About Pre conference course I - Cell cultures for research and medical applications: risk-based prevention

After introducing the basic definitions, the course will cover two major topics: the strategy to identify cell culturesand the risks related to cell cultures and appropriate mitigation measures. Each part will involve interaction with participants, including a final short quizby groups of 3-4. 

Main topics

1. Basic definitions – Primo cultures versus Stable cell lines; culture scale; cultures for diagnostic; culture for cell therapy and ex-vivo gene therapy, 3-D cell cultures 
2. Strategy to identify cell cultures – presentation and exercises 
3. Risk related to cell cultures (and mitigation measures):
   • In research and diagnostic labs (cell lineages and stem cell types, pluripotent/multipotent cells, genetic engineering of cells, cell reprogramming and potential tumorigenic risk, containment,
   • In clinical applications: approaches in cell therapies (including gene therapies)

Learning Objectives
At the end of the training, participants should be able to:

1. identify cell culture strategies and related risks 
2. select the less risky cell model for research or medical applications 
3. select the appropriate mitigation measures for any culture types and conditions, with an attention to lab staff, the environment, and the patient when the cells are used as therapeutics 

Target Audience
beginners in (1) biosafety management or (2) activity in cell biology labs, with a basic background in biology and molecular biology