Cyclic AMP blocks expression of the c-sis gene in tumor cells.

Some human tumor cell lines express the c-sis gene, the proto-oncogene of the transforming gene v-sis, and produce platelet-derived growth factor, which may contribute to carcinogenesis by autocrine or paracrine mechanisms. Here we demonstrate that c-sis expression in some human glioma and osteosarcoma cell lines can be blocked by agents that increase cellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Forskolin, 8-bromocyclic AMP, cholera toxin, and prostaglandin E1 reduced c-sis mRNA in these cells by up to 90%. c-sis transcription rates were reduced by agents that increase cAMP; the stability of c-sis mRNA was unaffected. The possible therapeutic value of blocking the expression of tumor growth factor genes pharmacologically warrants further study.