Immortalized Mouse Articular Chondrocytes (iMAC)

The Immortalized Mouse Articular Chondrocytes are hygromycin-resistant, non-tumorigenic reversibly immortalized cells that retains both morphological and chondrogenic features. Specifically, it expresses chondrocyte markers such as Col 2a1 (type II collagen), aggrecan, Sox9, TNFα, IL-6, and COX2. In the presence of BMP2 (abm Cat. No. Z100085), the cells are able to produce mature chondroid matrix. These cells are unique, as the immortalization process may be reversed by infection with Cre-recombinase expressing adenoviruses (abm Cat. No. 000018A), thus reverting immortal cells back into primary cells. These cells are a valuable tool in chondrogenesis molecular mechanism, and cartilage tissue regeneration studies to identify biofactors promoting proliferation and differentiation of chondrogenic progenitors.

Immortalization Method: Serial passaging and infection with retrovirus SSR#69 expressing SV40 large T antigen flanked with Cre/loxP sites

BioSafety Level: II

Species: Mouse

Source Organ: Tibial Plateau, Femoral Head, and Femoral Condyles

Growth Properties: Adherent

Morphology: Polygonal

Population Doubling: N/A

Seeding Density: Thaw entire contents into an appropriate T25 flask as specified in the Propagation instructions.

Markers: N/A

Donor Age: N/A

Donor Gender: N/A

Donor Ethnicity: N/A

Propagation: The base medium for this cell line is Prigrow III medium available at abm (TM003). To make the completed growth medium, add the following components to the base medium: fetal bovine serum (TM999)* to final concentration of 10% and Penicillin/Streptomycin Solution (G255) to a final concentration of 1%.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂): 5%, Temperature: +37.0°C.* abm does not recommend to use heat-inactivated FBS for cell culture unless specified otherwise.

Quality Control: 1) RT-PCR, qPCR, sqPCR analysis for mouse gene of interest; 2) Col 1al immunohistochemical staining preformed; 3) Western blot used to detect SV40 large T antigen presence; 4) Alcian blue staining analysis for chondroid matrix production.

Shipping Condition: Dry Ice

Storage Condition: liquid nitrogen or -180°C