Proposal for “Fundamental principles of cell culture”

Abstract

Recently, cell culture technique has evolved rapidly into an effectively and widely used research tool for basic cell science, pharmaceutical study and regenerative medicine. In Europe and the United States, the Guidance on Good Cell Culture Practice (GCCP) has been proposed to promote the maintenance of high standards and to reduce uncertainty in the development and application of animal and human cell and tissue culture procedures and products. GCCP encourages greater international harmonization, rationalization and standardization of laboratory practices, quality control systems, safety procedures, recording and reporting, and compliance with laws, regulations and ethical principles. In Japan, with an aim of sharing the basic concepts for cell culture by researchers, we drew a draft guidance, “Fundamental principles of cell culture”. This guidance consists of five sections; vulnerability of cultured cells, credibility of cell source and validity of culture method, prevention of microorganism- and cross- contamination, documentation, handling safety and environmental protection. We propose here the guidance as common principles for researchers who are using or interact with cell culture in Japan.