ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the radiosensitizing effect and underlying mechanism of STING agonist (c-di-AMP) on cutaneous melanoma cells.Methods:Human cutaneous melanoma cells (A375) were divided into four groups: the control group, 10 μmol/L c-di-AMP group, X-ray irradiation group and X-ray irradiation combined with c-di-AMP group. The radiosensitizing effect of c-di-AMP on A375 cells was detected by CCK-8-based viability assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, flow cytometry-based apoptosis assay, and colony formation assay. Western blot analysis was used to determine the expressions of cell death-related proteins.Results:In combination with 10 Gy X-ray irradiation, 10 μmol/L c-di-AMP showed significant radiosensitization effect in A375 cells, which was evidenced by decreased cell activity ( t=5.11, P<0.05), increased cytotoxicity ( t=10.15, P<0.05) and cell apoptosis ( t=4.41, P<0.05) and reduced clone viability( t=6.30, 3.55, 5.45, 3.55, P<0.05). The calculated radiosensitization ratio of c-di-AMP to A375 cells was 1.88. Moreover, 10 μmol/L c-di-AMP further increased the expressions of cell death-related proteins induced by radiation in A375 cells. Conclusions:The STING agonist c-di-AMP can be used as a radiosensitizer for cutaneous melanoma, which may provide a novel strategy for radiotherapy.