Biomedicum Stem Cell Center (BSCC)

The Biomedicum Stem Cell Center (BSCC) core facility is a comprehensive provider of human pluripotent stem cell services at the Meilahti campus of the University of Helsinki.

The Biomedicum Stem Cell Center (BSCC) core facility provides comprehensive human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) services at the University of Helsinki’s Meilahti campus. hPSC-derived, disease-specific cell models offer a valuable tool for studying pathophysiological mechanisms and developing new treatments. We operate fee-for-service, offering customized induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derivation from client-provided somatic cells, differentiation of hPSC into endodermal lineages, live-cell imaging, and genome editing using the latest technologies. Additionally, the Neural iPSC (NiPS) division specializes in differentiating iPSCs into various brain cell types, supporting research in neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases.

BSCC is part of the HiLIFE GoEditStem platform and the national Biocenter Finland technology platform. We feature the state-of-the-art cell culture infrastructure, including laminar flow hoods, the Neon NxT Electroporation System, Incucyte S3 Live Cell Analysis Instrument, incubators, centrifuges, and microscopes.

BSCC core facility services

Our methods for hiPSC generation use non-integrative technologies, such as the Sendai virus and CRISPR-Cas9-based gene activation (CRISPRa), to reprogram somatic cells. Standard cell types include peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and skin fibroblasts. Special arrangements can be made for reprogramming other cell types. We offer two types of custom hiPSC derivation services:

  1. Early hiPSC Generation. This service includes 4–6 uncharacterized iPSC clones frozen at an early passage. This is ideal for generating iPSCs from multiple donors (>10 donors).
  2. hiPSC Generation. We generate 2 characterized iPSC clones frozen at passage 10 and 2–4 uncharacterized clones frozen at an early passage. Characterization includes morphology assessment, maintenance for at least 10 passages, PCR-based transgene detection and mycoplasma-free confirmation. Clones that survive as typical iPSC colonies for extended periods are considered bona fide stem cells.

We guarantee the derivation of two hiPSC lines from the client’s cells. If reprogramming fails, there will be no charge. To start the service, follow these steps:

  • Before initiating the derivation of hiPSC, ethical approval from the local ethics committee is required. For users from the Academic Medical Center Helsinki, see instructions (in Finnish).
  • Contact Ras Trokovic to initiate the process.
  • Complete the order form and service agreement for the University of Helsinki or external users.
  • Ensure cells are mycoplasma-free before shipping. We do not culture mycoplasma-positive cells.
  • We will consult you regarding the most appropriate technology for reprogramming your cells.
  • Payment is due upon receipt of the cells.

For the comprehensive characterization requirements, please refer to the Standards for Human Stem Cell Use in Research 

We offer the generation of knockout (KO) and knock-in (KI) cell lines, including mutation correction, mutation introduction, and reporter line generation, using the latest genome editing technologies.

BSCC offers three-tier services for KO and KI in hPSC:

  1. Genome editing design (Computational design of CRISPR guides, donor templates, and validation strategies).
  2. Confirmation of genome editing in the bulk population (Screening for successful genome edits in a mixed population of edited and unedited cells).
  3. Clonal selection and validation
  • For KO, we validate and expand 3 characterized hPSC clones.
  • For KI, we validate and expand 2 characterized hPSC clones.
  • Characterization includes assessing iPSC morphology and performing Sanger sequencing to demonstrate desired editing.

We cannot guarantee the successful generation of genome-edited hPSC lines due to various technical and biological limitations.

To initiate the genome editing service, please contact Ras Trokovic and review the genome editing service guidelines, which outline the process and the required information.

We proved the targeted differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into specific endodermal lineages and beta cells, available on demand. To initiate the service: 

Reach out to Diego Balboa

We offer differentiating iPSCs into various brain cell types, supporting research in neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases. To see the full list of services please visit us at: Neural iPSC (NiPS) 

BSCC provides the basic training required for using the IncuCyte S3 system. However, users are responsible for learning how to use the different analysis modules. Guidance on these modules is available free of charge from Sartorius. 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. 

