Beschreibung:
<jats:sec><jats:label /><jats:p>The uncontrolled cell proliferation is a remarkable feature of cancer and it is known to require a large amount of energy. PGC‐1α/β were described as co activators capable of promoting mitochondria biogenesis and increase its respiratory function. Our hypothesis is that PGC‐1α/β may be over expressed in melanoma cells, increasing its capability of proliferation. We cultured normal melanocytes (Ma) and two cancer lineages (Tm1 and Tm5) and mRNA expression of PGC‐1α/β and TFAM (Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A) were analyzed by RT‐PCR. Cell growth was determined by counting in Neubawer's chamber at every 24 hours, within 5 days, using Tripan Blue exclusion to check cell viability. PGC1α mRNA was increased in Tm1 and Tm5 compared to Ma (Ma=1,23±0,24 vs Tm1=2,67±0,23 vs Tm5=3,05±0,43, p<0,01). PGC‐1β (Ma=0,47±0,02 and Tm1=0,67±0,02 vs. Tm5=0,81±0,03, p<0,05) and TFAM (Ma=0,91±0,07 e Tm1=0,89±0,03 vs. Tm5=1,17±0,06, p<0,05) expression were increased only in Tm5. Cancer cells duplication time was 24 hours whereas Ma was duplicated at 72 hours and all lineages presented 95% to 100% viability during the experiment. In conclusion, exponential growth in cancer lineages may be related to increasing energy availability mediated by PGC‐1 α/β expression. Financial support: FAPESP and DIREX‐LIM.</jats:p></jats:sec>