DIFFERENTIATION OF B16 MURINE MELANOMA-CELLS IS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED LEVEL OF C-SRC

Elevated levels of c-SRC activity have been found in human melanocytes and some human melanoma cell lines. We examined c-SRC in B16 murine m elanoma cells. B16-F0 non-metastatic melanoma cells contained threefol d more c-SRC activity and protein than NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts. Dif ferentiation of B16-F1 metastatic melanoma cells with retinoic acid re sulted in an elevation in c-SRC activity, protein and mRNA. The increa se in c-SRC was detectable after about 48 h of retinoic acid treatment , as were changes in cellular morphology and growth rate. Thus, there is a correlation between differentiation and expression of c-SRC in B1 6 murine melanoma cells. These findings suggest a role for c-SRC in mu rine melanocyte differentiation or function.