Bone biology research demands reliable, well-characterized in vitro models. This bone cell line guide provides a curated overview of widely used bone-related cell lines categorized into osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and chondrocytes. Each section includes origin, biological properties, and typical lab applications to help researchers choose the right model for their needs.
𦴠Osteoblast-Related Cell Lines
MC3T3-E1
Derived from the calvaria of C57BL/6 mice, MC3T3-E1 cells are pre-osteoblasts widely used in bone formation studies. These cells respond well to ascorbic acid and Ξ²-glycerophosphate, producing ALP and mineralized matrix.
π¬ Applications: Bone matrix formation, osteogenesis assays, biomaterial testing
MBA-15
This osteoblastic line originates from mouse bone marrow and retains stromal-like characteristics. It demonstrates increased ALP expression during osteogenic differentiation.
π¬ Applications: Bone marrow microenvironment modeling, osteoprogenitor research
MLO-Y4
A murine long bone-derived cell line that mimics osteocyte features. It exhibits dendritic morphology and mechanosensitivity through connexin 43 expression.
π¬ Applications: Osteocyte signaling, mechanotransduction, bone remodeling studies
MLO-A5
This sister line of MLO-Y4 is more mature and highly mineralizing. It expresses bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and forms calcified nodules.
π¬ Applications: Late-stage osteogenic differentiation, matrix mineralization
D1 ORL UVA
A mouse bone marrow stromal line with multipotent potential. It can differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes.
π¬ Applications: Regenerative medicine, scaffold compatibility studies
ROS 17/2.8
A rat osteosarcoma line with high ALP and partial hormonal responsiveness. Itβs commonly used to study PTH and vitamin D pathways.
π¬ Applications: Hormonal signaling, osteoblast function, bone cancer modeling
UMR 106.06
Also derived from rat osteosarcoma, UMR 106.06 retains PTH receptor activity and osteoblast-like properties.
π¬ Applications: PTH signaling, gene regulation in osteoblasts
HOS / TE-85
A human osteosarcoma cell line with rapid proliferation but limited mineralization. Useful for genetic profiling and drug screening.
π¬ Applications: Bone cancer genetics, expression studies
MG-63
Human osteosarcoma-derived with moderate ALP and ECM expression. Frequently used for biocompatibility assays.
π¬ Applications: Surface-material interaction, osteoblast-like studies
SaOS-2
A human osteogenic sarcoma cell line with robust mineralization and osteogenic phenotype.
π¬ Applications: Mineralization studies, bone tissue engineering
hFOB 1.19
SV40-immortalized human fetal osteoblasts. Proliferate at 33.5Β°C and differentiate at 39.5Β°C.
π¬ Applications: Controlled osteogenesis, drug testing
HOBIT
Human immortalized osteoblast-like cells developed via viral transfection.
π¬ Applications: Osteoblast function, gene delivery experiments
𧨠Osteoclast-Related Cell Lines
RAW 264.7
A murine macrophage-derived cell line that differentiates into TRAP-positive osteoclasts upon RANKL stimulation.
π¬ Applications: Osteoclastogenesis, RANKL/M-CSF signaling
4B12
Embryonic mouse calvaria-derived cell line capable of forming multinucleated osteoclast-like cells under M-CSF and RANKL.
π¬ Applications: siRNA screening, TRAP staining assays
ER-Hoxb8
Conditionally immortalized murine progenitor cells that differentiate into osteoclasts, providing a renewable alternative to primary cultures.
π¬ Applications: Osteoclast differentiation models, transfection studies
π§ Chondrocyte-Related Cell Lines
MC615
A mouse-derived chondrocytic cell line with cartilage matrix expression.
π¬ Applications: Basic cartilage biology, gene regulation
H4
Mature mouse articular chondrocyte line maintaining key phenotypes.
π¬ Applications: Joint biology, cartilage signaling
MM-Sv/HP-2
Immortalized with murine adenovirus, derived from mouse femoral cartilage.
π¬ Applications: Early chondrogenesis, vector-based research
C3H10T1/2
A multipotent murine mesenchymal stem-like line capable of chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation.
π¬ Applications: Lineage commitment, signaling pathways
CHON-001
Human fetal chondrocytes immortalized via hTERT. Express collagen type II and aggrecan.
π¬ Applications: Cartilage tissue engineering, drug testing
C20A4
Human articular cartilage-derived with robust ECM output.
π¬ Applications: Cartilage regeneration, scaffold evaluation
C28/I2 & T/C-28a2
SV40-immortalized human costal cartilage cells. Useful for inflammation and hormone studies.
π¬ Applications: Cytokine research, hormonal signaling
SW1353
A human chondrosarcoma line exhibiting IL-1 and TNF-Ξ± responses.
π¬ Applications: Cartilage degradation, osteoarthritis modeling
πΌοΈ Visual Summary of bone cell line guide
- Image 1: Osteoblast and Osteoclast Interactions on Bone Surface
ALT: Illustration showing osteoblasts and osteoclasts interacting on trabecular bone with labeled cell structures. - Image 2: In Vitro Comparison of Osteoblast, Osteoclast, and Chondrocyte Cells
ALT: Side-by-side cell culture image with ALP, TRAP, and collagen II markers. - Image 3: Lineage Diagram of Bone Cell Differentiation
ALT: Infographic of stem cell differentiation into bone cell types with molecular markers.
π Further Reading for bone cell line guide
- ATCC Cell Line Database
- PubMed Central Reviews on Bone Biology
- Merck Millipore Cell Culture Technical Sheets
For downloadable formats or reference tables, stay tuned for the supplementary PDF version. Got a cell line we missed? Submit it via our contact form!
