About
Stem Genomics
Stem Genomics develops a technology invented by Prof John De Vos and Dr Said Assou, researchers at the Institute for Regenerative Medicine & Biotherapy (IRMB), University of Montpellier, and co-founders of the company. Located at the heart of the University Hospital Centre of Montpellier, IRMB houses research groups working on basic stem cell research and on innovative applications for regenerative therapy, with the aim of facilitating the transfer from research to clinical applications. Stem Genomics is located at the IRMB Cyborg business incubator and works in close collaboration with IRMB researchers. Stem Genomics has emerged from a prestigious scientific environment.
Stem cell genomic integrity
Stem cells are at the heart of many of tomorrow personalized therapies. They are the main source of cells for regenerative medicine, the aim of which is to replace damaged tissues. Stem cells are also used in basic medical research to mimic normal or diseased tissues in vitro, the so called “patient in a dish” approach.
Cultured stem cells have the advantage to quickly multiply in virtually unlimited quantities, and to potentially differentiate into any cell type. Therefore, they are ideal for in vitro tissue modelling for research, and for producing cells for clinical use.
However, like any other cultured cell, stem cells are subject to selection pressures that favour the appearance of genomic abnormalities that can compromise their use in research and in clinical applications.
Therefore, stem cell genomic integrity must be routinely monitored over time for their optimal use in R&D and regenerative medicine.
In Culture Supernatant - digital PCR tests
Stem Genomics is a service company that offers a new generation of tests to assess the genomic integrity of stem cells. The “in Culture Supernatant - digital PCR” (iCS-digital TM) tests present the advantage of using cell-free DNA extracted from the culture supernatant, and not from stem cells that may be in limited quantity (especially at the derivation stage). The rapid, simple and conclusive iCS-digital TM tests allow the routine evaluation of the genomic integrity of stem cells in culture. For instance, the iCS-digital TM PSC test can detect more than 90% of the recurrent abnormalities in human pluripotent stem cells (embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells).
