Alternol inhibits the proliferation and induces the differentiation of the mouse melanoma B16F0 cell line.
High malignant potential and low susceptibility to treatment are characteristics of malignant melanoma. Alternol, a novel compound purified from microbial fermentation products obtained from the bark of the yew tree, exhibits a variety of antitumor activities. Based on these findings, the aim of the present study was to extend the knowledge on the antineoplastic effect of alternol in the mouse melanoma B16F0 cell line. Alternol significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of B16F0 cells in a dose-dependent manner as detected by MTT and soft agar colony formation assays. NaOH alkaline lysis and oxidation of Dopa indicated that alternol enhanced the melanin content and tyrosinase activity of the B16F0 cells and results also showed a dose‑response relationship. Morphologic changes accompanied by extended dendrites were discovered in the B16F0 cells after treatment with alternol. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of tyrosinase, Trp1 and Trp2 were increased by alternol. Our results confirmed that alternol possesses marked antineoplastic properties against melanoma cells, indicating that this microbial fermentation product is a promising agent for the differentiation therapy of cancer. The inhibition of cell proliferation and colony formation by alternol was associated with both cytotoxicity and induction of differentiation.
Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China.
Caixia
C
Wang
Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China.
Wenjuan
W
Xu
Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China.
Wenjin
W
Hao
Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China.
Bingsheng
B
Wang
Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China.
Qiusheng
Q
Zheng
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006576:Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism; D008546:Melanoma, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000378:metabolism; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism
C526095:Alternol; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006576:Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings; D008543:Melanins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C500290:peptide SVYDFFVWL; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase