MV3

The MV3 cell line is a human melanoma model established from a metastatic lymph node of a male patient with amelanotic melanoma. This cell line is highly metastatic and tumorigenic, making it a key resource for studying melanoma progression and metastasis. MV3 cells exhibit significant invasive properties, supported by their robust ability to degrade extracellular matrix components. This capability is mediated through the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) pathway and its regulation by plasminogen activator inhibitors (PAI-1 and PAI-2). MV3 cells are characterized by their expression of metastasis-associated markers, such as integrins (e.g., VLA-2) and growth factor receptors, which are linked to their aggressive phenotype.

In xenograft models, MV3 cells demonstrate rapid tumor formation and a high frequency of spontaneous metastases, particularly to the lungs. These traits have been pivotal in preclinical research aimed at unraveling the mechanisms underlying melanoma dissemination and therapy resistance. MV3 tumors in nude mice retain histological features of the original patient-derived tumor, including high mitotic activity and limited pigmentation. The procoagulant properties of MV3 cells further contribute to their metastatic behavior, as they exhibit tissue factor activity and can directly activate prothrombin to thrombin, enhancing interactions with the tumor microenvironment.

MV3 has also been employed in studies focused on the role of cell surface molecules and their regulation in melanoma metastasis. For instance, the cell line expresses significant levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which are associated with enhanced metastatic potential. The model continues to be instrumental in evaluating targeted therapies and understanding the molecular drivers of melanoma malignancy.

37°C, 5% CO₂, humidified atmosphere.

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

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

Mycoplasma contamination is excluded using both PCR-based assays and luminescence-based mycoplasma detection methods.

To ensure there is no bacterial, fungal, or yeast contamination, cell cultures are subjected to daily visual inspections.

For long-term preservation, place vials in vapor-phase liquid nitrogen at about −150 to −196 °C. Storage at −80 °C is acceptable only as a short interim step before transfer to liquid nitrogen.

Cryopreserved cell lines are shipped on dry ice in validated, insulated packaging with sufficient refrigerant to maintain approximately −78 °C throughout transit. On receipt, inspect the container immediately and transfer vials without delay to appropriate storage.

At Cytion, we stand behind the quality and viability of our products. We guarantee that our cells will be viable at the start of culture for 60 days after shipment from our facilities. We assure that all materials conform to the specifications described in the Certificate of Analysis and/or Product Sheet.

For full details, please refer to our Warranty Statement.