Immortalized Mouse Astrocytes - SV40T (IMA2.1)

The Immortalized Mouse Astrocytes- SV40 T (IMA 2.1) is a suitable cell line for studies in astrocyte functions. This cell line is unique in that it is capable of metabolizing the parkinsonian toxin MPTP (to MPP+) and is responsive to pro-inflammatory stimuli. In addition, this cell line can be used in neuronal co-culture studies to simulate conditions in the brain.



Upon stimulation with cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ, these cells show up-regulated NOS-2 and COX-2 mRNA expression and release various inflammatory mediators. This cell line has a stable star-shape morphology and expresses immature astrocyte markers such as nestin and CD44, indicating that the cells are of the early-stage astrocyte precursor phenotype. Furthermore, they are capable of converting glutamate via glutamine synthase to glutamine, which is a characteristic of GFAP-negative astrocytes.

Immortalization Method: Serial passaging and transfection with psV3neo plasmid carrying SV40 large T antigen genes

BioSafety Level: II

Species: Mouse

Source Organ: Cerebral Cortex

Growth Properties: Adherent

Morphology: Stellate shaped

Population Doubling: 20 - 30 hours

Seeding Density: 5,000 - 10,000 cells/cm²

Markers: Nestin, CD44

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 complete growth medium, add the following components to the base medium: fetal bovine serum (TM999)* to a 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: The cell line's response to pro-inflammatory stimuli was measured by 1) immunostaining to assess NF-kB translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus; 2) RT-qPCR and quantitative PCR detection of NOS-2 mRNA levels; and 3) Western Blot analysis of NOS-2 and COX2 proteins.

Shipping Condition: Dry Ice

Storage Condition: liquid nitrogen or -180°C