NG108-15 Cells

The NG108-15 cell line is a well-characterized neuroblastoma × glioma hybrid cell line derived by fusing the mouse neuroblastoma clone N18TG2 with the rat glioma clone C6-BU-1. This fusion results in a cell type that robustly expresses a range of neuron-like properties, making NG108-15 a widely used model for neurobiological and neuropharmacological research. The hybrid cells exhibit a high degree of electrical excitability and express neuronal enzymes such as choline acetyltransferase, enabling the synthesis, storage, and release of acetylcholine. These cells form extensive processes and are capable of generating action potentials in response to electrical or chemical stimulation.

NG108-15 cells have been shown to form functional chemical synapses with muscle cells, including both primary mouse embryonic myotubes and clonal myotube lines such as G-8. In co-culture systems, NG108-15 cells can innervate myotubes, producing synaptic potentials in response to evoked action potentials. These responses are dependent on acetylcholine and can be blocked by d-tubocurarine, confirming the cholinergic nature of the synapses. Notably, the efficiency of synaptic transmission varies but remains physiologically meaningful, with a significant proportion of hybrid action potentials successfully inducing muscle depolarization. The postsynaptic responses are closely mimicked by iontophoretic application of acetylcholine, further supporting their cholinergic identity.

NG108-15 cells are large, neuron-like cells with processes and a neuroblastoma-like morphology. They exhibit both mouse and rat karyotypic features and display hybrid isozyme patterns consistent with their mixed genetic background. These cells maintain neuron-like phenotypes even at higher passage numbers, although some properties, such as choline acetyltransferase activity, may decline over time. Overall, NG108-15 cells are considered a robust in vitro model for studying neuronal differentiation, neurotransmission, and synaptogenesis, particularly in the context of acetylcholine-mediated signaling.