Exogenous hydrogen sulfide inhibits human melanoma cell development via suppression of the PI3K/AKT/ mTOR pathway.

BACKGROUND

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive, therapy-resistant skin cancers in the world. Hydrogen sulfide (HS), a newly discovered gasotransmitter, plays a crucial role in the progression and development of many types of cancers. However, the effect of HS on human skin melanoma remains to be elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the effect of exogenous HS on melanoma cells and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

In this study, human skin melanoma cell lines, including A375 and SK-MEL-28, were treated with a donor of HS (NaHS). CCK-8, scratch assay, flow cytometric analysis, western blotting and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to explore the effects of HS on cell behaviors.

RESULTS

Treatment with NaHS inhibited cell proliferation, migration and division, while it could induce cell apoptosis and autophagy in melanoma cell lines. Moreover, NaHS significantly decreased the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt and mTOR proteins. Furthermore, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), the activator of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, could reverse the cell behaviors caused by NaHS.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that exogenous hydrogen sulfide could inhibit human melanoma cell development via suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Hydrogen sulfide might serve as a potential therapeutic option for melanoma.