Lymphoblastoid Cell Line

In Sanford-Burnham’s Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, scientists use robots like this one to test hundreds of thousands of chemical compounds on lymphoblastoid cell lines in search of tomorrow’s new medicines.

We received word this morning that Bertrand's lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) has finally been established at UCLA!

LCLs are used as a model system to study the genetics of gene expression, drug response, and other traits in a controlled laboratory setting.

With a somatic mutation rate of 0.3% and ease of cell maintenance, lymphoblastoid cells are still the preferred choice of storage for patients' genetic material.

In Bertrand's case, the LCL will be renewable source of his genetic material (no more blood draws!) so researchers around the world can study N-glycanase deficiency.

Bertrand's team of researchers will be able to use his LCL within the Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics to rapidly test thousands of existing FDA approved compounds to see if there is any drug already on the market that will increase his amount of N-glycanase expression or increase his rate of glycoprotein degredation.

Wow.  Welcome to the future.  :)  Happy thanksgiving!