Normal Human Epidermal Melanocytes (NHEM)
Primary Human Epidermal Melanocytes isolated in PMA-containing Melanocyte Growth Medium from the epidermis of juvenile foreskin.
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.
Our Normal Human Epidermal Melanocytes are isolated using the PMA (Phorbol Myristate Acetate)-containing Melanocyte Growth Medium. However, it's important to note that PMA is a tumor promoting mitogen. If this may affect your experiments, we recommend using Normal Human Epidermal Melanocytes M3 (NHEM M3) isolated in Melanocyte Growth Medium M3.
Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes (NHEK) and Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDF) from the same donor are available on request.
- Our NHEM are now also available from HLA-typed donors.
Recommended plating density | 5000 - 10000 cells per cm2 |
Passage after thawing | P2 |
Tested markers | Mel-5 positive |
Guaranteed population doubling | > 15 |
![Image](https://promocell.com/pub/media/data_figure/c-12400/images/NHEM.jpg)