IFN-gamma induces cell growth inhibition by Fas-mediated apoptosis: requirement of STAT1 protein for up-regulation of Fas and FasL expression

Cancer Res. 1998 Jul 1;58(13):2832-7.

Abstract

The mechanism by which IFN-gamma inhibits tumor cell growth has not been fully understood. Here we report that IFN-gamma up-regulated the expression of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) on HT29 cells, a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, and subsequently induced apoptosis of these cells. The kinetics of cell death in IFN-gamma-treated HT29 cells paralleled the increase in the levels of Fas and FasL expression. We further show that IFN-gamma up-regulated the expression of Fas and FasL in STAT1-transfected U3A cells but not in STAT1-deficient U3A cells. Correspondingly, IFN-gamma induced cell death in STAT1-transfected U3A cells but not in STAT1-deficient U3A cells. IFN-gamma-induced cell death was inhibited by caspase-1 inhibitors. Our results suggest that cell growth inhibition by IFN-gamma is due to apoptosis mediated by Fas and FasL interaction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Apoptosis / physiology*
  • Caspase 1
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases / drug effects
  • DNA Fragmentation
  • DNA, Neoplasm / drug effects
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / pharmacology
  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / pharmacology
  • HT29 Cells / drug effects
  • HT29 Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / pharmacology*
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / metabolism
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / pharmacology
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor
  • Trans-Activators / genetics
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism*
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / pharmacology
  • Up-Regulation
  • fas Receptor / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • FASLG protein, human
  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
  • STAT1 Transcription Factor
  • STAT1 protein, human
  • Trans-Activators
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • fas Receptor
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Cysteine Endopeptidases
  • Caspase 1