Open AccessHuman melanoma cells have both nerve growth factor and nerve growth factor-specific receptors on their cell surfaces.
Author(s) -
Stephen A. Sherwin,
Ann Sliski,
George J. Todaro
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.76.3.1288
Subject(s) - nerve growth factor , melanoma , receptor , endocrinology , biology , cell culture , cell surface receptor , medicine , growth factor , antibody , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , cancer research , immunology , genetics
Human melanoma cells were examined in an indirect membrane immunofluorescence assay for surface nerve growth factor (NGF) and NGF receptors. This assay revealed that human melanoma cells have various levels of NGF and NGF receptors on the plasma membrane, whereas a variety of human sarcoma and carcinoma tumor cells and normal human fibroblasts are negative. Surface NGF could be detected on melanoma cells with a rabbit antiserum directed to NGF at titers as high as 1:64; prior adsorption of this antibody with mouse 2.5S NGF resulted in a loss of fluorescence. The melanoma cells were positive whether or not they were grown in the presence of fetal calf serum. NGF production by human melanomas is a previously unrecognized property of this differentiated cell type. Although other cells in culture have been shown to produce NGF, the association of NGF production with the presence of NGF receptors on the cell surface is rare among tumor cells, and may represent an opportunity for "autostimulation" of melanoma cells by this growth factor.