U87MG

The U87MG cell line, established from a human glioblastoma, is one of the most widely utilized cellular models in neurobiological and cancer research. Originating from a malignant tumor of the central nervous system, these cells exhibit many of the hallmark features of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), including rapid proliferation, high invasiveness, and significant genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. This makes the U87MG cell line, also referred to as U87 cells, an invaluable tool for exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying brain tumors, as well as for testing potential therapeutic strategies.

In neuroscience and immuno-oncology research, U87MG cells serve as a model to elucidate the cell function and cytotoxicity mechanisms in glioblastoma, including the exploration of NK cell cytotoxicity. The expression of NKG2D ligands on U87 cells and the use of NKG2D antibodies in studies highlight the intricate dynamics between cancer cells and the immune system, particularly NK cells, in the tumor microenvironment.

The stemness features of U87 glioblastoma cells, alongside their genetic and phenotypic attributes, are subjects of intense study, aiming to unravel the mechanisms that confer these cells a high degree of plasticity and resistance to conventional therapies. The U87 cell line's exact origin remains somewhat enigmatic, with genetic analyses revealing differences from the original tumor.

In summary, the U87 cell line remains a fundamental tool in glioblastoma research, facilitating a deeper understanding of the disease's biology and the quest for more effective treatments.

37°C, 5% CO₂, humidified atmosphere.

1. Confirm that the vial remains deeply frozen upon delivery, as cells are shipped on dry ice to maintain optimal temperatures during transit.

2. Upon receipt, either store the cryovial immediately at temperatures below -150°C to ensure the preservation of cellular integrity, or proceed to step 3 if immediate culturing is required.

3. For immediate culturing, swiftly thaw the vial by immersing it in a 37°C water bath with clean water and an antimicrobial agent, agitating gently for 40-60 seconds until a small ice clump remains.

4. Perform all subsequent steps under sterile conditions in a flow hood, disinfecting the cryovial with 70% ethanol before opening.

5. Carefully open the disinfected vial and transfer the cell suspension into a 15 ml centrifuge tube containing 8 ml of room-temperature culture medium, mixing gently.

6. Centrifuge the mixture at 300 x g for 3 minutes to separate the cells and carefully discard the supernatant containing residual freezing medium.

7. Gently resuspend the cell pellet in 10 ml of fresh culture medium. For adherent cells, divide the suspension between two T25 culture flasks; for suspension cultures, transfer all the medium into one T25 flask to promote effective cell interaction and growth.

8. Adhere to established subculture protocols for continued growth and maintenance of the cell line, ensuring reliable experimental outcomes.

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.

For long-term preservation, place vials in vapor-phase liquid nitrogen at about −150 to −196 °C. Storage at −80 °C is acceptable only as a short interim step before transfer to liquid nitrogen.

Cryopreserved cell lines are shipped on dry ice in validated, insulated packaging with sufficient refrigerant to maintain approximately −78 °C throughout transit. On receipt, inspect the container immediately and transfer vials without delay to appropriate storage.

At Cytion, we stand behind the quality and viability of our products. We guarantee that our cells will be viable at the start of culture for 60 days after shipment from our facilities. We assure that all materials conform to the specifications described in the Certificate of Analysis and/or Product Sheet.

For full details, please refer to our Warranty Statement.