BetaCell Birmingham

Maturing SBC clusters d23-d30BetaCell Birmingham operates within the Technology Hub at the University of Birmingham, dedicated to providing stem cell-generated beta cells for UK researchers at cost value. It is based in the Institute of Biomedical Research (IBR) in the College of Medicine and Health (CMH) of University of Birmingham.

Our facility employs a meticulously crafted protocol originally developed by Holger Russ, Gopika Nair, and Mathias Hebrok. This innovative process guides suspended (3D) stem cell clusters through various developmental stages, culminating in the production of insulin -secreting beta-like cell clusters (stem-cell generated beta cells, SBCs). The entire protocol spans approximately a month, with two weeks preparation time for stem cells. Our cells are shipped live using same-day delivery to maintain their integrity and viability during transit.

What we offer

BetaCell Birmingham provides live shipments of stem cell-generated beta cells (SBCs) that adhere to our flow cytometry-based quality controls.

In insulin promoter driven GFP (INS-GFP) lines, the cells commence GFP expression by day12 (pancreatic endoderm), which becomes prominent by day15-day17 (early endocrine, immature SBC). The cells reach their full maturity by day30.  Our standard days for shipment are either day 23, coinciding with 35-60% GFP positive cells, or day 30, marking the completion of our protocol with mature insulin-secreting cells.

We ensure a minimum of 35% GFP(+)ve cells, with our Hes3 cells consistently yielding between 40-50% GFP(+) cells.

These quality-controlled cells are ready to contribute to your research, offering reliability and consistency.  In addition to SBCs, we offer a range of complementary research materials. You can inquire about obtaining RNA, DNA, and fixed tissue samples to further enhance your studies. Feel free to reach out to us for more details or specific requests.

Flow-cytometry based quality controls for pancreatic progenitor cells and mature stem cell generated beta cells clusters (A) Brightfield (left two) and fluorescent (GFP) images of Hes3 INS-GFP embryonic stem cells undergoing beta cell differentiation protocol in Akerman Lab. Stem cell clusters self-aggregate when they reach critical concentration in rotation cultures: the cells become GFP positive as insulin starts to be expressed (day 10 onwards). (B) Measurements of mature/processed insulin levels in SBCs at d23. Representative flow cytometry dot-plots showing expression of C-peptide in stem cells (day0) or maturing beta cells (day23). C-peptide results from the processing of the preproinsulin peptide into mature insulin (equimolar ratios to insulin) (C) Measurements of insulin transcription levels in SBCs at d23. Representative flow cytometry dot-plots showing insulin promoter driven GFP expression in stem cells (day0) or maturing endocrine cells (day23).

Flow-cytometry based quality controls for pancreatic progenitor cells and mature stem cell generated beta cells clusters (A) Brightfield (left two) and fluorescent (GFP) images of Hes3 INS-GFP embryonic stem cells undergoing beta cell differentiation protocol in Akerman Lab. Stem cell clusters self-aggregate when they reach critical concentration in rotation cultures: the cells become GFP positive as insulin starts to be expressed (day 10 onwards). (B) Measurements of mature/processed insulin levels in SBCs at d23. Representative flow cytometry dot-plots showing expression of C-peptide in stem cells (day0) or maturing beta cells (day23). C-peptide results from the processing of the preproinsulin peptide into mature insulin (equimolar ratios to insulin) (C) Measurements of insulin transcription levels in SBCs at d23. Representative flow cytometry dot-plots showing insulin promoter driven GFP expression in stem cells (day0) or maturing endocrine cells (day23).

Our production capacity

At BetaCell Birmingham, we utilize 30 ml ABLE bioreactors for a single production cycle. Each bioreactor is designed to accommodate a cell range of 15 million to 45 million cells. We offer the flexibility of shipping either the entire 30 ml production or, when available, a fraction of the production to meet your specific research needs.

While our current operations primarily involve 30 ml bioreactors, it's worth noting that we also possess the capability to produce in 100 ml bioreactors, providing an expanded capacity for larger-scale projects. If this aligns with your research requirements, we encourage you to reach out to us to discuss your specific needs.

Properties of our SBCs

The cells derived from this protocol have undergone characterization in the Holger Russ Lab, with detailed information available through the provided links (see Protocol Repository). Additionally, a single-cell RNA-seq dataset is accessible on the UCSC browser here (https://sebeta.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/index.html).

In our laboratory, we observe that the cells progress to the endoderm stage by day 3, with over 90% of cells exhibiting SOX17 positivity. In INS-GFP lines, the cells commence GFP expression by day12 (pancreatic endoderm), which becomes prominent by day15-day17 (early endocrine, immature SBC). The cells reach their full maturity by day30.  Our standard days for shipment are either day 23, coinciding with 40-60% GFP positive cells, or day 30, marking the completion of our protocol.

Should your research require samples or shipments earlier than these specified dates, we encourage you to contact us to discuss potential accommodations and options.

Cells from this protocol have been previously characterized (see above links) and a single cell RNA-seq dataset is available on UCSC browser (https://sebeta.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/index.html). 

Cell Lines on Offer

We are able to produce SBCs from two human embryonic cell lines (Mel3 and Hes3, originally generated by Ed Stanley), which sport insulin promoter driven GFP.  If you require cells from other lines, please inquire. Please note that when using other stem cell lines, the protocol may need optimization.  

How to Receive SBCs, Pricing and Contact Information

As we diligently work on determining the most affordable pricing for our stem cell-generated beta cells (SBCs), we invite you to reach out to us for a customized quote tailored to your specific research needs.

For all inquiries, please contact our dedicated mailbox at:

BetaCell Birmingham Mailbox: bcb@contacts.bham.ac.uk

In order to better assist you, we kindly request that you provide us with a rough estimate of the number of cells/clusters required per shipment, as well as an indication of the frequency of shipments per year.

Should you wish to discuss your projects or have more detailed inquiries, feel free to get in touch with our academic lead directly:

Dr Ildem Akerman

Email: i.akerman@bham.ac.uk

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to assisting you with your research endeavours.