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PubMed1993

Fibroblast growth factor increases TNF alpha-mediated prostaglandin E2 production and TNF alpha receptor expression in human fibroblasts.

To examine the possible role of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in regulating the effects of TNF alpha, we tested the effect of FGF on TNF alpha-mediated PGE2 production and TNF alpha receptor expression in human fibroblasts. We found that, while FGF alone had no effect on PGE2 production, it enhanced the amount of PGE2 produced in response to TNF alpha between 3 and 11-fold. FGF stimulated TNF alpha-induced PGE2 production independent of potential TNF alpha-mediated IL-1 production, as neither anti-IL-1 mAbs nor IL-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) inhibited TNF alpha induced-PGE2 production or the stimulatory effect of FGF. A one minute exposure of cells to FGF prior to removal was sufficient to significantly enhance TNF alpha-induced PGE2 production; the maximal FGF effect was reached after a 6 h preincubation. We also found that FGF significantly enhanced TNF alpha receptor expression. Untreated fibroblasts expressed approximately 3,900 receptors/cell, while cells treated with FGF for 6 h expressed approximately 9,500 receptors/cell, a 2.4-fold increase in receptor number; there was no apparent change in affinity for TNF alpha (Kd 3.8 x 10(-11) M). The FGF-mediated increase in TNF alpha receptor expression and TNF alpha-mediated PGE2 production could be abolished by FGF mAbs, indicating a specific FGF effect. These results show that FGF increases TNF alpha receptor expression and suggest that this may account, at least in part, for the ability of FGF to enhance TNF alpha-mediated PGE2 production in human fibroblasts.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1993

Autonomous migration of human fetal skin fibroblasts into a denuded area in a cell monolayer is mediated by basic fibroblast growth factor and collagen.

Human fetal skin fibroblasts (TIG-3S) were found to migrate into a denuded area in a cell monolayer when cultured in both serum-depleted and serum-supplemented media, unlike adult-donor skin fibroblasts which migrated well only when cultured in serum-supplemented medium. Therefore, a series of experiments was carried out to determine whether autocrine factors are involved in their migration. The migration of TIG-3S cells in serum-depleted medium was suppressed by the addition of suramin, a factor with growth factor antagonist properties, which suggests that growth factors are important for cell migration. The suramin-induced inhibition was reversed completely by adding excess basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to the culture medium and partially by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Treatment with neutralizing anti-PDGF antibody did not suppress TIG-3S cell migration, whereas neutralizing anti-bFGF antibody did, which indicates that bFGF is an autocrine and PDGF a paracrine factor involved in cell migration. Next, an experiment was performed to ascertain whether the extracellular matrix is involved in TIG-3S cell migration. Monensin, an inhibitor of extracellular matrix secretion, inhibited cell migration, which was reversed by adding excess type I collagen, but not excess plasma fibronectin. In addition, further evidence for the involvement of collagen was provided by the observation that ethyl-3,4-dihydroxybenzoate, a specific inhibitor of collagen synthesis, suppressed cell migration. These results suggest that the autonomous migration of TIG-3S human fetal skin fibroblasts is mediated by bFGF and type I collagen, which they produce and secrete.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed1984

Characterization of the growth responses of hamster fibroblasts and chondrogenic cells to fibroblast growth factor.

The effects of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on hamster dermal fibroblasts and chondrogenic cells, both of mesodermal origin, were compared with special reference to growth stimulation and morphological changes in monolayer cultures, and colony formation in semisolid medium. FGF (10 to 200 ng/ml) caused appreciable cell proliferation of dermal fibroblasts but not of chondrogenic cells, while FGF (50-200 ng/ml) caused very marked dose-dependent morphological changes in monolayer cultures and colony formation in semisolid medium of both fibroblasts and chondrogenic cells. It is suggested that FGF is the same type of growth factor as the transforming growth factor(s) because, like the latter, it induces drastic morphological changes of normal mesodermal cells in monolayer cultures and their colony formation in semisolid medium.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Up-regulation of putative hyaluronan synthase mRNA by basic fibroblast growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-1 in human skin fibroblasts.

