NIH-3T3 Cells












Essential facts about the NIH-3T3 cell line
Description | NIH-3T3 cells are a fibroblast cell line derived from the tissue of a NIH Swiss mouse embryo. These cells are known for their spindle-shaped morphology and are widely utilized in scientific research due to their ability to grow rapidly and to a high cell density. NIH-3T3 cells are particularly noted for their utility in genetic studies, including DNA transfection experiments, where they are used to introduce foreign DNA into their genomes. This has made them a valuable tool for studying gene function and regulation. Additionally, NIH-3T3 cells are employed in oncogenic research, specifically in assays for the identification and characterization of cancer-causing genes. They have a remarkable capacity to support the propagation of various types of viruses, including sarcoma and leukemia viruses, making them integral to virology studies. One of the key features of the NIH-3T3 cell line is its spontaneous immortalization. This characteristic, combined with their genetic stability over continuous passaging, makes NIH-3T3 cells an exemplary model system for exploring cellular processes, signaling pathways, and the effects of various pharmacological treatments in mammalian cells. Characterized by a heterogeneous cell population, NIH 3T3 mouse cells underscore the intrinsic cellular heterogeneity within fibroblast subtypes, which is critical for deciphering the complex interplay between cellular composition and tissue architecture. These cells exhibit a spindle-like morphology on a chitosan surface, transitioning to an elongated form on OCMCS (oxidized cellulose) surfaces. The NIH3T3 cell line ontology encompasses various subclones, including 3T3-L1, a model for adipogenesis, and 3T3-J2, employed as a feeder layer in keratinocyte cultures, illustrating the cellular line's broad applicability across different proliferation rates and research disciplines. NIH-3T3 cells are pivotal in research for their rapid growth, spindle-shaped morphology, and versatility in genetic and oncogenic studies. Their spontaneous immortalization and genetic stability enhance their utility in exploring cellular dynamics and pharmacological effects. The diversity within this cell line, including its response to various substrates and the existence of specialized subclones like 3T3-L1 and 3T3-J2, underscores its broad applicability and critical role in advancing our understanding of cellular behavior and disease mechanisms. |
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Organism | Mouse |
Tissue | Embryonic |
Applications | Transfection host |
Synonyms | NIH/3T3, NIH 3T3, NIH3T3, 3T3, 3T3NIH, 3T3-Swiss, Swiss-3T3, Swiss/3T3, Swiss 3T3, Swiss3T3 |
Details
Age | Embryo |
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Gender | Male |
Morphology | Spindle-like morphology, indicative of their fibroblast nature |
Cell type | Fibroblast |
Growth properties | Adherent |
Specifications
Citation | NIH-3T3 (Cytion catalog number 400101) |
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Biosafety level | 1 |
Genetic profile of the fibroblast cell line
Viruses | MAP-test: Negative. |
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Culturing methods
Culture Medium | DMEM:Ham's F12 (1:1), w: 3.1 g/L Glucose, w: 2.5 mM L-Glutamine, w: 15 mM HEPES, w: 0.5 mM Sodium pyruvate, w: 1.2 g/L NaHCO3 (Cytion article number 820400a) |
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Medium supplements | Supplement the medium with 10% FBS |
Passaging solution | Accutase |
Subculturing | Remove the old medium from the adherent cells and wash them with PBS that lacks calcium and magnesium. For T25 flasks, use 3-5 ml of PBS, and for T75 flasks, use 5-10 ml. Then, cover the cells completely with Accutase, using 1-2 ml for T25 flasks and 2.5 ml for T75 flasks. Let the cells incubate at room temperature for 8-10 minutes to detach them. After incubation, gently mix the cells with 10 ml of medium to resuspend them, then centrifuge at 300xg for 3 minutes. Discard the supernatant, resuspend the cells in fresh medium, and transfer them into new flasks that already contain fresh medium. |
Fluid renewal | 2 times per week |
Freeze medium | As a cryopreservation medium, use complete growth medium (including FBS) + 10% DMSO for adequate post-thaw viability, or CM-1 (Cytion catalog number 800100), which includes optimized osmoprotectants and metabolic stabilizers to enhance recovery and reduce cryo-induced stress. |
Handling of cryopreserved cultures |
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Quality assurance of the NIH 3T3 cell line
Sterility | Mycoplasma contamination is excluded using both PCR-based assays and luminescence-based mycoplasma detection methods. To ensure there is no bacterial, fungal, or yeast contamination, cell cultures are subjected to daily visual inspections. |
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STR profile |
Amelogenin: x,x
M_18-3: 17,19
M_4-2: 19.3,20.3
M_6-7: 12
M_3-2: 14,15
M_19-2: 11,12,13
M_7-1: 29
M_1-1: 10
M_8-1: 15
M_2-1: 9
M_15-3: 20.3
M_6-4: 15.3
M_11-2: 15,17
M_1-2: 13,17
M_17-2: 13,14
M_12-1: 20
M_5-5: 14,15
M_X-1: 25
M_13-1: 16.2
Human D4/D8: -
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Required products
This unique formulation combines Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and Ham's F-12 (Ham's Nutrient Mixture F-12) in a precise 1:1 ratio. The addition of L-glutamine further enhances its composition.
