MaSC (Marseille Stem Cells) is an academic facility certified by Aix Marseille University and hosted by Marseille Medical Genetics Research Center. The MaSC platform is one of the three largest platforms dedicated to human induced pluripotent cells (hiPSCs) reprogramming in France with more than 200 cell lines reprogrammed since its creation and an average of 30 reprogramming procedures per year in recent years. Thanks to its integration into Marseille Medical Genetics, MaSC facility has an extensive experience in various rare genetic diseases, including muscular dystrophies, premature aging syndrome, genetic cardiac defect, developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, and many others.

The Marseille Stem Cell facility offers a range of services: reprogramming of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells using various reprogramming methods (Sendai virus transduction, episomal transfection (fibroblasts only) and RNA transfection (fibroblasts only)), characterization and cryopreservation of a customer-defined number of clones. All procedures adhere to international guidelines published by the International Society of Stem Cell Research (ISSCR). We are also open to developing reprogramming protocols for other cell type (we have successfully reprogrammed myoblasts and melanocytes).

The MaSC facility also provides differentiation services of human IPS into various cells type from the neuro-ectodermal and mesodermal lineages, such as sensory neurons, motor neurons, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells. We also propose co-development opportunities with academic and industrial partners.

In accordance with the mission of academic research, we offer a 3-days theoretical and practical training in hIPSCs culture. The course includes a 1-hour theoretical session covering IPSCs history, reprogramming methods, characterization and culture conditions. Practical sessions cover: distinguishing hIPSCs from differentiated cells (microscope and stereomicroscope), cell passaging (enzymatic, non-enzymatic and mechanical passages), cryopreservation and thawing, cell counting and Matrigel handling.