Expression of mTOR/70S6K Signaling Pathway in Melanoma Cancer Cells and the Effects of Dacarbazine and Metformin

Abstract

Background: Melanoma, also known as malignant melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Melanomas typically occur in the skin but may rarely occur in the mouth, intestines or, eye. The study aimed to examine the expression of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/70S6K signaling pathway in melanoma cancer. Methods: The B16F10 cell line treated with dacarbazine IC50 and different concentrations of metformin (0.5, 2, and 8 mM) for 24 hr and mTOR and 70S6k proteins expression was examined by western blotting. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Results: Western blot analysis showed that after different concentra¬tions of metformin and dacarbazine treatments, the mTOR and 70S6K protein expression significantly (P<0.05) decreased. Conclusion: Metformin-induced repression of mTOR/70S6k axis activity disrupts B16F10 growth. Thus, we believe that combination therapy may be a suitable potential therapeutic target for melanoma cancer.