To test the developmental potential of ES cells or iPS cells it is possible to surgically engraft cells to sites such as kidney or testis capsule, subcutaneous or intramuscular sites. Subsequent teratoma formation is then assayed by staining of histological slides.

This technique can also be used to transfer small amounts cells or tissue such as thymic lobes to study their in vivo development into differentiated tissue.

Image: teratoma with a big skin structure, generated by iPS cells.

We offer:

• Recipient animals including NOD/SCID and isolator space
• Screening of cells for pathogens prior to transfer
• Grafting of cells or tissues to an approximate site for teratoma or tissue formation
• Dissection and processing of tissue for histological staining or immunohistochemistry, using paraffin or cryostat sections as required
• Histological scoring and a written report on the subsequent quality and differentiation of the tissue including photomicroscopy