The SK-MEL-1 cell line was established by Oettgen·F and colleagues from the thoracic duct of a 29-year-old Caucasian male patient with extensive, rapidly progressive malignant melanoma. SK-MEL-1 cells are capable of producing melanin. Electron microscopy studies revealed that the pigment granules in SK-MEL-1 cells are associated with both self-synthesis and phagocytosis. Antibodies against SK-MEL-1 cells have been detected in 63% of patients with malignant melanoma and in 10% of patients with other diseases.

Cell Name: Human melanoma cell line

Cell Synonyms: SK-MEL-1; SK-Mel-1; SK Mel 1; SK-Mel 1; SK-Mel1; SKMEL-1; SkMEL-1; SKMEL1; SK 1

Catalogue No.: TCH-C461
Species: Human
Tissue Origin: Malignant melanoma; skin; derived from metastatic site: lymphatic system
Disease Characteristics: —
Morphology: Spherical
Growth Properties: Suspension

Culture Medium: DMEM-H + 10% FBS+ 1% P/S
Matching Medium Catalog Number: TCH-G461
Passage Ratio: 1:2-1:4, with medium renewal every 2-3 days
Doubling Time: 24-48 h
Culture Conditions: Atmosphere: 95% air + 5% CO₂, Temperature: 37°C

FreezingConditions: 60% basal medium + 30% FBS + 10% DMSO, stored in liquid nitrogen

Recommended HyCyte® One-Step Cryopreservation Medium (ready-to-use, serum-free, no programmed cooling required), Product No.: GUCP-R201
Quality Control: Negative for bacteria, fungi, and mycoplasma detection

Precautions:

This cell line characteristically grows in suspended clusters, with some cells exhibiting slight adherence and forming web-like extensions that may detach upon gentle pipetting—this is a normal phenomenon. If this characteristic is undesirable, it is recommended to use culture vessels that have not undergone TC (tissue culture) treatment for cell cultivation.

When cell confluence is low, adherent behavior is more pronounced; as confluence increases, the number of adherent cells will decrease.