Abstract: Objective To investigate the inhibition of melanoma cell lines by microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2). Methods The adenoviral vector of MAP-2 (Ad-MAP-2) was constructed, then transfected into the mouse invasive melanoma cell line, B16C29. The expression of MAP-2 on the transfected cells was detected by direct immunofluorescence. Electron microscopy and flow cytometry were used to analyze the microtubule morphology and apoptosis of melanoma cells, respectively. Results The transfection was highly efficient. After the transfection, long and thin dendrites were observed on the melanoma cells, which looked like the mature melanocytes. The microtubules increased and became longer and thicker, extending to the dendrites. Some microtubules gathered to form bundles. The proliferation speed of the cells reduced, and apoptosis was observed. Conclusion The expression of MAP-2 can induce the changes in the morphology and microtubules of melanoma cells, inhibit the growth and induce the apoptosis of these cells.

Key words: Microtubule-associated proteins, Melanoma,experimental, Apoptosis