Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2025

09:37
A RANKL-based Osteoclast Culture Assay of Mouse Bone Marrow to Investigate the Role of mTORC1 in Osteoclast Formation
Published on: March 15, 2018
13.8K
Primary mouse osteoblast and osteoclast culturing and analysis
Claire Chevalier1,2, Melis Çolakoğlu1,2, Julia Brun3
1Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Centre Médical Universitaire (CMU), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
STAR Protocols
|April 29, 2021
Summary
This study presents a protocol for isolating mouse osteoblasts and osteoclasts. These primary cell cultures enable research into bone formation and resorption processes ex vivo.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Skeletal Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Osteoblasts, derived from mesenchymal stem cells, are crucial for bone formation and remodeling.
- Osteoclasts, originating from hematopoietic stem cells, are responsible for bone resorption.
- Understanding the distinct functions of these cells is vital for skeletal research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reliable protocol for isolating primary osteoblasts and osteoclasts from young mouse bone tissue.
- To provide methods for assessing the activity and differentiation of these cells ex vivo.
- To facilitate the study of therapeutic interventions on bone cell function.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of primary osteoblasts and osteoclasts from mouse femur, tibia, and humerus.
- Establishment of ex vivo cell culture techniques.
- Methods for analyzing cell activity and differentiation.
Main Results:
- Successful generation of primary osteoblast and osteoclast cultures from mouse bone.
- Demonstration of methods to modulate and study cell activity and differentiation ex vivo.
- Protocol enables investigation of various treatments' effects on bone cells.
Conclusions:
- The described protocol provides a robust method for obtaining primary osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
- This technique supports ex vivo research into bone formation and resorption.
- The protocol is valuable for studying the impact of different treatments on skeletal cells.

