Immortalized Mouse Microglial Cell Line

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the key features of the Immortalized Mouse Microglial Cell Line?

  The Immortalized Mouse Microglial Cell Line (IMG) expresses key markers such as F4/80 and CD11b, and does not express neuronal or astrocyte markers like NeuN and GFAP. These cells can robustly respond to inflammatory signals, displaying M1/M2 polarization, and are capable of phagocytosing foreign particles and misfolded proteins, such as amyloid-beta peptide.

• What are the Immortalized Mouse Microglial Cell Line used for in research?

  These cells are used to study the mechanisms of drug action, drug efficacy in relation to M1/M2 polarization, and inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. They can be induced to adopt pro- or anti-inflammatory phenotypes, making them valuable for exploring cellular responses in various disease models such as brain/spinal cord injury, ischemic strokes, infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.

• What is the source and morphology of these microglial cells?

  These microglial cells are derived from the brains of 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice. They exhibit both ramified and amoeboid morphologies.

• How should these cells be cultured, stored, and shipped to maintain their viability?

  These cells should be cultured in DMEM supplemented with 4.5g/L glucose, glutamate, 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and 1% penicillin/streptomycin. For long-term storage, the cells should be cryopreserved in growth medium supplemented with 10% DMSO and stored in liquid nitrogen. They are shipped on dry ice to maintain viability.

• What are the unique contributions of microglia to neurological research?

  Microglia are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and are pivotal in monitoring and responding to pathological conditions within the brain. They play critical roles in inflammatory conditions, contribute to synaptic plasticity, and are involved in processes related to learning and memory. These functional capabilities make them crucial for studies on brain dynamics and pathology, particularly in relation to neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive functions.