Figure 2.

A cohesive and coordinated approach toward best practice and resource sustainability

Generating iPSC resources that are sustainable long term is dependent on ensuring best practice in a multi-pronged and coherent manner. Different aspects of best practices do not operate in isolation but rather interact and are dependent on each other throughout the process. An exemplar cell processing pathway is shown here based on the receipt of starting cell material, cell processing (e.g., reprogramming and iPSC banking), QC, and distribution of qualified vials to other researchers. It is shown that outputs of different activities (shown here in rows), including defined processes for ethical and legal governance, banking, QC, data management, inventory, and labeling, feed into each other and should be implemented in a coordinated manner. Implementation of a single criterion is not sufficient and increases the risk of restricting usage of valuable iPSC resources. By incorporating all aspects into central infrastructure in an aligned and cohesive manner, distribution and downstream use of iPSCs can be simplified and quality of the resource ensured.