Up-regulation of a novel mRNA (NY-CO-1) involved in the methyl 4-methoxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenoyl) benzoate (VT1)-induced proliferation arrest of a non-small-cell lung carcinoma cell line (NSCLC-N6)

It is now well known that treatment of tumors, especially non-small-cell lu ng cancer (NSCLC), remains limited and it is urgent to develop strategies t hat target tumor cells and their genetic features. In this regard, our work is about genetic modifications arising in an in vitro NSCLC cell line afte r treatment with a chemical substance, methyl 4-methoxy-3-(3-methyl-2-buten oyl) benzoate (VT1). First, we showed that VT1 induces arrest of proliferat ion by blocking cells in the GI phase of the cell cycle. Second, we use "di fferential display" strategy to clarify the genetic mechanisms involved in this proliferation arrest. A novel mRNA, NY-CO-1 (New-York Colon 1), of unk nown function showed up-regulated expression after treatment. Application o f "antisense" strategy confirmed this novel mRNA induction was effectively linked to growth arrest. Therefore, these data provide new information abou t mechanisms participating in arrest of proliferation of tumor cells and op en new ways of treatment to target tumor growth. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss. Inc.