Myc down-regulation induces apoptosis in M14 melanoma cells by increasing p27kip1 levels.

In recent years, increasing evidence indicated the importance of a deregulated c-myc gene in the melanoma pathogenesis. We have previously demonstrated that treatment of melanoma cells with c-myc antisense oligodeoxynucleotides can inhibit cell proliferation and activate apoptosis. To gain insight into the mechanisms activated by Myc down-regulation, we have now developed an experimental model that allows modulating Myc protein expression in melanoma cells. This was achieved by originating stable melanoma cell clones expressing ecdysone-inducible c-myc antisense RNA. We show that the induction of c-myc antisense RNA in M14 melanoma cells leads to an inhibition of cell proliferation characterized by accumulation of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle (up to 80%) and activation of apoptosis (50%). These data are associated with an increase of p27kip1 levels and a signi®cant reduction of the cdk2- associated kinase activity. In addition, we show that an ectopic overexpression of p27kip1 in this experimental model can enhance the apoptotic rate. Our results indicate that down-regulation of Myc protein induces a G1 arrest and activates apoptosis by increasing p27kip1 content in melanoma cells, that are known to be defective for the p16-cyclinD/cdk4-pRb G1 checkpoint. This is particularly relevant for identifying new therapeutic strategies based on the re-establishment of the apoptotic pathways in cancer cells.