Imidazole inhibits B16 melanoma cell migration via degradation of β-catenin

Abstract

In the present study, we determined whether or not imidazole affects B16 murine melanoma cell migration to prevent melanoma metastasis. To determine the effects of imidazole on melanoma cell migration, B16 cells were treated with imidazole at various concentrations, and the migration was measured using a scratch migration assay. Imidazole did not exhibit cytotoxic effects on B16 cells at a concentration below 100 microm. The anti-migratory activity of imidazole was determined by the scratch migration assay. Our results showed that imidazole significantly inhibits B16 cell migration. It is known that the Wnt/beta-catenin signalling pathway regulates the progression of melanocytic tumours and determines the prognosis in cutaneous melanomas. Western blot analysis demonstrated that imidazole increases phosphorylation of beta-catenin and subsequent degradation of beta-catenin. Moreover, inhibition of melanoma cell migration by imidazole was restored by MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, via inhibition of beta-catenin degradation. Imidazole inhibits B16 cell migration through beta-catenin degradation, suggesting that imidazole is a potential candidate for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.