Inhibition of Proliferation of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by a bFGF Antagonist Peptide

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is up-regulated in NSCLC patients and plays an important role in tumor growth. In this paper, we attempt to evaluate the therapeutic potential of bFGF binding peptide (named as P7) using as a potent bFGF antagonist via exploration of its anti-proliferation effect on NSCLC cells. Our experiments showed that P7 peptide inhibited bFGF-stimulated proliferation of NSCLC cell lines including A549, H1299, and H460. The inhibitory mechanism of P7 involved cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1phase caused by suppression of cyclin D1, blockage of the activation of Erk1/2, P38, Akt, and inhibition of bFGF internalization. Strategies using bFGF antagonist peptides with potent anti-proliferation property may have therapeutic potential in NSCLC.