Activin a inhibits growth and hexamethylene bisacetamide-induced differentiation in human retinoblastoma Y-79 cells
Zhang, Z.; Batres, Y.; Ying, S.Y.
Anticancer Research 16(1): 269-272
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 8615619 Document Number: 458752
Activin regulates the growth and differentiation of a variety of cells and is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family. Previously, we found that the retinoblastoma cell line Y-79 expresses both activins and activin receptors, suggesting that activin may have an autocrine function in these cells. In this study, the effects of exogeneous activin A on cultured Y-79 cells were examined. The results demonstrate that activin A inhibits hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) -induced Y-79 cell differentiation in both serum-containing and serum-free medium. Activin A also inhibits Y-79 cell growth in serum-containing medium but not in serum-free medium.