Stem Cell Research
Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee (SCROC)
The WesternU SCROC oversees stem cell research at Western University of Health Sciences in accordance with Section 125119 of the California Code of Regulations, ensuring the highest scientific and ethical standards.
The policies and guidance provided here apply to all research and teaching activities involving human embryonic or human pluripotent stem cells—induced or otherwise—conducted at any WesternU-owned or WesternU-operated facility.
SCROC Resources
Definitions as Used in the Guidelines
Covered cells refers to cells from covered stem cell lines or cells differentiated from cells that are from covered stem cell lines
Covered stem cell line refers to a culture-derived, human pluripotent stem cell population derived from an embryo or product of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) that is capable of: (1) sustained propagation in culture; and (2) self-renewal to produce daughter cells with equivalent developmental potential. Title 17, Section 100020, of the California Code of Regulations includes in this definition “…embryonic and non-embryonic human stem cell lines regardless of the tissue of origin”.
Pluripotent refers to stem cells that are capable of differentiation into mesoderm, ectoderm, and endoderm. These guidelines also apply to “…introducing human pluripotent cells or cells differentiated from human pluripotent stem cell lines into non-human animals, or introducing neural-progenitor cells into the brain of non-human animals at any state of embryonic, fetal, or postnatal development”.
The following activities involving stem cell research are prohibited at any facility owned or operated by WesternU:
- Human reproductive cloning;
- In vitro culture of an intact human embryo for more than 12 days of development or until formation of the primitive streak, whichever occurs first;
- Payment to a donor solely for the purpose of creating a human embryo to be used in human embryonic stem cell research;
- Implanting a chimeric embryo containing non-human cells, including ESC, into the uterus of a human;
- Implanting a chimeric embryo containing human embryonic stem cells into the uterus of a nonhuman primate and allowing the resulting pregnancy to progress to the point of independent viability;
- Breeding of a chimeric animal having human embryonic stem cells that were introduced during any stage of the animal’s embryonic or fetal development;
- Breeding of a chimeric animal having human embryonic stem cells where there is a reasonable possibility that human genetic material could be incorporated into the animal’s germ cells;
- Using federal funds to engage in ineligible human embryonic stem cells research; or
- Engaging in human embryonic stem cells research in a manner that is contrary to any applicable local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.
Instruction and guidance on the submission process and for all forms SCROC review, please contact ORRA.
Investigators are required to complete Stem Cell Research training before participating in activities involving hSC research. Proof of training must be submitted with any SCRO protocol application.
Click here for instructions on how to register and access CITI Training .