 The EWS/FLI-1 fusion gene is characteristic of most cases of Ewing's sarcoma and has been shown to be crucial for tumor transformation and cell growth.     ///    "Experiments using specific cell cycle blockers (thymidine and colcemide) suggest that EWS/FLI-1 is directly linked to bFGF stimulation, and not indirectly to cell proliferation. "    ///    A link between basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and EWS/FLI-1 in Ewing's sarcoma cells..     ///    "In this study we demonstrate a drastic down-regulation of the EWS/FLI-1 protein, and a growth arrest, following serum depletion of Ewing's sarcoma cells. "    ///    "Taken together, our data suggest that expression of FGFR is a common feature of Ewing's sarcoma and, in particular, that the bFGF pathway may be important for the maintenance of a malignant phenotype of Ewing's sarcoma cells through up-regulating the EWS/FLI-1 protein. "    ///    "In fact, upon treatment of serum-depleted cells with bFGF, expression of the EWS/FLI-1 protein and growth of the Ewing's sarcoma cells were restored. "    ///    "In addition, a bFGF-neutralizing antibody, which was confirmed to inhibit FGF receptor (FGFR) phosphorylation, caused down-regulation of EWS/FLI-1. "