E. coli research and the NIH Guidelines

Research using E. coli laboratory strains that ARE NOT derived from K-12 (e.g., BL21 & Rosetta) requires IBC review. Most research utilizing E. coli laboratory strains that ARE derived from K-12 is exempt from IBC review under the NIH Guidelines. Some research with K-12 may still require IBC review. Non-exempt experiments include, but are not limited to, those involving large volumes of culture (>10 liters) or cloning genes from pathogens or genes involved in synthesis of toxins (see NIH Guidelines section C-II-A). It is the responsibility of the PI to determine whether their experiments with K-12 require review.

E. coli strains derived from K-12; Usually RG1, Exempt (NIH Guidelines III-F-8, Appendix C-II)

E. coli strains NOT derived from K-12; Usually RG1, NOT Exempt (NIH Guidelines III-E)

Pathogenic E. coli strains; ≥RG2, NOT Exempt (NIH Guidelines III-D)