Eradication of cross-contaminated cell lines: a call for action

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Cell Biology
• Scientific Integrity

Background:

• Misidentified and cross-contaminated cell cultures are a persistent problem in biomedical research, despite decades of awareness.
• This issue affects a significant portion of published research, potentially compromising findings and wasting resources.
• Existing knowledge of causes and prevention methods has not resolved the widespread problem.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical and ongoing issue of cell culture misidentification and contamination in biomedical research.
• To propose a strategic intervention to enforce cell line authentication across the research community.
• To prevent further erosion of research integrity due to unreliable cell line usage.

Main Methods:

• This white paper analyzes the problem of cell culture misidentification and contamination.
• It reviews the history of awareness and understanding of the issue.
• It proposes a strategy centered on mandatory cell line authentication.

Main Results:

• An estimated 15-20% of research papers may be flawed due to misidentified or contaminated cell cultures.
• Despite awareness and available authentication methods, the problem persists.
• A significant portion of biomedical research is potentially compromised.

Conclusions:

• Cell line authentication must become a mandatory requirement for research grant awards and publication.
• This policy change is crucial to address the widespread problem of cell culture misidentification and contamination.
• Implementing this strategy will improve the reliability and integrity of biomedical research findings.