Users cover the maintenance costs of the IncuCyte system. If there is excess income, BSCC will use it to acquire additional image analysis modules and will consult users beforehand. 

To start using the IncuCyte S3, follow these steps:

BSCC offers hands-on, customized laboratory training in pluripotent stem cell culture and analysis. Basic aseptic lab work knowledge is required. For training inquiries:

We provide locally derived human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) upon request. Additionally, OCT4 and SOX2 reporter hiPSC lines are available. Follow the procedure below to request cell lines:

Please note: These cell lines are available for basic research conducted at the University of Helsinki. Legal restrictions may apply to their use outside the University of Helsinki or for commercial purposes.

Before initiating experiments, check the genome integrity of the PSC lines (karyotype/microarray analysis). We recommend performing karyotyping every 10–15 passages to ensure there are no chromosomal duplications, insertions, deletions, translocations, or centromere losses during long-term culture.

Using BSCC facility

The Ordering Scientist agrees to acknowledge BSCC core facility contribution to any resulting publications using the following statement:

"The [Service provided] was performed at the Biomedicum Stem Cell Center, supported by HiLIFE and the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, and Biocenter Finland."

As a core facility, the BSCC relies on user feedback to continuously improve our services and maintain the highest standards of research support. Please feel free to send your feedback to Ras Trokovic.

Additionally, acknowledging BSCC in publications is essential for demonstrating the impact of our core facility and securing continued funding. 

The BSCC Core Facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fair and efficient access to our resources. Users are encouraged to book in advance and adhere to their reservation times. Late cancellations or no-shows may impact future access. Exceptions for urgent institutional research needs are subject to facility management approval.

List of publications where BSCC services have been utilised. If you have used Biomedicum Stem Cell Center equipment or services in your work, please remember to acknowledge us in your publication.
 

