6.2 CIRM grant awarded to Drs. Kathrin Plath and Kitai Kim, is part of the CIRM Shared Resources Laboratory (SRL) network. The UCLA-CIRM SRL provides a comprehensive suite of services to facilitate the use of human pluripotent stem cells—including human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells—for disease modeling, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine. By offering these resources, the UCLA-CIRM SRL fosters collaboration, enhances research efficiency, and drives innovation in stem cell-based research. A key component of this effort is the integration of state-of-the-art automation technologies, which streamline workflows and expand the capabilities of stem cell research.
Training Courses
The UCLA-CIRM SRL offers three training courses to support researchers working with human pluripotent stem cells:
1. A virtual foundational course covering key techniques in reprogramming, maintenance, differentiation, characterization, and genome editing in human pluripotent stem cells.
2. Basic training in automation with liquid handlers.
3. Advanced automation training focused on a semi-automated platform for human pluripotent stem cell expansion and differentiation.
To enhance research efficiency, we provide specialized automation training that equips researchers with skills in robotic liquid handling, plate handling, and imaging. These automation techniques enable higher-throughput maintenance, differentiation, and genome editing of human pluripotent stem cells, accelerating research progress, facilitating larger-scale projects, and reducing overall costs.
Services
Our center offers a range of cutting-edge services to support stem cell research, gene editing, and advanced automation. Our expertise and state-of-the-art facilities enable researchers to develop precise, reproducible, and high-quality cellular models for disease modeling and therapeutic development.
Our services for human pluripotent stem cell differentiation are guided by UCLA experts Drs. April Pyle and Michael Wells, ensuring high-quality support for researchers. Additionally, we collaborate with industry experts and UCLA faculty Dr. Robert Damoiseaux to develop and optimize automation platforms, further streamlining workflows and expanding the capabilities of stem cell research.
