Immortalized RFP-Expressing Mouse Primary Vein Smooth Muscle Cells

Description

Studies that require repeated cell expansion and fluorescence-based observation can be limited by the finite lifespan of conventional primary smooth muscle cells and the additional work required to label cells before an experiment. Immortalized RFP-Expressing Mouse Primary Vein Smooth Muscle Cells provide an expandable, fluorescently labeled mouse smooth muscle cell model for in vitro research requiring consistent cell availability and visible red fluorescence.

These immortalized mouse vein smooth muscle cells are derived from primary cells isolated from the inferior vena cava of pathogen-free laboratory C57BL/6 mice. The cells are grown in gelatin pre-coated tissue culture flasks using Complete Growth Medium and are supplied as cryopreserved cells harvested at passages 2–3.

RFP-expressing cells are developed through transduction with RFP-lentiviral particles. Red fluorescent protein produces bright red fluorescence when exposed to yellow-green light, allowing the cells to be visually distinguished during compatible fluorescence-based experiments.

Each vial contains 0.5 × 10⁶ cells per mL. The cells are characterized by immunofluorescence staining with an α-smooth muscle actin antibody and can be expanded for more than 10 passages at a recommended split ratio of 1:2 under the specified culture conditions.

Quality testing documents negative results for bacteria, yeast, fungi, and mycoplasma. Repeated freezing and thawing are not recommended.

Specifications

Features

• Immortalized mouse vein smooth muscle cells derived from primary cells
• Isolated from the inferior vena cava of pathogen-free C57BL/6 mice
• Stable RFP-expressing cells developed through lentiviral particle transduction
• Produces bright red fluorescence under compatible yellow-green excitation
• Characterized by α-smooth muscle actin immunofluorescence staining
• Cryopreserved at passages 2–3
• Supplied at 0.5 × 10⁶ cells per mL per vial
• Expandable for more than 10 passages under specified culture conditions
• Recommended split ratio of 1:2
• Tested negative for bacteria, yeast, fungi, and mycoplasma
• Suggested for use with M2268 Complete Smooth Muscle Cell Medium w/ Kit

Applications

These immortalized RFP-expressing mouse vein smooth muscle cells are intended as an in vitro research model for studies requiring mouse-derived smooth muscle cells, extended cell expansion, or fluorescence-based cell distinction.

• Mouse vein smooth muscle cell culture: supports in vitro research requiring smooth muscle cells derived from the C57BL/6 mouse inferior vena cava.
• Fluorescence microscopy: RFP expression enables visual observation of cells using compatible fluorescence imaging equipment.
• Fluorescent cell identification: the red fluorescent signal may help distinguish RFP-expressing smooth muscle cells from unlabeled cells in appropriately designed experiments.
• Cell tracking research: stable RFP labeling may support fluorescence-based monitoring of cell location or distribution in compatible in vitro workflows.
• Co-culture research: RFP fluorescence may assist with distinguishing the smooth muscle cell population from non-fluorescent cells in compatible co-culture systems.
• Longer-term cell expansion: immortalized cells that can be expanded for more than 10 passages may support research programs requiring a larger or more consistent cell supply.
• Smooth muscle cell characterization: α-smooth muscle actin characterization supports use in research where documented smooth muscle cell identity is required.
• General vascular cell biology research: provides a mouse vein-derived smooth muscle cell model for investigator-designed in vitro studies.

Applications should be evaluated and validated by the investigator for the intended experimental system. The product is supplied for research use only.

RFP Expression and Immortalization

RFP Expression

Red fluorescent protein is a fluorescent protein that generates bright red fluorescence when exposed to yellow-green light. The RFP-expressing primary cells used to develop this product are generated through transduction with RFP-lentiviral particles.

Immortalized Cell Model

The product datasheet states that immortalized cells are derived from primary cells expressing RFP and are immortalized through overexpression of SV40 large T-antigen or human telomerase reverse transcriptase. The datasheet does not identify which of these two immortalization approaches was used specifically for catalog number C57-6086IM.RFP.

Quality Control

Storage and Handling

• Cryopreserved cells are shipped frozen with dry ice overnight.
• Upon arrival, immediately transfer the frozen vial to liquid nitrogen storage at approximately -180°C until ready for use.
• Do not use a -20°C or -80°C freezer for routine storage of the frozen cells.
• Repeated freezing and thawing are not recommended.
• Live cell shipment may be available on request.
• Handle all animal-derived cells with caution and treat them as potential biological hazards.
• No testing procedure can completely guarantee the absence of infectious agents.
• For research use only. Not authorized for human use, in vitro diagnostic procedures, or therapeutic procedures.

Recommended Culture Medium

Documents

C57-6086IM.RFP Product Datasheet

Frequently Asked Questions