NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell (hESC) Registry
Updates:
- December 7, 2009: - First Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Approved for Use Under New NIH Guidelines
An NIH Registry of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines exists to comply with the NIH Guidelines on Human Stem Cell Research that establish policy and procedures under which the NIH will fund human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research.
Once hESCs are listed on the Registry, applicants will be able to cite those lines in applications to the NIH. Until that time, applicants should refer to NIH Guide Notice OD-09-123.
General Guidelines for Registered hESC Lines
- The institution that created the hESC lines should register the hESC lines; PIs who want to use the lines either have to wait until these are registered, or can be pro-active and at least contact the institution that created the line that they are planning on using to know what the intent is in terms of registration, and possibly pressure that organization to register sooner. More information is available at http://stemcells.nih.gov/research/newcell_qa.html.
- Some important human ESC lines have already been submitted and are awaiting approval. Things are likely to move fast for the most popular lines, so we encourage each of you to look at the site often for updates.
- A Notice NOT-OD-09-123 has been published by NIH with guidelines on how to write grant proposals prior to a line being registered (see below)
New Applications Proposing to Use hESCs
NIH is continuing to accept new and competing applications and R&D contract proposals proposing to use hESCs. Until hESC lines are listed on the new NIH Registry, applicants and offerors should not identify a specific hESC line, but should include a statement that one from the new Registry will be used.
- For grant applications using the SF424(R&R) electronic application packages, a checkbox labeled “Specific stem cell line cannot be referenced at this time. One from the registry will be used” is found in section 4 of the PHS398 Cover Page Supplement component. Checking this box is sufficient.
- For grant applications using the SF424(R&R) Individual Fellowship electronic application packages, a checkbox labeled “Specific stem cell line cannot be referenced at this time. One from the registry will be used” is found in section C of the PHS Fellowship Supplemental Form component. Checking this box is sufficient.
- For grant applications using the PHS 398 paper application form, the statement “Specific stem cell line cannot be referenced at this time. One from the registry will be used” should be inserted in the Human Embryonic Stem Cells section on page 3. Adding this statement is sufficient.
Key NIH links:
Impact on BCBC-funded investigators:
- All grant and subcontract applicants for BCBC funds who work with hESCs will have to register their lines, prior to application.
- In all cases, this includes non-US investigators receiving NIH support.
View Pending Submissions
View Reviewed/Accepted Submissions
Sources: NIH Stem Cell Information. Last updated on September 28, 2009.