DMEM, derived from Eagle's Minimal Essential Medium (EMEM), offers an increased concentration of amino acids and vitamins compared to its predecessor. In contrast, Ham's F-12 is based on Ham's F-10 medium, providing a complementary set of essential components.
To support optimal cell growth, it is common practice to supplement DMEM:Ham's F12 with FBS at a typical concentration of 5-10%. This addition is necessary as the medium lacks growth hormones, lipids, and proteins crucial for cellular development.
DMEM:Ham's F12 incorporates a pH buffer system and is often supplemented with phenol red, a pH indicator. Cultured cells in DMEM:Ham's F12, or any medium utilizing the bicarbonate buffer system, require a controlled CO2 environment of 5-10% to maintain appropriate pH levels.
Quality Control
Sterile-filtered
Storage and Shelf Life
Store at +2°C to +8°C, protected from light.
Once opened, store at 4°C and use within 6–8 weeks.
Shipping Conditions
Ambient temperature
Maintenance
Keep refrigerated at +2°C to +8°C in the dark. Avoid freezing and frequent warming to +37°C, as it reduces product quality.
Do not heat the medium beyond 37°C or use uncontrolled heat sources such as microwave appliances.
If only part of the medium is to be used, remove the required amount and warm it to room temperature before use.
Composition
Category
Components
Concentration (mg/L)
Amino Acids
Glycine
18.75
L-Alanine
4.45
L-Arginine HCl
147.50
L-Asparagine H₂O
7.50
L-Aspartic Acid
6.65
L-Cysteine HCl H₂O
17.56
L-Cystine 2 HCl
31.29
L-Glutamic Acid
7.35
L-Glutamine
365.00
L-Histidine HCl H₂O
31.48
L-Isoleucine
54.47
L-Leucine
59.05
L-Lysine HCl
91.25
L-Methionine
17.24
L-Phenylalanine
35.48
L-Proline
17.25
L-Serine
26.25
L-Threonine
53.45
L-Tryptophan
9.02
L-Tyrosine Disodium Salt
48.10
L-Valine
52.85
Vitamins
D-Biotin
0.0035
Choline Chloride
8.98
D-Calcium Pantothenate
2.24
Folic Acid
2.66
myo-Inositol
12.60
Nicotinamide
2.02
Pyridoxine HCl
0.031
Pyridoxal HCl
2.00
Riboflavin
0.219
Thiamine HCl
2.17
Vitamin B12
0.68
Inorganic Salts
CaCl₂ 2 H₂O
154.50
CuSO₄ 5 H₂O
0.0013
Fe(NO₃)₃ 9 H₂O
0.05
FeSO₄ 7 H₂O
0.417
KCl
311.80
MgCl₂ 6 H₂O
61.20
MgSO₄
48.84
NaCl
6996.00
NaHCO₃
1200.00
Na₂HPO₄
71.02
NaH₂PO₄
54.30
ZnSO₄ 7 H₂O
0.432
Other Components
D-Glucose
3151.00
Hypoxanthine
2.40
HEPES
3574.50
Linoleic Acid
0.042
Lipoic Acid
0.105
Phenol Red Sodium Salt
8.63
Putrescine 2 HCl
0.081
Sodium Pyruvate
55.00
Thymidine
0.365
- A Gentle Alternative to Trypsin
Accutase is a cell detachment solution that is revolutionizing the cell culture industry. It is a mix of proteolytic and collagenolytic enzymes that mimics the action of trypsin and collagenase. Unlike trypsin, Accutase does not contain any mammalian or bacterial components and is much gentler on cells, making it an ideal solution for the routine detachment of cells from standard tissue culture plasticware and adhesion coated plasticware. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and uses of Accutase and how it is changing the game in cell culture.
