SK-MEL-2

A metastatic melanoma cell line derived from a lesion of a melanoma patient. The cells are of melanocytic origin, and display characteristics of aggressive melanoma, including high motility, invasive potential, and marked phenotypic heterogeneity. SK-MEL-2 is epithelial-like in morphology and adherent, with some variable pigmentation (due to the presence of functional melanosomes and melanocytic differentiation dynamics).

The cells carry an activating NRAS Q61R mutation that confers constitutive MAPK and PI3K signaling. The cells do not have the BRAF V600E mutation, as is the case for many other melanoma models. This makes SK-MEL-2 a useful system to study the biology and drug sensitivity of NRAS-mutant melanoma. The line is positive for the melanocytic markers S100, HMB-45, MITF, and MART-1, and retains lineage specificity while displaying transcriptional plasticity associated with metastatic potential.

The line exhibits a strong response to stress signals, inflammatory stimuli, and targeted inhibitors. SK-MEL-2 is broadly used for the study of tumor progression and metastatic regulation, drug resistance, and tumor-microenvironment dynamics. The molecular profile and aggressive phenotype are useful for preclinical testing of MEK/ERK inhibitors, combination therapy, and immunomodulatory compounds, as well as for studies of immune evasion mechanisms.