Human pluripotent stem cell registry: Operations, role and current directions

The human plutiripotent stem cell registry (hPSCreg) is a global database for human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (hESC, hiPSC). The publicly accessible Registry () was set up to provide a transparent resource of quality-assessed hPSC lines as well as to increase reproducibility of research and interoperability of data. Objectives In this review, we describe the establishment of the Registry and its mission, its development into a knowledgebase for hPSC and the current status of hPSC-focussed databases. The data categories available in hPSCreg are detailed. In addition, sharing and hurdles to data sharing on a global level are described. Conclusions An outlook is provided on the establishment of digital representatives of donors using hybrids of data and hPSC-based biological models, and how this can also be used to reposition databases as mediators between donors and researchers.

Automated summary

This review provides an overview of the establishment and mission of the human pluripotent stem cell registry (hPSCreg), as well as its development into a knowledgebase for hPSC and the current status of hPSC-focused databases. It also discusses the challenges and hurdles of data sharing on a global level.