The melanocyte is a neural crest-derived cell that localizes in humans to several organs including the epidermis, eye, inner ear and leptomeninges. The failure of melanocytes to migrate to these locations explains the association of congenital white spotting of the skin (piebaldism) with heterochromia (the juxtaposition of different colors) in the iris as well as congenital deafness in Waardenburg syndrome. In the skin, melanocytes synthesize and transfer melanin pigments to surrounding keratinocytes, leading to skin pigmentation and protection against solar exposure. Recent progress in basic cell-culture technology, along with an improved understanding of culture requirements, has led to the success in culturing of this special cell type in pure population and the discovery of a novel melanocyte-specific gene, msg1, which encodes a nuclear protein and is associated with pigmentation.HEM from AcceGen Research Laboratories are isolated from neonate human epidermis. HEM are cryopreserved on passage one culture and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5×10^5 cells in 1 ml volume. HEM are characterized by immunofluorescent method with antibodies to fibronectin and NGF-receptor (p75). HEM are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HEM are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings in the condition provided by AcceGen Research Laboratories.

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