Immortalized Mouse Progenitor-Like Melanocytes (iMC23)

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 C57BL/6 mouse melanocytes have been derived and successfully immortalized with SV40 large T antigen. The Immortalized Mouse Progenitor-Like Melanocytes (iMC23) 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 has low 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 retroviruses carrying SV40 T antigen (SV40T) flanked with FRT sites

BioSafety Level: II

Species: Mouse

Source Organ: Skin

Growth Properties: Adherent

Morphology: Polygonal

Population Doubling: N/A

Seeding Density: Thaw entire contents into an appropriate T25 flask as specified in the Propagation instructions.

Markers: c-kit, Pax3, Sox10, MITF-m

Donor Age: N/A

Donor Gender: N/A

Donor Ethnicity: N/A

Propagation: 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 presence

Shipping Condition: Dry Ice

Storage Condition: liquid nitrogen or -180°C