In an earlier study, we reported that an N-terminal proteolytic fragment ((1-95)IGFBP-3) corresponding to the first 95 residues of human insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) inhibits proliferation in a variety of fibroblasts, With a view to investigating its cytostatic capacity, in carcinoma cells. we transiently transfected MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells with an expression vector containing (1-95)IGFBP-3 cDNA. The transfected cells secreted a hyper-glycosylated form of (1-95)IGFBP-3. Twenty-four hours after transfection, cell morphology and viability were similar in control and (1-95)IGFBP-3-secreting cells. However, after 48 h, (1-95)IGFBP-3-secreting cells were apoptotic, with marked cytoplasmic vacuolation and increased free histories in the cytoplasm. Culture media conditioned by (1-95)IGFBP-3-secreting cells also induced morphological changes and apoptosis in wild-type MCF-7 cells. indicating that (1-95)IGFBP-3 was responsible for the effects observed. These results provide further evidence that the N-terminal proteolytic fragment of IGFBP-3 has a functional role. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.