Using Holographic Microscopy to Identify Morphological Differences Between Melanocytes and Melanoma Cells

Abstract

Despite current skin cancer research, the mechanisms underlying the progression of melanoma are not fully elucidated. Melanoma arises from the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, which produce melanin for skin and hair pigmentation. The behavior and morphology of melanoma cells, such as the BRAF-mutant SK-MEL-28 cells, could be visualized via holographic microscopy. It enables detailed visualization of cellular structures by recording a hologram produced by the interference of a reference and sample beams. This study employs digital holographic microscopy via the HoloMonitor M4 to delineate the morphological and behavioral differences between melanocytes and SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells. SK-MEL-28 cells exhibited greater variability in size and movement, more regular polygonal shapes, and higher optical thicknesses. This study has important implications for determining potential biomarkers to identify different cancerous states, allowing for more precise diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to treatment.