![]() ![]() The identification of a specific universal antigen associated with melanoma has remained elusive. ![]() The search for a molecular marker for melanoma cancer cells is pivotal for the development of modalities for the early detection and management of melanoma. ![]() Normal human epidermal melanocytes and keratinocytes were also shown to express melanotropin receptors by the same criteria established for melanoma cells. These results provide visual evidence that MSH receptors are a property common to melanoma cells. During these experiments, certain membrane receptor-hormone associated phenomena, such as capping (aggregation) of the receptor-ligand complex, also were observed. Binding interactions between melanoma cells and melanotropin-bound beads also could be abolished by prior incubation with unconjugated MSH analog. Treatment of these beads with DTT during or before incubation of the beads with melanoma cells (resulting in release of the MSH analog from the beads) eliminated binding of the beads to melanoma cells. Beads with a disulfide-linked melanotropin analog served as a direct control. Negative controls included cell types of nonmelanocyte origin (e.g., mammary cancer cells) and beads that lacked the melanotropic ligand or had other attached ligands. Specificity of binding was demonstrated by several studies. Binding of the melanotropin conjugates was not restricted to any one phase of the cell cycle. ![]() Each mouse and human melanoma cell (of all cell lines) evinced binding to the beads. Binding between the beads and mouse and human melanoma cells was examined by scanning electron microscopy and by light microscopy. Multiple copies of -α-MSH, a potent analog of α-MSH, were conjugated to microspheres (latex beads) or macrospheres (polyamide beads) through a thioether or disulfide bond. We developed two solid-phase reagent systems for microscopic visualization and characterization of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) receptors of melanoma cells. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |