L-138 Cells

The L-138 cell line, also known by its original designation M138, is a melanoma cell line derived from cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer originating from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. This cell line has been crucial in understanding the surface antigens involved in melanoma and melanocyte differentiation. The L-138 cells are characterized by their expression of specific antigens that define subsets of melanoma, contributing to the classification and differentiation studies of melanoma types based on antigenic profiles.


L-138 cells exhibit unique surface antigens, including the M-24 antigen, identified through monoclonal antibodies. These antigens have been analyzed serologically, revealing that the L-138 cell line expresses antigens detectable by several monoclonal antibodies specific to melanoma. These include the HLA-A, B, C antigens and β2-microglobulin, which are highly reactive in most melanoma cell lines, providing insights into the immune recognition and classification of melanoma cells​ :citation[oaicite:0]{index=0}​ .


Moreover, the L-138 cell line has been utilized in tyrosinase activity assays, an enzyme crucial for melanin synthesis. The tyrosinase activity in L-138 cells was measured using radiolabeled tyrosine, demonstrating the functional properties of melanoma cells in pigment production. This activity is compared against non-pigmented renal cancer cells, showcasing the distinct enzymatic activity in melanoma. Such studies help elucidate the metabolic pathways and potential therapeutic targets in melanoma treatment .

Suspension

BALB/c

1

Supplement the medium with 10% FBS

2 to 3 times per week

Confirm that the vial remains deeply frozen upon delivery, as cells are shipped on dry ice to maintain optimal temperatures during transit.

Upon receipt, either store the cryovial immediately at temperatures below -150° C to ensure the preservation of cellular integrity, or proceed to step 3 if immediate culturing is required.

For immediate culturing, swiftly thaw the vial by immersing it in a 37° C water bath with clean water and an antimicrobial agent, agitating gently for 40-60 seconds until a small ice clump remains.

Perform all subsequent steps under sterile conditions in a flow hood, disinfecting the cryovial with 70% ethanol before opening.

Carefully open the disinfected vial and transfer the cell suspension into a 15 ml centrifuge tube containing 8 ml of room-temperature culture medium, mixing gently.

Centrifuge the mixture at 300 x g for 3 minutes to separate the cells and carefully discard the supernatant containing residual freezing medium.

Gently resuspend the cell pellet in 10 ml of fresh culture medium. For adherent cells, divide the suspension between two T25 culture flasks; for suspension cultures, transfer all the medium into one T25 flask to promote effective cell interaction and growth.

Adhere to established subculture protocols for continued growth and maintenance of the cell line, ensuring reliable experimental outcomes.

When planning to store a cryovial in liquid nitrogen for future thawing, it is mandatory to adhere to stringent safety measures. Appropriate protective gloves and clothing are essential, and the use of a face mask or safety goggles is required during the transfer of frozen samples to or from the liquid nitrogen tank. This is to mitigate the risk of injury from potential cryovial explosions upon removal, which can result in the projection of sharp fragments.

We stand by the promise of delivering products with high cell viability and robust culture performance. To achieve the best results, please make sure you follow the storage and culture instructions detailed in the product information sheet closely. Your adherence to these guidelines is key to success.