Abstract: Objective: To determine the effect of c-kit gene on the proliferation and apoptosis of A375 cells. Methods: Human malignant melanoma A375 cells were cultured and divided into the group A (adenovirous vector group), group B (vacant adenovirous vector group) and group C (blank control group). The expression level of c-kit mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. The differentiation and morphology of the cells were observed under the inverted microscope. The proliferation ability and apoptosis of A375 cells were detected by MTT and Annexin V-FITC/PI. Results: There was more shrinking and splinter cells in group A than those in group B and C. The c-kit cDNA 230bp was detected in group A but not in group B and C. The proliferation ability of A375 cells in group A was lower than those in group B and C, with a significant difference (P＜0.005). The apoptosis rate of A375 cells in the group A was higher than that in the group B and C (P＜0.05). Conclusion: The proliferation ability of A375 cells is inhibited and apoptosis is induced after transfected by c-kit gene.

Key words: malignant melanoma, metastasis, A375 cells, apoptosis