NCI-H929 Cells

The NCI-H929 cell line is a human myeloma cell line derived from the bone marrow of a patient with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that forms in plasma cells. These cells are particularly useful in cancer research due to their ability to produce large amounts of immunoglobulin, making them a prime model for studying the biology of multiple myeloma and the mechanisms of immunoglobulin production. The NCI-H929 cells grow as a suspension culture and have a doubling time of approximately 40 hours, making them relatively easy to propagate in laboratory conditions.
Genetically, NCI-H929 cells exhibit several chromosomal abnormalities commonly associated with multiple myeloma, including translocations and amplifications. These genetic features make them an invaluable resource for studying the genetic underpinnings of myeloma and testing potential therapeutic interventions. Researchers often utilize NCI-H929 cells in drug screening assays to evaluate the efficacy of new anti-myeloma compounds and to understand drug resistance mechanisms. Their consistent and reproducible behavior under various experimental conditions further enhances their utility in preclinical studies.