Objective: To investigate the effect of all-trans retinoic acid on the proliferation of and Fas protein expression in malignant melanoma A375 cells in vitro.
Methods: Malignant melanoma A375 cells cultured under different doses of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and solvent controls. The effect of ATRA on cell proliferation was observed. The growth rate of the cells was detected by MTT assay. The Fas protein expression was detected by Western blotting.
Results: ATRA inhibited the proliferation of A375 cells under 1-100 micromol/L of concentrations. The peak effect occurred after 72 hours of ATRA treatment, ATRA inhibited the growth of A375 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. The level of Fas protein was up-regulated after exposure to 10 micromol/L of ATRA.
Conclusion: ATRA inhibits A375 cell proliferation perhaps through Fas death receptor pathway which induces A375 cell apoptosis.