University of Wrocław

Metalloproteases (MMPs) are secreted by many cells, including malignant melanoma. MMP-mediated cleavage of extracellular matrix components leads to the increased invasive potential of these cells. Gelatin zymography, presented here, is a quantifying method for studying gelatinase activity manifested as a digested gelatin area on a polyacrylamide gel.

A protocol is described for isolating stably transfected melanoma cell clones using glass cylinders. We focus on practical advice that may be decisive for the success of the entire procedure.