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These cell lines are good models for studying in vitro osteoblast differentiation, particularly ECM signaling. They have behavior similar to primary calvarial osteoblasts.
A series of subclones were isolated from the cloned but phenotypically heterogeneous MC3T3-E1 cell line.
The subclones were selected for high or low osteoblast differentiation and mineralization after growth in medium containing ascorbic acid.

Wang D, et al. Isolation and characterization of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast subclones with distinct in vitro and in vivo differentiation/mineralization potential. J. Bone Miner. Res. 14: 893-903, 1999. PubMed: 10352097 
Wang D, et al. Isolation and characterization of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast subclones with distinct in vitro and in vivo differentiation/mineralization potential. J. Bone Miner. Res. 14: 893-903, 1999. PubMed: 10352097The MC3T3 Subclone 24 (ATCC CRL-2595) and the MC3T3 Subclone 30 (ATCC CRL-2596) lines exhibit poor osteoblast differentiation after growth in ascorbic acid.
A series of subclones were isolated from the cloned but phenotypically heterogeneous MC3T3-E1 cell line. The subclones were selected for high or low osteoblast differentiation and mineralization after growth in medium containing ascorbic acid. The MC3T3-E1 Subclone 4 (ATCC CRL-2593) and the MC3T3 Subclone 14 (ATCC CRL-2594) lines exhibit high levels of osteoblast differentiation after growth in ascorbic acid and 3 to 4 mM inorganic phosphate. [51540] They form a well mineralized extracellular matrix (ECM) after 10 days. The MC3T3 Subclone 24 (ATCC CRL-2595) and the MC3T3 Subclone 30 (ATCC CRL-2596) lines exhibit poor osteoblast differentiation after growth in ascorbic acid. They do not form ECM. They can be used as negative controls for Subclones 4 and 14. Ref
Wang D, et al. Isolation and characterization of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast subclones with distinct in vitro and in vivo differentiation/mineralization potential. J. Bone Miner. Res. 14: 893-903, 1999. PubMed: 10352097
Mineralizing subclones selectively express mRNAs for the osteoblast markers, bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN), and the parathyroid hormone (PTH)/parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) receptor. Ref
Wang D, et al. Isolation and characterization of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast subclones with distinct in vitro and in vivo differentiation/mineralization potential. J. Bone Miner. Res. 14: 893-903, 1999. PubMed: 10352097
Subclones with both high and low differentiation potential produce similar amounts of collagen in culture and express comparable basal levels of mRNA encoding Osf2/Cbfa1, an osteoblast-related transcription factor. Ref
Wang D, et al. Isolation and characterization of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast subclones with distinct in vitro and in vivo differentiation/mineralization potential. J. Bone Miner. Res. 14: 893-903, 1999. PubMed: 10352097
After implantation into immunodeficient mice, highly differentiating subclones form bone-like ossicles resembling woven bone, while poorly differentiating cells only produce fibrous tissue. Ref
Wang D, et al. Isolation and characterization of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast subclones with distinct in vitro and in vivo differentiation/mineralization potential. J. Bone Miner. Res. 14: 893-903, 1999. PubMed: 10352097
Subcultivation Ratio: 1:4 to 1:6
Medium Renewal: Every 2 to 3 days
Note: For more information on enzymatic dissociation and subculturing of cell lines consult Chapter 10 in Culture of Animal Cells, a Manual of Basic Technique by R. Ian Freshney, 3rd edition, published by Alan R. Liss, N.Y., 1994.
Wang D, et al. Isolation and characterization of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast subclones with distinct in vitro and in vivo differentiation/mineralization potential. J. Bone Miner. Res. 14: 893-903, 1999. PubMed: 10352097
