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 melanoma cells. B16-F0 non-metastatic melanoma cells contained threefold more c-SRC activity and protein than NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts. Differentiation of B16-F1 metastatic melanoma cells with retinoic acid resulted in an elevation in c-SRC activity, protein and mRNA. The increase 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 B16 murine melanoma cells. These findings suggest a role for c-SRC in murine melanocyte differentiation or function.