Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) Handling Protocols: Maintenance, Expansion, and Cryopreservation

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as an invaluable resource for basic research, disease modeling, and drug discovery over recent years. Given the numerous advantages of iPSCs over alternative models—including their human origin, their ability to be differentiated into almost any cell type, and the therapeutic potential of patient-specific iPSCs in personalized medicine—many labs are now considering iPSC models for their studies. As the quality of the starting population of iPSCs is a key determinant in the success of any one of these applications, it is crucial to adhere to best practices in iPSC culture. In the following protocol, we offer a comprehensive guide to the culture, cryopreservation, and quality control methods required for the establishment and maintenance of high-quality iPSC cultures.