Human Embryonic Stem Cell Training Program
The 3-day training course, offered three times a year, provides hands-on training in the culture of human embryonic stem cells (hESC). Participants will be offered written training materials, laboratory instruction and practice, as well as lectures from experts in the field on stem cell research and clinical applications.
hESC Culture and Characterization of hESC Cultures:
Participants will be instructed in evaluating the hESC morphology, as well as colony size, and density. Instruction in passaging, freezing, thawing and banking of hESC will be provided. The importance of regular hESC characterization will be discussed and methods in monitoring hESC cultures by karyotype, stem cell marker expression and pluripotency assays will be demonstrated.
Feeder Preparation:
Participants will be instructed to expand, inactivate and prepare feeders for hESC culture. Different sources of MEFs, as well as different inactivation methods will be presented. Alternative methods of culturing hESC without the use of MEFs will be discussed.
Differentiation and genetic modification (optional):
Applications for hESC research invariably involve methods to differentiate hESC cells. Various methods of differentiation will be discussed, including preparation of embryoid bodies, teratomas, adherent cultures and cocultures. Methods of genetic modification for transient and stable gene expression will also be presented.
Selection of Trainees
Individuals eligible for participation in the hESC Training Program are researchers of all levels, including but not limited to graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, research technicians, and junior and senior faculty. Researchers must have a minimum of 6 months mammalian cell culture experience. All applicants will be accommodated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Program Description
The program will be offered three times a year. Training will take place Tuesday through Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Participants are expected to take part in all activities of the program. A maximum of five investigators can be trained during each session. Trainees will receive printed copies of all protocols at the beginning of the course, which will include all culture protocols and relevant details of reagents, supplies, and equipment. Program faculty and instructors will also provide ongoing support via electronic mail or telephone for investigators upon their return to their own laboratories.
Registration Fees and Travel
Registration is 1000 Euros for candidates accepted for the hESC Training Program (differentiation and genetic modification not included). Travel to and from, and accommodations in Leuven will be covered by the trainee. Information on accommodations near the training facility will be provided with notification of acceptance in the program.
Applications
Please complete the hESC Training Program Application and submit to Christina Vochten. Notification of acceptance to the program will be made by email within 2 weeks of due date.
Program Contact
For more information about the hESC Training Program, please contact Vicky Raets
Upcoming Sessions
The next sessions will be offered as follows:
| Training Dates | Application Due Dates |
| March 16-18, 2010 | February 19, 2010 |
| June 8-10, 2010 | May 21, 2010 |
| October 19-21, 2010 | September 24, 2010 |
