The cells may be systemically administered to treat osteoporosis, osteolysis, improve bone implant adherence, augment bone growth or bone repair, augment cartilage repair, and augment fat production.

The cells can differentiate into osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes in the presense of the appropriate stimulus and environment.

The cells are "homing" cells, that is, cells injected systemically into the patient home to the bone marrow, unless specifically placed in another location.

The cells may be transformed with recombinant DNA for the expression of both reporter genes, and biological factors, such as growth factors.

1. Remove and discard culture medium.
2. Briefly rinse the cell layer with 0.25% (w/v) Trypsin- 0.53 mM EDTA solution to remove all traces of serum that contains trypsin inhibitor.
3. Add 2.0 to 3.0 mL of Trypsin-EDTA solution to flask and observe cells under an inverted microscope until cell layer is dispersed (usually within 5 to 15 minutes).
   Note: To avoid clumping do not agitate the cells by hitting or shaking the flask while waiting for the cells to detach. Cells that are difficult to detach may be placed at 37°C to facilitate dispersal.
4. Add 6.0 to 8.0 mL of complete growth medium and aspirate cells by gently pipetting.
5. Add appropriate aliquots of the cell suspension to new culture vessels.
6. Incubate cultures at 37°C.

Balian G, et al. Pluripotential bone marrow cell line and methods of using the same. US Patent 6,082,364 dated Jul 4 2000