GoEditStem Services

Core services are offered to you by GoEditStem cores as detailed below. Please contact the relevant core for enquiries.

GoEditStem platform cores offer a variety of services related to creating CRISPR knock-outs in cells.  

FinGEEC

Editing immortalised human and mouse cell lines (primary cells and cells from other species, if feasible) 

Cell-based gRNA validation

Editing outcome analytics

Consultation goeditstem-support@helsinki.fi or +358 2941 25494 (9-16) 

BSCC

Editing human pluripotent stem cell lines 

Services related to CRISPR animal models are provided by Comprehensive Model Organisms platform CoMO

HelVi-BVC

Lentiviruses

Retroviruses

Lentivirus titer and RCV tests

HelVi-AAV

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) suitable for transduction of animals and cultured cells. 

FinGEEC

Constitutive/ inducible shRNA/ cDNA expression in cultured cells

The Biomedicum Stem Cell Centre (BSCC) core facility provides comprehensive human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) services at the University of Helsinki’s Meilahti campus. hPSC disease-specific models, coupled with advancements in genome editing technologies, enable valuable insights into pathophysiological mechanisms in disease-relevant systems. The NiPS division is responsible for iPSC differentiation into different brain cell types. 

BSCC

Human pluripotent stem cells and reporter cell lines distribution

Derivation of hIPSCs

Differentiation into endodermal lineages and beta cells 

Genome-editing of iPSCs

Training in pluripotent stem cell culture

NiPS

2D neurons and glia

Brain organoids

Training in pluripotent stem cell culture

Genome Biology Unit hosts clone libraries and provides cloning services to a variety of vectors. GBU also works with pooled DNA libraries. 

cDNA, sshRNA, and gRNA libraries and individual clones

Custom cDNA, shRNA, or gRNA clones

Site-directed mutagenesis

Library cloning and amplification

Transverse workflows are services provided by more than one core unit of the GoEditStem platform. Our aim is to deliver the customer the custom designed end product and coordinate the steps within the platform. Please contact goeditstem-support@helsinki.fi for ordering and planning your project. Please find examples of transverse workflows below and contact us for custom designing a different workflow matching your needs.

Generation of transgene-expressing cells is done by FinGEEC. GBU and HelVI-BVC can provide the constructs and virus preps, if applicable. 

Step 1.  Selecting a construct of interest from cDNA or shRNA libraries or use customer's own construct

Step 2. Recombinant virus preps is generated using the selected construct (HelVi-BVC)

Step 3. a) Customer provides mycoplasma-tested target cells to FinGEEC

• immortalized cell line
• iPSC cells from BSCC
• primary cells

Step 3. b) Kill-curve for antibiotic selection is generated 

Step 4. Transduction of the target cells

Step 5. Selection and expansion of the transduced cells

Step 6: Customer receives two frozen ampoules per each construct of Biosafety-level one (BSL1) ready cells 

NOTE
Only need the virus prep? Choose steps 1-2
Already have your virus? Choose steps 3-6

Generation of CRISPR-edited cells is done by FinGEEC or BSCC (iPSCs). GBU and HelVI-BVC can provide the constructs and virus preps, if applicable. 

Step 1. Choose your construct with the guide from gRNA libraries or order custom guide design and cloning (FinGEEC, GBU). 

Step 2. Recombinant virus preps is generated using the selected construct (HelVI-BVC) (OPTIONAL) 

Step 3. Customer provides mycoplasma-tested target cells 

• immortalized cell line
• iPSC cells from BSCC
• primary cells

Step 4. Delivery of the editing components into the target cells via transfection, electroporation, or transduction 

Step 6. Selection expansion of edited cells

NOTE
You can also provide your own construct or virus and start from step 3. 

Genome Biology Unit can clone your cDNA of interest in an AAV-compatible vector using the Gateway system. HelVI-AAV can then use the vectors to produce rAAV particles. 

Step 1, choose one:
A) Select a cDNA clone from the Gateway-compatible ORFeome library  
B) Obtain a Gateway-compatible pENTR clone with your favourite cDNA from a commercial supplier.
C) Any cDNA template can be converted to Gateway system using PCR in GBU.
(ideal cDNA length  1-2,5 kb)

Step 2: The cDNA is cloned to pAAV-Gateway using Gateway cloning.

Step 3: Helvi-AAV produces the virus prep of your choice. You can select the AAV serotype based on the desired cell-type specificity, and the scale of rAAV particle production (small scale 0,3 ml, large-scale 3 ml).

NOTE
You can also obtain an AAV vector containing your cDNA of interest from a commercial source and deliver it directly to HelVI-AAV. 

Instruments and facilities: GoEditStem hosts a variety of facilities and instruments to support your research, as detailed below.

HelVI-BVC offers a fully equipped BSL2 room for working with lenti- and retroviruses in Biomedicum, 5th floor. 

BSCC-NiPS offers a fully equipped BSL2 laboratory for growing human primary cells and iPSCs in Biomedicum, 2nd floor.

The IncuCyte S3 continuously acquires and analyzes images, supporting up to six microplates simultaneously. Users can schedule experiments with varying image acquisition frequencies and magnifications. The system also allows remote access with unlimited free licenses. Available IncuCyte S3 modules include Standard, Scratch Wound, Whole Well, Dilution Cloning, and Chemotaxis, along with Basic Analyzer and Neurotrack modules for analysis. 

BSCC provides basic training required for using the IncuCyte S3 system. User fee is time-based. 

For in vitro electrophysiology, NIPS facility in Biomedicum 2nd floor has Axion Maestro Edge multiwell microelectrode array system with full temperature and CO2 control. The system allows for the use of Axion 24-well and 6-well plates. Simultaneous measurement of the signal in all the wells and electric stimulation are possible. The system is equipped with software for the quantification of spikes, bursts, and network bursts. Raw data can also be exported and analyzed elsewhere.

The 4D-Nucleofector® Core Unit and X Unit functional module support Nucleofection of various cell numbers (2 x 10^4 to 2 x 10^7) across different formats. Cell type-specific optimized protocols or recommendations can be found in Lonza's knowledge database, where the best Nucleofection conditions are outlined. Additionally, Lonza provides expertise and guidance for the handling of specific cell types, sharing valuable insights for improving transfection outcomes.

This device can be loaned from BSCC. 

GBU core runs a digital slide scanning service (Pannoramic 250 FLASH II, 3DHISTECH) for both bright-field and fluorescent slides using either 20x or 40x air objectives. See our website for a complete list of filters and options, as well as the scanning prices. Bring your slide for a free test scan! The scanner is located in Biomedicum, 5th floor. 

New instrument alert! 

FinGEEC will provide nucleofection optimization services, including equipment rental with reagents and full optimization, at the beginning of 2025.