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, w: 3.1 g/L Glucose, w: 1.6 mM L-Glutamine, w: 15 mM HEPES, w: 1.0 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 | CM-1 (Cytion catalog number 800100) or CM-ACF (Cytion catalog number 806100) |
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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