Custom-designed cell lines are essential for developing vaccines and targeted therapies across a wide range of diseases. “Existing methods can’t reliably distinguish between cell lines that share the same origin but carry different genetic modifications,” Bleris said. In 2022 UT Dallas researchers developed a two-step version of the genetic PUFs technology to protect the authenticity of engineered cell lines. To learn more about how UT Dallas is enhancing lives through transformative research, explore New Dimensions: The Campaign for UT Dallas. The UT Dallas researchers collaborated with co-author Dr. Alexander Pertsemlidis, professor of pediatrics and cell systems and anatomy at UT San Antonio.