Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Blockade Leads to Distinct Cellular Responses in Melanoma B16 Cells

Although bFGF is highly expressed in the melanoma tissues, its specific role in melanoma progression is still not completely clarified. Here, we investigated the consequent cellular responses in melanoma B16 cells after bFGF blocking by using a neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb). Results showed that bFGF mAb concentration dependent inhibited tumor cell growth. Meanwhile, cell viability suppression was accompanied by reduced levels of proangiogenic factors in low-concentration bFGF mAb-treated cancer cells and increased levels of proangiogenic factors in high-concentration bFGF mAb-treated cells. Furthermore, low-concentration bFGF mAb induced autophagy but not apoptosis; conversely, high-concentration bFGF mAb led to activation of autophagy and apoptosis. Finally, we found that different degrees of bFGF blockade-induced autophagy play distinct roles in promoting cell survival and cell death. Our findings revealed different adaptive responses to bFGF blockade in melanoma cells, which should be taken seriously when developing bFGF-targeting agents for melanoma treatment.