Establish AGO models

To develop targeted therapies for AGO1 and AGO2, researchers need reliable human cell lines and animal models. We partner with leading institutions worldwide to build, store, and share these essential tools.

The AGO Alliance Biobank at Coriell

To eliminate international transfer friction and cross-border customs delays (especially between Europe and North America), we are partnering with the Coriell Institute for Medical Research (home to the NIH/NIGMS Human Genetic Cell Repository) to establish an open-access global biobank.

Why Donate to Coriell?

How to Donate (Blood Draw or Skin Biopsy)

Donating is simple, free and can be done during regular clinical appointments.

  1. Simple Blood Draw: Advances in stem cell technology allow stem cells to be derived directly from standard blood samples during routine lab work.

  2. Skin Biopsy: A small 3mm punch sample. Tip: Families often coordinate this during an upcoming scheduled surgery, dental procedure, or MRI under anesthesia.

📩 Interested in Donating or Learning More?

Explore the official Coriell NIGMS Repository Overview. Email NIGMS@coriell.org to request a collection kit and please copy contact@argonautes.ngo.

Email contact@argonautes.ngo if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Coriell acts as a supplementary, open-access hub. Cells housed with our academic collaborators in Germany and France remain vital for ongoing studies. Coriell ensures that new research groups can access models instantly without logistical barriers.

No. All collection supplies, domestic and international shipping, and biobanking fees are fully covered.

We do not expect the sample collection to incur an extra cost, but if you are charged by your doctor, Coriell may be able reimburse you up to $40 USD.

Coriell operates under strict federal guidelines and Institutional Review Board (IRB) oversight. Deposited cell lines are assigned a coded ID. Researchers will know the genetic variant (e.g., G199S) and basic clinical facts, but never your child's name or personal identity.

Feel free to review Coriell's FAQ page or to contact us or Coriell NIGMS@coriell.org.

Academic Repositories

While Coriell acts as our central distribution hub, foundational clinical lines remain preserved with our academic research partners:

AGO cell lines

For Academic Collaborations: Researchers seeking to access these specific lines or establish joint projects can contact Prof. Piton (`piton@igbmc.fr`) or Prof. Lessel (`davor.lessel@ur.de`) directly for Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs).

AGO animal models

C. elegans Models (Kansas State University & UMass Chan Medical School). Prof. Anna Zinovyeva and Prof. Victor Ambros have characterized four distinct C. elegans worm models mirroring human AGO1 variants (Duan et al. bioRxiv 2023): alg-1(ma447, F180Δ), alg-1(ma443, G199S), alg-1(zen25, V254I), alg-1(zen18, H751L).

Please contact Prof. Zinovyeva at zinovyeva@ksu.edu for collaborations or to request a strain.