  • Inflammation-induced lysosomal dysfunction in human iPSC-derived microglia is exacerbated by APOE 4/4 genotype
    Marianna Hellén, Isabelle Weert, Stephan A. Müller, Noora Räsänen, Pinja Kettunen, Šárka Lehtonen, Michael Peitz, Klaus Fließbach, Mari Takalo, Marja Koskuvi, Stefan F. Lichtenthaler, Ville Leinonen, Alfredo Ramirez, Olli Kärkkäinen, Mikko Hiltunen, Jari Koistinaho, Taisia Rõlova
    J Neuroinflammation. 2025; 22: 147.  Published online 2025 Jun 2. doi: 10.1186/s12974-025-03470-y
    PMCID: PMC12131611
  • Kaempferol enhances ER-mitochondria coupling and protects motor neurons from mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress in C9ORF72-ALS
    Federica Pilotto, Paulien Hermine Smeele, Olivier Scheidegger, Rim Diab, Martina Schobesberger, Julieth Andrea Sierra-Delgado, Smita Saxena
    Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2025; 13: 21.  Published online 2025 Feb 1. doi: 10.1186/s40478-025-01927-y
    PMCID: PMC11787762
  • Human iPSC-derived pericyte-like cells carrying APP Swedish mutation overproduce beta-amyloid and induce cerebral amyloid angiopathy-like changes
    Ying-Chieh Wu, Šárka Lehtonen, Kalevi Trontti, Riitta Kauppinen, Pinja Kettunen, Ville Leinonen, Markku Laakso, Johanna Kuusisto, Mikko Hiltunen, Iiris Hovatta, Kristine Freude, Hiramani Dhungana, Jari Koistinaho, Taisia Rolova
    Fluids Barriers CNS. 2024; 21: 78.  Published online 2024 Sep 27. doi: 10.1186/s12987-024-00576-y
    PMCID: PMC11438249
  • Omics profiling identifies the regulatory functions of the MAPK/ERK pathway in nephron progenitor metabolism
    Hyuk Nam Kwon, Kristen Kurtzeborn, Vladislav Iaroshenko, Xing Jin, Abigail Loh, Nathalie Escande-Beillard, Bruno Reversade, Sunghyouk Park, Satu Kuure
    Development. 2022 Oct 1; 149(19): dev200986.  Published online 2022 Oct 3. doi: 10.1242/dev.200986
    PMCID: PMC9641663
  • PolyGA targets the ER stress-adaptive response by impairing GRP75 function at the MAM in C9ORF72-ALS/FTD
    Federica Pilotto, Alexander Schmitz, Niran Maharjan, Rim Diab, Adolfo Odriozola, Priyanka Tripathi, Alfred Yamoah, Olivier Scheidegger, Angelina Oestmann, Cassandra N. Dennys, Shrestha Sinha Ray, Rochelle Rodrigo, Stephen Kolb, Eleonora Aronica, Stefano Di Santo, Hans Rudolf Widmer, Nicolas Charlet-Berguerand, Bhuvaneish T Selvaraj, Siddharthan Chandran, Kathrin Meyer, Benoît Zuber, Anand Goswami, Joachim Weis, Smita Saxena
    Acta Neuropathol. 2022; 144(5): 939–966.  Published online 2022 Sep 19. doi: 10.1007/s00401-022-02494-5
    PMCID: PMC9547809
  • Transient DUX4 expression in human embryonic stem cells induces blastomere-like expression program that is marked by SLC34A2
    Masahito Yoshihara, Ida Kirjanov, Sonja Nykänen, Joonas Sokka, Jere Weltner, Karolina Lundin, Lisa Gawriyski, Eeva-Mari Jouhilahti, Markku Varjosalo, Mari H. Tervaniemi, Timo Otonkoski, Ras Trokovic, Shintaro Katayama, Sanna Vuoristo, Juha Kere
    Stem Cell Reports. 2022 Jul 12; 17(7): 1743–1756.  Published online 2022 Jun 30. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.06.002
    PMCID: PMC9287684
  • MASTL is enriched in cancerous and pluripotent stem cells and influences OCT1/OCT4 levels
    Elisa Närvä, Maria E. Taskinen, Sergio Lilla, Aleksi Isomursu, Mika Pietilä, Jere Weltner, Jorma Isola, Harri Sihto, Heikki Joensuu, Sara Zanivan, Jim Norman, Johanna Ivaska
    iScience. 2022 Jun 17; 25(6): 104459.  Published online 2022 May 25. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104459
    PMCID: PMC9167974
  • Generation and Characterization of iPS Cells Derived from APECED Patients for Gene Correction
    Eira Karvonen, Kai J. E. Krohn, Annamari Ranki, Annika Hau
    Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13: 794327.  Published online 2022 Apr 1. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.794327
    PMCID: PMC9010864
  • CRISPR activation enables high-fidelity reprogramming into human pluripotent stem cells
