Objectives: In the present study, we determined whether or not imidazole affects B16 murine melanoma cell migration to prevent melanoma metastasis.
Methods: 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.
Key findings: 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.
Conclusions: Imidazole inhibits B16 cell migration through beta-catenin degradation, suggesting that imidazole is a potential candidate for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.