Expression and role of phosphodiesterase 5 in human malignant melanoma cell line.

BACKGROUND Eleven phosphodiesterase (PDE) gene families (PDE1-11) have been identified, and some PDE isoforms are selectively expressed in various cell types. Previously, we reported PDE1, PDE3 and PDE4 expressions in human malignant melanoma cells. However, the expression and role of PDE5 in malignant melanoma cells is not clear. Therefore, we characterized PDE5 in human malignant melanoma MAA cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS PDE5 activity and PDE5A mRNA expression were investigated in MAA cells. The full open reading frames for human PDE5A1 were sequenced. Effects of PDE5 inhibitors on cell growth were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt (MTS) assays. RESULTS PDE5 activity and PDE5A1 mRNA expression were detected in MAA cells. The nucleotide sequence of PDE5A1 was identical to that of human PDE5A1, previously published. Two PDE5 inhibitors inhibited the growth of cells. CONCLUSION PDE5A1 mRNA is expressed and may play an important role in the growth of human malignant melanoma MAA cells.