Isolation, culture, and transfection of melanocytes

Godwin, L. S., Castle, J. T., Kohli, J. S., Goff, P. S., Cairney, C. J., Keith, W. N. , Sviderskaya, E. V. and Bennett, D. C. (2014) Isolation, culture, and transfection of melanocytes. In: Current Protocols in Cell Biology. Wiley-Blackwell, 1.8.1-1.8.20. ISBN 9780471143031 (doi: 10.1002/0471143030.cb0108s63)

Abstract

Located in the basal epidermis and hair follicles, melanocytes of the integument are responsible for its coloration through production of melanin pigments. Melanin is produced in lysosomal-like organelles called melanosomes. In humans, this skin pigmentation acts as an ultraviolet radiation filter. Abnormalities in the division of melanocytes are quite common, with potentially oncogenic growth usually followed by cell senescence producing benign naevi (moles), or occasionally melanoma. Therefore, melanocytes are a useful model for studying melanoma, as well as pigmentation and organelle transport and the diseases affecting these mechanisms. This chapter focuses on the isolation, culture, and transfection of human and murine melanocytes. The first basic protocol describes the primary culture of melanocytes from human skin and the maintenance of growing cultures. The second basic protocol details the subculture and preparation of mouse keratinocyte feeder cells. The primary culture of melanocytes from mouse skin is described in the third basic protocol, and, lastly, the fourth basic protocol outlines a technique for transfecting melanocytes and melanoma cells.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cairney, Dr Claire and Keith, Professor Nicol
• Authors: Godwin, L. S., Castle, J. T., Kohli, J. S., Goff, P. S., Cairney, C. J., Keith, W. N., Sviderskaya, E. V., and Bennett, D. C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Current Protocols in Cell Biology
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• ISSN: 1934-2500
• ISSN (Online): 1934-2616
• ISBN: 9780471143031