Melanosomes are organelles that synthesize, store, and transport melanin. They are found in skin melanocytes, choroidal melanocytes, retinal pigment epithelial cells, and in melanophores of lower vertebrates. Melanosomes can produce melanin when human skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, after which they are transferred from melanocytes to nearby keratinocytes.

While melanosomes are vital for protecting the skin from UV radiation, how melanosomes move is not fully understood. Melanosomal marker antibodies can aid in the study of the structure and function of melanosomes. Melanosomal marker antibodies can also help elucidate the role or roles a protein may play in a number of tasks that are centered in or influenced by the melanosome. Invitrogen melanosomal marker antibodies are designed to dependably detect the key melanosomal targets. Each antibody is validated for use in various applications. Key melanosomal marker targets include:

Applications

Immunohistochemical staining using an anti-melanosome marker antibody

Immunohistochemical staining of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human melanoma. Specific detection was accomplished using a melanosome antibody (Cat. No. MA5-13232), a peroxidase-conjugate, and AEC chromogen. Note cytoplasmic staining of tumor cells.

Immunofluorescent analysis of TYRP1

Immunofluorescent analysis of TYRP1 in SK-MEL-30 cells using a TYRP1 polyclonal antibody (Cat. No. PA5-81909). The analysis shows localization to vesicles.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.