Epidermal melanocytes are melanin-producing cells that function as a protective mechanism from harmful UV rays. Melanoma has been associated to defects, dysfunction, or lack of melanocytes. Primary mouse melanocytes have been derived and successfully immortalized with SV40 large T antigen. Immortalized Mouse Intermediately Differentiated Melanoblasts (iMC37) are hygromycin-resistant cells which expresses melanogenic markers (c-kit, Pax3, Sox10, and MITF-m), and are non-tumorigenic. By culturing the cells in the presence of dexamethasone, differentiation occurs and yields mature melanocytes expressing HMB45 and moderate tyrosinase activity. These cells are a valuable tool in melanocyte biology and molecular pathogenesis of pigment-related cell disorder studies. Immortalization Method: Serial passaging and transduction with retrovirus SSR#69 expressing SV40 large T antigen flanked with Cre/loxP sitesBioSafety Level: IISpecies: MouseSource Organ: SkinGrowth Properties: AdherentMorphology: PolygonalPopulation Doubling: N/ASeeding Density: Thaw entire contents into an appropriate T25 flask as specified in the Propagation instructions.Markers: Pax3, Sox10, MITF-m, c-kitDonor Age: N/ADonor Gender: N/ADonor Ethnicity: N/APropagation: The base medium for this cell line is Prigrow III medium available at abm (TM003). To make the completed growth medium, add the following components to the base medium: fetal bovine serum (TM999)* to final concentration of 10% and Penicillin/Streptomycin Solution (G255) to a final concentration of 1%. Carbon dioxide (CO2): 5%, Temperature: +37.0°C.* abm does not recommend to use heat-inactivated FBS for cell culture unless specified otherwise.Quality Control: 1) Fontana-Masson staining for melanocytic cell markers; 2) Tyrosine enzymatic assays determined presence of tyrosine; 3) Western blot analysis for SV40 large T antigen presenceShipping Condition: Dry IceStorage Condition: liquid nitrogen or -180°C