When the dataset was first published, it was referred to as a “list” or “database” of cross-contaminated or misidentified cell lines (Capes-Davis et al., 2010).
ICLAC was established in 2012 to make misidentified cell lines more visible and promote authentication testing to combat this important problem. The committee now curates the dataset of misidentified cell lines, which continues to increase as new cases are discovered.
Curation is done on a voluntary basis by the committee members. For each new entry, the committee members review accessible testing data (e.g., STR profile) and provenance information (e.g., source of the test sample). Cell lines are added to the dataset if the available evidence makes a strong case for misidentification.
Some cell lines may be considered problematic – for example, some evidence may suggest that a human cell line is misidentified but an STR profile is not available for comparison. If the available evidence does not make a strong case for misidentification, the committee will wait for more data to resolve the nature of the problem before adding a cell line to the dataset.
This review process is essentially a registration process, resulting in a Register of cell lines where inclusion is based on scientific evidence.
ICLAC welcomes new reports of possible misidentified cell lines and requests for review of existing entries. All new reports and requests for review will be assessed using the same review process, based on accessible testing data and provenance information.
To report new data or request review, please Contact Us.
Image Credit: Dr. Cecil Fox, National Cancer Institute (via NCI Visuals Online). Public domain.