Mission
The Human Bone Cell Production Core (HBCPC) provides human osteoclasts and osteoblasts for molecular experimentation.

Facility Description
The HBCPC is currently funded through a NIH Metabolic Bone Research Core Center Grant. The Core is located at Volker Hall G002.

Research Information
As its first focus of activity, the HBCPC provides human osteoblast stem cells and mouse osteoclasts. Both human primary osteoblast and mouse osteoclast precursors are available to UAB investigators who are interested in bone-related research. Osteoblast precursors have potential to differentiate into many different lineages, such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. The primary osteoclast precursors are capable of differentiating into osteoclasts in vitro under osteoclastogenic condition, serving as a useful tool to investigate osteoclast differentiation. Furthermore, in vitro generated osteoclasts are available for investigators who are interested in studying mature osteoclast function.

Service Fees
Osteoblast precursors: $250 per vial
Osteoclast: Users need to provide mice

Contact Information
Core Director: Xu Cao, PhD
Email: cao@path.uab.edu
Phone: 205-934-0162

CMBD Co-Director: Xu Feng, PhD
Email: xfeng@path.uab.edu
Phone: 205-975-0990

Web Site: http://cmbd.path.uab.edu/Human%20Bone%20Cell.htm

Approved by: Xu Cao, PhD, Director
Date: February 27, 2007

Click here to return to the SOM Research Web Site's home page.