Frequently Asked Questions

I would like to use adult stem cells or components of stem cells in my research. Do I need hSCRO approval?

The use of adult tissue specific stem cells, such as hematopoietic cells or mesenchymal cells, does not require UCI hSCRO approval UNLESS such cells have been shown to, or are being induced to differentiate into the three major germ lines.

Other examples of activities that DO NOT require hSCRO review:

  • Non-UCI collaborator/site/ Sponsor will create pluripotent stem cells from biospecimens collected at UCI. For example, skin biopsy samples are collected at UCI and sent to a non-UCI sponsor to genetically manipulate to obtain induced pluripotent stem cells.
  • In vitro generation or use of human iPSC derivatives, that is, differentiation of human iPSCs already approved on an existing hSCRO protocol in the PI’s laboratory into a new multipotent or unipotent cell lineage, unless they meet one of the other requirements above (e.g., in vivo transplantation of neural stem/progenitor cells of any origin).
  • Components of stem cells that are not viable and cannot be expanded (i.e., RNA / protein samples) received from a collaborator / company and NOT derived from stem cells grown in your laboratory.
I would like to use a line from the NIH registry (H1, H9, etc.). Do I need hSCRO approval?

Yes. For more information on which cell lines require hSCRO review, please visit our Cell Line Provenance Policy webpage.

How do I know what type of Provenance Documentation I need to provide?

Please review the Provenance Guidance Document, and if you have questions please contact the hSCRO Administrator at hSCRO@research.uci.edu or contact the hSCRO staff.

How often does the hSCRO Committee Meet?

The hSCRO Committee meets once per month on the first Thursday of the month. The schedule of deadlines and meeting dates can be found on the Committee Calendar 

The hSCRO Non-Committee meets weekly.

When do I need to submit a Continuing Review?

All hSCRO protocols receive EITHER a one year OR a three year approval. More information about this process can be found on our Continuing Review webpage.

Please check your last hSCRO Initial or Continuing Review approval letter. A Continuing Review should be submitted 8 weeks prior to expiration if the renewal will include amendments that require hSCRO Committee review. If the renewal does not include any major modifications (e.g., personnel changes), then submission is recommended 4-6 weeks usually prior to the expiration date.

I have an undergraduate working in my lab, but only a few hours a week. Do I have to add them to my protocol?

If the student is actively participating in hSCRO covered stem cell / fetal material research you must add them to your protocol.

Can I submit a Modification with a Continuing Review?

Submitting a Full Committee Modification with a Continuing Review may not be recommended if your study is due to expire soon.  Accordingly, in general, UCI hSCRO recommends submitting the Modification after the Continuing Review is approved to avoid a lapse in approval. 

Please review this webpage to determine if your Modification would require Full Committee review.