Activities that require UCI hSCRO review:

Per UCI hSCRO Policy, hSCRO review and approval is required prior to initiating the following activities:

  • Generation of new lines of human pluripotent* stem cells from whatever source and by whatever means.
  • Use or derivation of the following materials:
    • human gametes
    • human embryos / blastocysts
    • human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)
    • human fetal tissue*
    • human fetal stem cells*
    • human embryonic stem cells (hESC)
  • Transplantation of neural stem cells into humans (not including mesenchymal or hematopoietic stem cells).
  • Activities involving the Activities involving the introduction of human adult pluripotent, human fetal tissue and/or fetal stem cells, human embryonic stem cells and/or their neural derivatives into nonhuman animals at any stage of embryonic, fetal, or postnatal development.
  • Activities in which the identity of the donors of blastocysts, gametes, or somatic cells from which human stem cells were derived is readily ascertainable or might become known to the investigator.

*Pluripotent Stem Cell: A single stem cell that has the capability of developing cells of all germ layers (endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm. See diagram below).

All human pluripotent cells or fetal tissue used or derived must meet the definition of acceptable research materials as defined in the hSCRO Acceptably Derived Checklist.

Derivation of fetal-tissue origin cells of any kind will require, at a minimum, a non-human subjects determination from the IRB.

Types Of Stem Cells

Image generously provided by Jack Westin MCAT Prep

hSCRO review is not required for the following:

  • Use of adult tissue-derived multipotent or unipotent stem cells:
    • Mesenchymal cells (e.g., isolated from bone marrow, peripheral blood etc.)
    • Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC's)
    • Adult stem cells (for example cardiac stem cells)
    • Cord blood cells

Do you need hSCRO review?

Review this quick-start guide on activities that require hSCRO review, and how to submit new protocols, amendments, renewals.

Download a PDF

*For NIH supported research that includes human fetal tissue obtained from elective abortions, please review the current NIH Policy on Research Involving Human Fetal Tissue

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Activities that are not permitted**

The following (non-exhaustive) list of activities will not be approved by the UCI hSCRO:

  • The culture in vitro of any intact human embryo, regardless of derivation method, after the appearance of the primitive streak or after 12 days whichever is earlier. 
  • The introduction of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into nonhuman primate blastocysts and/or the introduction of any hESCs into human blastocysts.
  • The breeding of an animal into which hESCs have been introduced at any stage of development.
  • Introduction of hESCs into a human uterus or equivalent, or any experiments attempting human reproductive cloning.

** Per California Department of Public Health Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research as recommended by the Human Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee pursuant to Health and Safety Code §125118.

Need Additional Guidance?

Check Out Our "Do you need hSCRO Review" Decision Flowchart

Decision Flowchart