MO3.13 Cell Line
Repository ID: CL-HUM-006
Quick Facts
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Cell Line | MO3.13 |
| Species | Human (Homo sapiens) |
| Cell Type | Oligodendrocyte-like |
| Growth Mode | Adherent |
| Morphology | Bipolar to multipolar glial morphology |
| Typical Medium | DMEM + FBS (protocol dependent) |
| Doubling Time | Approximately 24-48 hours |
| Main Use | Myelination and oligodendrocyte biology |
Overview
MO3.13 is one of the most widely used human oligodendrocyte-like cell lines for studying myelin biology and white matter disorders. It provides a practical in vitro model for investigating oligodendrocyte differentiation, myelin protein expression, neuroinflammation, and mechanisms underlying demyelinating diseases.
Because primary human oligodendrocytes are difficult to isolate and maintain, MO3.13 cells are frequently used for mechanistic studies of central nervous system myelination.
Origin
- Human oligodendrocyte-like hybrid cell line.
- Developed as an accessible model of oligodendrocyte biology.
- Commonly used in studies of demyelination and remyelination.
Unique Biology
Oligodendrocytes are responsible for producing myelin, the lipid-rich insulating sheath that surrounds axons and enables rapid saltatory conduction in the central nervous system.
MO3.13 cells are widely used to investigate:
- Oligodendrocyte differentiation
- Myelin formation
- White matter biology
- Remyelination
- Neuroinflammation
- Oligodendrocyte survival
Common oligodendrocyte markers studied include:
- Myelin Basic Protein (MBP)
- Proteolipid Protein (PLP)
- Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG)
- CNPase
Differentiation protocols typically promote increased branching, elevated myelin protein expression, and reduced proliferation.
Although MO3.13 cells reproduce many features of oligodendrocytes, they do not fully represent mature myelinating cells within the intact central nervous system.
Culture Considerations
Typical culture conditions include:
- DMEM supplemented with FBS
- 37°C
- 5% CO₂
Cells grow as adherent cultures and are generally passaged at 70-80% confluency.
Experimental outcomes are strongly influenced by differentiation status, making standardized differentiation protocols important for reproducibility.
Major Applications
MO3.13 cells are extensively used for:
- Multiple sclerosis research
- Demyelination and remyelination studies
- Myelin biology
- White matter disorders
- Neuroinflammation
- Oxidative stress
- Neurodegenerative disease research
- Drug screening
- Oligodendrocyte differentiation studies
Strengths
- Human-derived oligodendrocyte model
- Easier to culture than primary oligodendrocytes
- Useful for studying myelin biology
- Reproducible experimental model
- Well suited for mechanistic studies of demyelination
Limitations
- Does not fully represent mature oligodendrocytes
- Simplified monoculture lacking neuron-glia interactions
- Limited ability to reproduce complete CNS myelin architecture
- Differentiation protocols may produce variable phenotypes
- Findings should be validated using primary cells or in vivo models
References
- Freshney RI. Culture of Animal Cells: A Manual of Basic Technique and Specialized Applications.
- ATCC Cell Line Database.
- Cellosaurus Cell Line Knowledge Resource.
- ECACC Cell Line Collection.
- Relevant publications describing the MO3.13 oligodendrocyte cell line.