stem cell technology

BTEC 21C

stem cell technology - BTEC 21C (3 units)

A general introduction to the principles of stem cell biology. Topics include embryonic stem cells in early development, adult stem cells, potential applications of stem cell culture and ethical issues involved in stem cell research. Emphasis on laboratory techniques including culture of mouse embryonic stem cells, and analysis of stem cells by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Final course in the BTEC 21 series of cell culture courses. BTEC 21C builds on BTEC 21A (Mammalian Cell Culture) and BTEC 21B (Fluorescent Cell Technology) by introducing more delicate tissue culture experiments and assays covered in those previous courses.

What we do in Stem Cell Technology

  • Cover principles of stem cell biology including different types of stem cells, potential applications, gene expression, cell signaling, early embryonic development and differentiation.
  • Two mouse cell culture models are grown and differentiated by students in the course:
    • C2C12 cells differentiated into myotubes (skeletal muscle cells)
    • Embryonic Stem Cells differentiated into cardiomyocytes and neurons through embroid body formation
  • Analysis of cell culture differentiation utilizing immunofluorescent staining, live cell dyes and microscopy
  • Flow cytometry basics covered through hands-on equipment training and software analysis.
  • Discussion of stem cell research policy and ethics is covered.

Schedule:

Usually offered Fall & Spring – 8wks, 3 days/wk TTh (afternoon/evening) & Sat (mornings)

Check the current schedule here.

Pre-requisites: BTEC 21A and BTEC 21B

Programs: BTEC 21C is required for the Stem Cell Technology Certificate.

BTEC 21C students imaging myotubes they differentiated from myoblasts (C2C12 cells)

BTEC 21C students discussing their immunoflourescence staining of their differentiated mouse embryonic stem cells

BTEC 21C student imaging MAP2 stained neurons they differentiated from mouse embryonic stem cells

BTEC 21C student MAP2 stained neurons they differentiated from mouse embryonic stem cells through embryoid body formation.

BTEC 21C students creating hanging drop cultures of mouse embryonic stem cells to create embroid bodies.

Dr. Alicia Barcena, FACS expert and stem cell researcher from UCSF, training BTEC 21C students on flow cytometry analysis at CCSF.