Melanocytes

Melanocytes are neural crest-derived cells that produce melanin in the epidermis. Melanin, which is created by the oxidation and subsequent polymerization of tyrosine, absorbs UV radiation and protects the skin from UVB radiation damage. At ScienCell Research Laboratories, we offer 4 types of human primary melanocytes including: Epidermal Melanocytes-light, Epidermal Melanocytes-medium, Epidermal Melanocytes-dark, and Epidermal Melanocytes-adult. The Epidermal Melanocytes-light are isolated from Caucasian skin tissue, whereas, Epidermal Melanocytes-medium are derived from individuals of Asian/Native American descent and Epidermal Melanocytes-dark are derived from individuals of African descent. The amount of melanin produced by melanocytes varies greatly among different ethnic groups and may affect the ability of the melanocytes to combat melanoma.