Win 1 of 3 iPad Minis at the Mirus Bio Booth #423 at ASCB

Stop by and tell us about your research! Find out about how toxicity can affect the efficiency of your transfections, the latest transfection applications for stem cell research, or to sign up for an iPad mini.

Since 1995, scientists have relied on Mirus Bio’s high efficiency, low toxicity TransIT®- Transfection Reagents. We offer broad spectrum or cell line specific delivery solutions that are ideal for routine use as well as specialized applications, such as stem cell generation, viral production and protein expression.

Also, stop in for three information-packed seminars:

Sunday, Dec 16, 1:45-2:45, Room 105
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Their Use in Basic Research, Drug Discovery, and Toxicity Testing
presented by Blake Anson, Ph.D., Cellular Dynamics International

The primary strength of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology is that it brings relevant human biology into the laboratory setting. This technology will further progress our understanding of relevant biological mechanisms and empower the translation of advances in basic research to implementation in drug discovery and regenerative medicine. This presentation will discuss advances in iPSC technology, provide functional characterization data on a variety of iPSC-derived tissue cells including cardiomyocytes and neurons, and demonstrate the utility of these human cells across a variety of functional and investigative methodologies for use in applied and basic research.

Sunday, Dec 16, 2:45-3:45, Room 105
Transfecting Stem Cells – Why, Where and How?
presented by Miguel Dominguez, M.S.

Stem cells hold the promise of revolutionizing therapy for a myriad of diseases. Researchers can utilize stem cells for elucidating disease models through differentiation of normal/diseased cells into relevant and homogenous cellular lineages. Transfection of nucleic acids such as plasmid DNA, mRNA and siRNA serve as a vital tool in stem cell reprogramming and differentiation processes. Once reprogrammed, the induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) can be used to derive a multitude of cell types, including cardiomyocytes and neurons. Purity of stem cell derivatives can be augmented by promoter-specific selection achieved via transfection. These validated cell populations represent an untapped resource for biological research. This showcase will illustrate the recent applications and importance of high efficiency and low-toxicity transfection in the stem cell arena.

Monday, Dec 17, 6:45-8:15, Room 111
Transfection Fundamentals: Secrets to Success
presented by Anjana Bhattacharya, Ph.D.

Delivery of nucleic acids such as plasmid DNA, siRNA, and mRNA into cells using chemical transfection or electroporation is pivotal to current cell biology research. Proper choice of the transfection technique and optimization of key experimental factors is imperative when working with physiologically relevant cell types that are hard-to-transfect, e.g. stem cells and primary cells. In this tutorial, we will outline new and current transfection tools including their mechanism, efficiency and cytotoxicity potential. We will discuss direct labeling of nucleic acids for tracking and visualizing nucleic acid delivery and share helpful tips for assessing and optimizing transfection output. Furthermore, to address transfections in a more biologically relevant context, we will present a novel 3D scaffold approach to more accurately mimic the in vivo tissue environment.