Figure 3

MMP inhibition results in strongly reduced proliferation of melan-a Hm cells. A: Hm cells were starved for two days in presence of 1.5% dialyzed FCS and were then stimulated by the addition of 100 ng/ml EGF, either in absence or presence of the MMP inhibitor mix containing MMP inhibitors MMPI 9/13 and Ilomastat. The number of cells per well after ten days of treatment is indicated. *: p < 0.05; **: p < 0.0001. B: Starved Hm cells were stimulated with EGF in absence or presence of Ilomastat, MMP9/13 inhibitor or a combination of both. Cell proliferation was measured after 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days. C: Cells were starved as above and were incubated with EGF in absence or presence of the MMP inhibitor 9/13. Their cell cycle state was monitored after 16, 20 and 24 h. The first accumulation of cells into S-phase is seen after 20 h. The assay was performed three times, and a representative example is shown.