CD114 expression mediates melanoma tumor cell growth and treatment resistance

Background/Aim: Melanoma tumor cell subpopulations expressing a variety of specific molecular markers have been identified. We hypothesized that expression of CD114, the cell surface receptor for granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), would be associated with melanoma tumor cell growth and response to treatment. Materials and Methods: We determined the expression of CD114 expression in tumor cell lines by flow cytometry. We separated melanoma tumor cells into CD114-positive and -negative populations by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and measured cell growth and responses to temozolomide and etoposide and the anticancer agent nifurtimox. Results: All tested cell lines demonstrated a subpopulation of cells with CD114 surface expression. CD114-positive sub-populations grew faster than CD114-negative ones and demonstrated resistance to temozolomide, etoposide, and nifurtimox. Conclusion: CD114 expression defines a subpopulation of melanoma tumor cells with altered growth and resistance to treatment. Further studies on the role of CD114 in melanoma pathogenesis are warranted.