Melanocytes are more responsive to IFN-γ and produce higher amounts of kynurenine than melanoma cells

Biol Chem. 2016 Jan;397(1):85-90. doi: 10.1515/hsz-2015-0173.

Abstract

A key link between amino acid catabolism and immune regulation in cancer is the augmented tryptophan (Trp) catabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP), a metabolic route induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and related to poor prognosis in melanomas. Besides its role in cancer, IFN-γ plays a key role in the control of pigmentation homeostasis. Here we measured KP metabolites in human melanoma lines and skin melanocytes and fibroblasts in response to IFN-γ. In general, IFN-γ affected KP in skin cells more than in melanoma cells, supporting IFN-γ roles in skin physiology and that of stromal cells in modulating the tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism*
  • Kynurenine / biosynthesis*
  • Melanocytes / metabolism*
  • Melanoma / metabolism*
  • Melanoma / pathology*

Substances

  • Kynurenine
  • Interferon-gamma