    Joonas Sokka, Masahito Yoshihara, Jouni Kvist, Laura Laiho, Andrew Warren, Christian Stadelmann, Eeva-Mari Jouhilahti, Helena Kilpinen, Diego Balboa, Shintaro Katayama, Aija Kyttälä, Juha Kere, Timo Otonkoski, Jere Weltner, Ras Trokovic
    Stem Cell Reports. 2022 Feb 8; 17(2): 413–426.  Published online 2022 Jan 20. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.12.017
    PMCID: PMC8828555
  • Threshold of heteroplasmic truncating MT-ATP6 mutation in reprogramming, Notch hyperactivation and motor neuron metabolism
    Sebastian Kenvin, Ruben Torregrosa-Muñumer, Marco Reidelbach, Jana Pennonen, Jeremi J Turkia, Erika Rannila, Jouni Kvist, Markus T Sainio, Nadine Huber, Sanna-Kaisa Herukka, Annakaisa Haapasalo, Mari Auranen, Ras Trokovic, Vivek Sharma, Emil Ylikallio, Henna Tyynismaa
    Hum Mol Genet. 2022 Mar 15; 31(6): 958–974.  Published online 2021 Oct 12. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddab299
    PMCID: PMC8947243
  • HiPS-Endothelial Cells Acquire Cardiac Endothelial Phenotype in Co-culture With hiPS-Cardiomyocytes
    Emmi Helle, Minna Ampuja, Alexandra Dainis, Laura Antola, Elina Temmes, Erik Tolvanen, Eero Mervaala, Riikka Kivelä
    Front Cell Dev Biol. 2021; 9: 715093.  Published online 2021 Aug 6. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2021.715093
    PMCID: PMC8378235
  • YIPF5 mutations cause neonatal diabetes and microcephaly through endoplasmic reticulum stress
    Elisa De Franco, Maria Lytrivi, Hazem Ibrahim, Hossam Montaser, Matthew N. Wakeling, Federica Fantuzzi, Kashyap Patel, Céline Demarez, Ying Cai, Mariana Igoillo-Esteve, Cristina Cosentino, Väinö Lithovius, Helena Vihinen, Eija Jokitalo, Thomas W. Laver, Matthew B. Johnson, Toshiaki Sawatani, Hadis Shakeri, Nathalie Pachera, Belma Haliloglu, Mehmet Nuri Ozbek, Edip Unal, Ruken Yıldırım, Tushar Godbole, Melek Yildiz, Banu Aydin, Angeline Bilheu, Ikuo Suzuki, Sarah E. Flanagan, Pierre Vanderhaeghen, Valérie Senée, Cécile Julier, Piero Marchetti, Decio L. Eizirik, Sian Ellard, Jonna Saarimäki-Vire, Timo Otonkoski, Miriam Cnop, Andrew T. Hattersley
    J Clin Invest. 2020 Dec 1; 130(12): 6338–6353.  Published online 2020 Nov 9. doi: 10.1172/JCI141455
    PMCID: PMC7685733
  • Flow-Induced Transcriptomic Remodeling of Endothelial Cells Derived From Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
    Emmi Helle, Minna Ampuja, Laura Antola, Riikka Kivelä
    Front Physiol. 2020; 11: 591450.  Published online 2020 Oct 15. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.591450
    PMCID: PMC7593792
  • MKRN3 Interacts With Several Proteins Implicated in Puberty Timing but Does Not Influence GNRH1 Expression
    Venkatram Yellapragada, Xiaonan Liu, Carina Lund, Johanna Känsäkoski, Kristiina Pulli, Sanna Vuoristo, Karolina Lundin, Timo Tuuri, Markku Varjosalo, Taneli Raivio
    Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10: 48.  Published online 2019 Feb 8. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00048
    PMCID: PMC6375840
  • Absence of NEFL in patient-specific neurons in early-onset Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy
    Markus T. Sainio, Emil Ylikallio, Laura Mäenpää, Jenni Lahtela, Pirkko Mattila, Mari Auranen, Johanna Palmio, Henna Tyynismaa
    Neurol Genet. 2018 Jun; 4(3): e244.  Published online 2018 Jun 5. doi: 10.1212/NXG.0000000000000244
    PMCID: PMC5991776
  • Increased α-actinin-1 destabilizes E-cadherin-based adhesions and associates with poor prognosis in basal-like breast cancer
    Bianca Kovac, Tomi P. Mäkelä, Tea Vallenius
    PLoS One. 2018; 13(5): e0196986.  Published online 2018 May 9. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196986
    PMCID: PMC5942811
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from a CLN5 Patient Manifest Phenotypic Characteristics of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses
    Kristiina Uusi-Rauva, Tea Blom, Carina von Schantz-Fant, Tomas Blom, Anu Jalanko, Aija Kyttälä
