bFGF could modulate the anti-cancer effect of Cyclopamine and induce apoptosis in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells

Abstract Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer. The activity of the Sonic hedgehog pathway is increased in patients with colorectal cancer. bFGF and Cyclopamine could act as Shh pathway inhibitors. But, by considering the dual role of bFGF on the growth of cancer cells, this study aimed to evaluate the simultaneous effect of bFGF and Cyclopamine, on apoptosis in the HT-29 cell line. Cell viability was performed using MTT assay. The apoptosis rate was measured using Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry. Clonogenic assay was performed. The gene expression was investigated using Real-Time PCR method. The bFGF decreased the expression of apoptotic genes. But, the Cyclopamine increased the expression of apoptotic genes and decreased the colony formation ability. Simultaneous treatment with bFGF and Cyclopamine was associated with decreased expression of anti-apoptotic genes and decreased colony formation ability. Despite the anti-apoptotic effect of bFGF on cancer cells, it increased the anti-cancer effect of Cyclopamine, which can be due to the existence of a less-known signaling pathway between bFGF and Shh to inhibit growth, so it is important to investigate its exact mechanisms.