Polymerase chain reaction-based species verification and microsatellite analysis for canine cell line validation.

Cell line cross-contamination as well as genetic drift during passaging have been acknowledged as widespread problems since the 1960s. Improper cell line identification can invalidate results and, if not discovered, pollute the scientific community's body of knowledge with regard to cancer cell lines, their gene expression, and their drug susceptibilities. Despite the obvious need, validation of cell line identity is not yet widely required, and the problem persists.