Advantages of Accutase
Accutase has several advantages over traditional trypsin solutions. Firstly, it can be used whenever gentle and efficient detachment of any adherent cell line is needed, making it a direct replacement for trypsin. Secondly, Accutase works extremely well on embryonic and neuronal stem cells, and it has been shown to maintain the viability of these cells after passaging. Thirdly, Accutase preserves most epitopes for subsequent flow cytometry analysis, making it ideal for cell surface marker analysis.
Additionally, Accutase does not need to be neutralized when passaging adherent cells. The addition of more media after the cells are split dilutes Accutase so it is no longer able to detach cells. This eliminates the need for an inactivation step and saves time for cell culture technicians. Finally, Accutase does not need to be aliquoted, and a bottle is stable in the refrigerator for 2 months.
Applications of Accutase
Accutase is a direct replacement for trypsin solution and can be used for the passaging of cell lines. Additionally, Accutase performs well when detaching cells for the analysis of many cell surface markers using flow cytometry and for cell sorting. Other downstream applications of Accutase treatment include analysis of cell surface markers, virus growth assay, cell proliferation, tumor cell migration assays, routine cell passage, production scale-up (bioreactor), and flow cytometry.
Composition of Accutase
Accutase contains no mammalian or bacterial components and is a natural enzyme mixture with proteolytic and collagenolytic enzyme activity. It is formulated at a much lower concentration than trypsin and collagenase, making it less toxic and gentler, but just as effective.
Efficiency of Accutase
Accutase has been shown to be efficient in detaching primary and stem cells and maintaining high cell viability compared to animal origin enzymes such as trypsin. 100% of cells are recovered after 10 minutes, and there is no harm in leaving cells in Accutase for up to 45 minutes, thanks to autodigestion of Accutase.
In summary
In conclusion, Accutase is a powerful solution that is changing the game in cell culture. With its gentle nature, efficiency, and versatility, Accutase is the ideal alternative to trypsin. If you are looking for a reliable and efficient solution for cell detachment, Accutase is the solution for you.
Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) is a widely used buffer solution in biological and chemical research. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the pH balance and osmolarity during various experimental procedures, including tissue processing and cell culture. Our PBS solution is meticulously formulated with high-purity ingredients to ensure stability and reliability in every experiment. The osmolarity and ion concentrations of our PBS closely mimic those of the human body, making it isotonic and non-toxic to most cells.
Composition of Our PBS Solution
Our PBS solution is a pH-adjusted blend of ultrapure-grade phosphate buffers and saline solutions. At a 1X working concentration, it contains:
8000 mg/L Sodium chloride (NaCl)
200 mg/L Potassium chloride (KCl)
1150 mg/L Sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous (Na2HPO4)
200 mg/L Potassium phosphate monobasic anhydrous (KH2PO4)
This composition ensures an optimal pH and ionic balance, suitable for a wide range of biological applications.
Applications of Our PBS Solution
Our PBS solution is ideal for various applications in biological research. Its isotonic and non-toxic properties make it suitable for substance dilution and cell container rinsing. PBS solutions containing EDTA are effective for disengaging attached and clumped cells. However, divalent metals such as zinc should not be added to PBS, as this can cause precipitation. In such cases, Good's buffers are recommended. Additionally, our PBS solution is an acceptable alternative to viral transport medium for the transport and storage of RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
Quality Control
Sterile-filtered
Storage and Shelf Life
Store at +2°C to +25°C, protected from light.
Once opened, store at 2°C to 25°C and use within 24 months.
Shipping Conditions
Ambient temperature
Maintenance
Keep refrigerated at +2°C to +8°C in the dark. Avoid freezing and frequent warming to +37°C, as it reduces product quality.
Do not heat the medium beyond 37°C or use uncontrolled heat sources such as microwave appliances.
If only part of the medium is to be used, remove the required amount and warm it to room temperature before use.
Composition
Category
Components
Concentration (mg/L)
Salts
Potassium chloride
200
Potassium phosphate monobasic anhydrous
200
Sodium chloride
8000
Sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous
1150