Background: Canine melanoma is the most common type of tumor in dogs. We investigated the effects of canine interferon-beta (cIFN-β)-overexpressing adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cATMSCs) on apoptosis and proliferation of canine melanoma cells.
Materials and methods: Expression of IFN-β in cATMSCs was confirmed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Flow cytometry was performed for cell-cycle analysis and apoptotic cell quantification of LMeC (melanoma) cells. Protein expression of cyclin D1, procaspase-3, activated caspase-3, and Bcl-2 homologous antagonist killer (Bak) was evaluated by western blot analysis.
Results: Decreased proportions of cells in S- and G0/G1 phases were observed in parallel with decreased cyclin D1 expression in LMeC cells treated with cIFN-β-cATMSC-conditioned media. Protein expression of active forms of caspase 3 and Bak increased in response to treatment with cIFN-β-cATMSC-conditioned media.
Conclusion: IFN-β overexpression by cATMSCs was associated with pro-apoptotic and growth-inhibitory effects on canine melanoma cells. The antitumor effects of these cells have therapeutic potential for the treatment of canine melanoma.
Keywords: Melanoma; apoptosis; cell cycle; interferon β; mesenchymal stem cells.
Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.