A CU research team led by Kasey L. Couts developed a human melanoma cell line containing a BRAF G596C mutation. The cell line, called MB3429, can be used be used for drug screening, basic science research, and biological assays. Importantly, the research team used this and other cell lines to investigate the role of BRAF and NRAS mutations in melanoma cell proliferation, 3D invasion, and response to therapeutic small molecules.
Turner JA, Bemis JGT, Bagby SM, et al. BRAF fusions identified in melanomas have variable treatment responses and phenotypes. Oncogene. 2019;38(8):1296-1308. doi: 10.1038/s41388-018-0514-7.