    Int J Mol Sci. 2017 May; 18(5): 955.  Published online 2017 May 3. doi: 10.3390/ijms18050955
    PMCID: PMC5454868
  • ATPase-deficient mitochondrial inner membrane protein ATAD3A disturbs mitochondrial dynamics in dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia
    Helen M. Cooper, Yang Yang, Emil Ylikallio, Rafil Khairullin, Rosa Woldegebriel, Kai-Lan Lin, Liliya Euro, Eino Palin, Alexander Wolf, Ras Trokovic, Pirjo Isohanni, Seppo Kaakkola, Mari Auranen, Tuula Lönnqvist, Sjoerd Wanrooij, Henna Tyynismaa
    Hum Mol Genet. 2017 Apr 15; 26(8): 1432–1443.  Published online 2017 Jan 31. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddx042
    PMCID: PMC5393146
  • Motility of glioblastoma cells is driven by netrin-1 induced gain of stemness
    Irene Ylivinkka, Harri Sihto, Olli Tynninen, Yizhou Hu, Aki Laakso, Riku Kivisaari, Pirjo Laakkonen, Jorma Keski-Oja, Marko Hyytiäinen
    J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2017; 36: 9.  Published online 2017 Jan 9. doi: 10.1186/s13046-016-0482-0
    PMCID: PMC5223529
  • Development of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone-Secreting Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
    Carina Lund, Kristiina Pulli, Venkatram Yellapragada, Paolo Giacobini, Karolina Lundin, Sanna Vuoristo, Timo Tuuri, Parinya Noisa, Taneli Raivio
    Stem Cell Reports. 2016 Aug 9; 7(2): 149–157.  Published online 2016 Jul 14. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.06.007
    PMCID: PMC4982984
  • Generation of GFAP::GFP astrocyte reporter lines from human adult fibroblast-derived iPS cells using zinc-finger nuclease technology
    Ping-Wu Zhang, Amanda M. Haidet-Phillips, Jacqueline T. Pham, Youngjin Lee, Yuqing Huo, Pentti J. Tienari, Nicholas J. Maragakis, Rita Sattler, Jeffrey D. Rothstein
    Glia. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2017 Jan 1.Published in final edited form as: Glia. 2016 Jan; 64(1): 63–75. Published online 2015 Aug 21.  doi: 10.1002/glia.22903
    PMCID: PMC4715664
  • ETS-related Transcription Factors ETV4 and ETV5 Are Involved in Proliferation and Induction of Differentiation-associated Genes in Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells
    Tadayuki Akagi, Satu Kuure, Kousuke Uranishi, Hiroshi Koide, Frank Costantini, Takashi Yokota
    J Biol Chem. 2015 Sep 11; 290(37): 22460–22473.  Published online 2015 Jul 29. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M115.675595
    PMCID: PMC4566222
  • The L1TD1 Protein Interactome Reveals the Importance of Post-transcriptional Regulation in Human Pluripotency
    Maheswara Reddy Emani, Elisa Närvä, Aki Stubb, Deepankar Chakroborty, Miro Viitala, Anne Rokka, Nelly Rahkonen, Robert Moulder, Konstantin Denessiouk, Ras Trokovic, Riikka Lund, Laura L. Elo, Riitta Lahesmaa
    Stem Cell Reports. 2015 Mar 10; 4(3): 519–528.  Published online 2015 Feb 19. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.01.014
    PMCID: PMC4376047
Key Information and Documents
Product Volume UH       BF  External
hPSC distribution 1 ampoule 150 € 203 € 485 €
hiPSC generation from fibroblast/blood 1 donor 2 200 € 3 113 € 6 213 €
Early hiPSC generation from fibroblast/blood 1 donor  1 000 € 1 436 € 2 678 €
hPSC knock-out generation 1 donor 6 509 € 7409 € 11 357 €
hPSC knock-in generation 1 donor 7 496 € 8452 € 16 929 €
SC-islet generation 5000 SC-islets Inquire Inquire Inquire
IncuCyte 1 plate/h  2 € 3 € 4 €
Miscellaneous  1 h 25 € 33 € 86 €

 

 

 

 

Diego Balboa

Director

diego.balboa@helsinki.fi 

 

Ras Trokovic

Manager  

ras.trokovic@helsinki.fi 

 

Alba Pardo Domínguez

Technician

alba.pardodominguez@helsinki.fi

 

Agnes Viherä

Technician 

agnes.vihera@helsinki.fi 

 

Taisia Rolova

NiPS Coordinator 

taisia.rolova@helsinki.fi

Biomedicum Helsinki 1 
Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki

BSCC services are located on the 5th floor

NiPS services are located on the 2nd floor