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Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Fate Mapping of Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Teratoma Formation
Published on: August 1, 2010
OpenTein: a database of digital whole-slide images of stem cell-derived teratomas
Sung-Joon Park1, Yusuke Komiyama1, Hirofumi Suemori2
1Human Genome Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.
Abstract:
Human stem cells are promising sources for regenerative therapy. To ensure safety of future therapeutic applications, the differentiation potency of stem cells has to be tested and be widely opened to the public. The potency is generally assessed by teratoma formation comprising differentiated cells from all three germ layers, and the teratomas can be inspected through high-quality digital images. The teratoma assay, however, lacks consistency in transplantation protocols and even in interpretation, which needs community-based efforts for improving the assay quality. Here, we have developed a novel database OpenTein (Open Teratoma Investigation, http://opentein.hgc.jp/) to archive and freely distribute high-resolution whole-slide images and relevant records. OpenTein has been designed as a searchable, zoomable and annotatable web-based repository system. We have deposited 468 images of teratomas derived by our transplantation of human stem cells, and users can freely access and process such digital teratoma images. Approximately, the current version of OpenTein responds within 11.2 min for processing 2.03 gigapixel teratoma images. Our system offers valuable tools and resources in the new era of stem cell biology.
Insights
A new database, OpenTein, archives and shares high-resolution digital images of teratomas from human stem cells. This resource aims to improve consistency and accessibility in stem cell potency testing for regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Human stem cells hold significant promise for regenerative therapies.
- Assessing stem cell differentiation potency is crucial for therapeutic safety.
- Current teratoma assay methods for potency assessment lack standardization and public accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, publicly accessible database for teratoma images.
- To improve the consistency and interpretation of stem cell potency assays.
- To provide a valuable resource for the stem cell research community.
Main Methods:
- Development of a web-based repository system named OpenTein (Open Teratoma Investigation).
- Archiving and distribution of high-resolution whole-slide images of teratomas.
- Implementation of searchable, zoomable, and annotatable functionalities for digital teratoma images.
Main Results:
- OpenTein successfully archives and distributes 468 high-resolution teratoma images.
- The database provides free access to digital teratoma images for public use.
- The system demonstrates efficient processing of large gigapixel images, responding within 11.2 minutes for 2.03 gigapixel images.
Conclusions:
- OpenTein offers a valuable, standardized resource for stem cell potency assessment.
- The database facilitates community-based efforts to improve teratoma assay quality.
- This initiative supports the advancement of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine through data sharing.
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