Stem cells are cells that, in addition to having the power to produce cells similar to themselves (self-renewal), also have the potential to create all or most of the different types of cells in the human body (they are called pluripotent and multipotent cells, respectively). These cells can also be propagated and maintained in the laboratory for a long time, while maintaining the important properties mentioned above.

Today, the demand for these capable cells has increased more than ever. Researchers have two choices: they can produce, evaluate, validate, propagate, and ultimately store the cell lines they need to continue their work, or they can obtain these cells ready-made from other places. The process of producing stem cell lines, especially pluripotent types, requires sufficient experience and skills in cellular and molecular fields, and in addition, it requires obtaining legal permits and observing relevant ethical principles. However, some researchers prefer to produce the cells they need, but on the other hand, some prefer to obtain the cells in an evaluated and reliable manner from centers that make these cells available. For this purpose, the Royan Research Institute decided to establish the Royan Stem Cell Bank in 1990 in the same Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Laboratory 1. Because this laboratory was one of the oldest research laboratories of the research institute and had a close relationship with the Embryology Department of Therapy and therefore had a lot of experience in producing human and mouse embryonic stem cell lines.

The following are some of the activities of this laboratory:

As a stem cell bank

Selling a set of cells stored in the bank to centers outside the embryo

Producing, propagating and maintaining various types of human embryonic stem cells

Producing, propagating and maintaining various types of mouse embryonic stem cells

Maintaining various types of human induced pluripotent cells

Ordering and providing cells requested by researchers and students from other research centers inside and outside the country

Regularly assessing the characteristics related to pluripotency and non-contamination of cells in the bank

As a small molecule bank

Ordering and providing small molecules required by researchers and students of the Embryo Research Institute

Preparing and maintaining small molecules according to the needs of applicants

As part of research and student projects

Investigating the expression and function of microRNAs during induction and maintenance of Naïve pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells using a new small molecule combination

Assessing the pluripotency of human embryonic stem cells using the blastoderm complementation method In a chick embryo model lacking the PDX1 gene

Generation and evaluation of human naïve pluripotent cells using LRH-1 and RARγ nuclear receptor agonists

Proteomics and phosphoproteomics study of pluripotent stem cells

Educational activities
Training on the culture method of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells