UEF Cell Zoo

We collect and maintain cell lines from wild Finnish mammals and birds. Most of these have been established from sufficiently fresh samples that were obtained from animals found dead in the wild or died while under care. Because isolating cells requires only a relatively small skin sample, some specimens have also been collected from live specimens as a part of other research activities, without causing significant harm to the animals. The research group holds the necessary permits to collect and maintain cell lines from protected species as well.

Cell lines provide an excellent source of high-quality DNA and RNA for use in genome projects. In addition, cultured cells enable a wide range of experimental studies that would be practically impossible to carry out using wild animals directly.