Apoptosis Induction in Human Melanoma Cells by Inhibition of MEK Is Caspase-Independent and Mediated by the Bcl-2 Family Members PUMA, Bim, and Mcl-1

Abstract

Apoptosis of melanoma cells induced by the inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway is mediated by the up-regulation/activation of PUMA and Bim and down-regulation of Mcl-1. Release of AIF rather than the activation of caspases seems to be the mediator of apoptosis. Our results suggest that cotargeting Mcl-1 and the MEK/ERK pathway may further improve treatment results in melanoma.