Established from the calvaria of an embryo/fetus C57BL/6 mouse. Cells have the capacity to differentiate into osteoblasts and osteocytes and have been demonstrated to form calcified bone tissue in vitro. Mineral deposits have been identified as hydroxyapatite. Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mRNA and protein has been shown to be regulated by treatment with TGF β and bFGF. Prostaglandin F2a has been reported to stimulate DNA synthesis and proliferation by up-regulation of insulin-like growth factor I receptors. MC3T3-E1 secrete collagen and express murine leukemia inhibitory factor (mLIF) in RNA.