Epidermal melanocytes represent 5-10% of the cells in the epidermis.Located in the stratum basale with extensions to the suprabasal layers, they are specialized in the production of melanin. This protein is responsible for the pigmentation of the skin, hair and eyes and exerts a protective effect on adjacent cells by shielding them from the harmful effects of UV radiation. AcceGen Biotech offers a range of Normal Human Epidermal Melanocytes (NHEM) produced at AcceGen Biotech's cell culture facility from Donors with lightly, moderately and darkly pigmented skin (detailed pigmentation-related Donorinformation available on request).The cells are isolated from juvenile foreskin or adult skin from different locations, e.g. face, breast, abdomen and thighs, using either the serum free,PMA (Phorbol Myristate Acetate) containing Melanocyte Growth Medium or the unique serum-free and PMA-free Melanocyte Growth Medium M2. Since PMA is a tumor-promoting mitogen, which can interfere with experimental approaches, we recommend using Melanocytes isolated in Melanocyte Growth Medium M2 and also using this medium for cultivation.Shortly after isolation, all AcceGen Biotech Normal Human Epidermal Melanocytes are cryopreserved at passage 2 (P2) using AcceGen Biotech's proprietary, serum-free freezing medium, Cryo-SFM. Each cryo vial contains more than 500,000 viable cells after thawing.Proliferating cell cultures are made from 500,000 cryopreserved cells that have been thawed and cultured for three days at AcceGen Biotech.