Application

Primary Normal Human Epidermal Melanocytes (NHEM) are isolated from the epidermis of juvenile foreskin. Melanocytes are located in the stratum basale, but branch out between the keratinocytes in suprabasal layers. About 5-10 % of the cells in the epidermis are melanocytes. The main purpose of melanocytes is the production of melanin, the protein responsible for the pigmentation of the skin, eyes, and hair. Melanin protects the cells in the skin and in deeper layers from the hazardous effects of UV radiation. It is produced and stored in melanosomes, which are located close to the melanocyte membrane, but it can also be transferred to neighboring keratinocytes.Normal Human Epidermal Melanocytes 2 are isolated using the serum-free and PMA-free Melanocyte Growth Medium M2. Since PMA is a tumor promoting mitogen, it can interfere with experimental approaches. Therefore, we recommend using cells isolated in Melanocyte Growth Medium M2 and also using this medium for cultivation. Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (NHEK) and Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDF) from the same donor are available on request.

Cell Line Origin

Skin

Components

PMA-free Melanocyte Growth Medium M2

Legal Information

RNAlater is a registered trademark of Ambion, Inc.

Other Notes

The Cell Pellets can be stored indefinitely at -20°C, and for up to 1 month at 4°C. Note: The Cell Pellets will not freeze at -20°C. Always centrifuge product briefly before opening vial.

Physical form

Pellet is dissolved in RNAlater^® for downstream analysis of DNA, RNA or protein profiles. Cells are not revivable.

Quality

Rigid quality control tests are performed for each lot of the corresponding cells. They are tested for cell viability, cell morphology, growth performance and for cell-type specific markers. In addition, all cells have been tested for the absence of HIV-1, HIV-2, HBV, HCV, HTLV-1, HTLV-2 and microbial contaminants (fungi, bacteria, and mycoplasma).

Warning

Although tested negative for HIV-1, HIV-2, HBV, HCV, HTLV-1 and HTLV-2, the cells – like all products of human origin – should be handled as potentially infectious. No test procedure can completely guarantee the absence of infectious agents.