Cell Authentication: Addressing Challenges and Findings

Cell authentication is a foundational step in a wide range of biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical research contexts. Accurate cell and cell line identification guarantees that experiments are conducted with cells of the intended animal species of origin and in the cases of human, dog, and mouse cells, the intended individual donor. Accurate cell authentication is crucial for ensuring data validity and scientific reproducibility. However, cell misidentification remains a pervasive and longstanding issue, driven by factors such as cross-contamination, mislabeling, and inadequate or incomplete authentication practices. Consequences include irreproducible results, invalidated studies, and wasted resources, all of which undermine scientific progress.

This Research Topic seeks to thoroughly review existing methodologies employed for species-level cell identification (e.g., cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 [CO1] barcoding), detection of cell mixtures (cocultivations) through multiplex PCR methodologies, and donor-level identification through short tandem repeat (STR) profiling and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis. The limitations of cell identification through morphological assessment and phenotypic analysis are a valid topic. This exploration will also cover the scope, causes, and consequences of cell misidentification, analyzing its effects on research quality and public trust. In addition, it will highlight recommendations and emerging best practices, including the implementation of standardized authentication protocols and optimization of laboratory workflows, aimed at reducing misidentification risks.



To gather further insights into enhancing research integrity and reliability, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Innovative techniques and technologies for improving cell identification accuracy.

o Articles on the impact of cell misidentification in various research contexts

o Strategies for implementing effective cell line authentication in laboratories.

o Policy recommendations for enforcing the need for and the standardization of identification protocols across research institutions.

o Bioinformatics approaches for automated cell authentication, reference database development, and big-data-driven quality control

By bringing together recent advances, ongoing challenges, and preventive strategies, this Research Topic will deliver valuable insights for researchers, laboratory personnel, and policymakers striving to enhance the reliability, reproducibility, and integrity of cell-based research.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: cell authentication, misidentification, biomarkers, STR profiling, Single-cell analysis, genetic profiling, quality control, ICLAC, Cellosaurus, CLASTR

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.