Recently, cDNAs for the three putative human hyaluronan synthase (HAS) genes, HAS1, HAS2 and HAS3, have been cloned. In this study we investigated the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on the expression of HAS genes in cultured skin fibroblasts. Northern blot analyses showed that treatment of fibroblasts with bFGF enhanced the mRNA levels of all three genes. HAS2 gene expression showed the strongest up-regulation with a more than 10-fold increase at 50 ng/ml of bFGF. bFGF also increased hyaluronan production. Incubation of fibroblasts with IGF-1 increased HAS1, HAS2, and HAS3 mRNA levels, as well as hyaluronan production. Our results suggest that up-regulation of the HAS genes by bFGF and IGF-1 is closely associated with the stimulation of hyaluronan synthesis, and that effects of growth factors on HAS gene expression may have important implications for tissue remodeling, such as in development and wound healing.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2002

Phorbol esters inhibit fibroblast growth factor-2-stimulated fibroblast proliferation by a p38 MAP kinase dependent pathway.

Treatment of fibroblasts with the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA), specifically inhibits fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) induced proliferation. TPA treatment has little or no effect on FGF receptor activation but specifically inhibits the activation of p38 MAPK but not other downstream signaling pathways implicated in cell proliferation. p38 MAPK was recently shown to be required for the FGF-2-stimulated proliferation of fibroblasts. The effect of TPA on both p38 MAPK activation and cell proliferation can be reversed by treatment with the PKC inhibitor Go6983. The TPA-mediated inhibition of p38 MAPK activation requires phosphatase activity and is at least partially mediated by ERKs since it is reduced by treatment with the MEK inhibitor PD98059. In contrast, the FGF-2-stimulated differentiation of PC12 cells, which express the same FGF receptor as Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts, is not affected by TPA treatment, consistent with a lack of involvement of p38 MAPK activity in this process. These data indicate that the effects of TPA treatment on cellular function are not only cell type but also stimulus specific and are dependent upon the distinct pathways activated downstream of each stimulus.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1992

The effects of basic fibroblast growth factor and doxorubicin on cultured human skin fibroblasts: relevance to wound healing.

The effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and doxorubicin on cultured human skin fibroblasts were examined in order to determine their relevance to wound healing. bFGF is shown to stimulate fibroblast collagenase production per cell, and this effect in vitro seems to be one explanation for its efficacy in wound healing. Doxorubicin inhibited not only fibroblast proliferation but also collagen production by inactivating prolyl hydroxylase. This result may explain the reduced wound healing in patients undergoing treatment with doxorubicin. These studies indicate the importance of assessing the effects of growth factors on matrix metabolism in order to understand their roles in wound healing.

Cell Division↗
PubMed2005

Tumor immunotherapy targeting fibroblast activation protein, a product expressed in tumor-associated fibroblasts.

Murine studies have shown that immunologic targeting of the tumor vasculature, a key element of the tumor stroma, can lead to protective immunity in the absence of significant pathology. In the current study, we expand the scope of stroma-targeted immunotherapy to antigens expressed in tumor-associated fibroblasts, the predominant component of the stroma in most types of cancer. Mice were immunized against fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a product up-regulated in tumor-associated fibroblasts, using dendritic cells transfected with FAP mRNA. Using melanoma, carcinoma, and lymphoma models, we show that tumor growth was inhibited in tumor-bearing mice vaccinated against FAP and that the magnitude of the antitumor response was comparable to that of vaccination against tumor cell-expressed antigens. Both s.c. implanted tumors and lung metastases were susceptible to anti-FAP immunotherapy. The antitumor response could be further enhanced by augmenting the CD4+ T-cell arm of the anti-FAP immune response, achieved by using a lysosomal targeting sequence to redirect the translated FAP product into the class II presentation pathway, or by covaccination against FAP and a tumor cell-expressed antigen, tyrosinase-related protein 2. No morbidity or mortality was associated with anti-FAP vaccination except for a small delay in wound healing. The study suggests that FAP, a product which is preferentially expressed in tumor-associated fibroblasts, could function as a tumor rejection antigen in a broad range of cancers.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Glucose and prednisolone alter basic fibroblast growth factor expression in peritoneal mesothelial cells and fibroblasts.

The mechanism of peritoneal fibrosis in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is poorly understood. The production of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) by human peritoneal mesothelial cells cultured in high glucose medium was investigated, and the behavior of peritoneal fibroblasts, as well as the inhibitory effect of prednisolone, was assessed. Reverse transcriptase-PCR and immunocytochemistry showed the expression of glucocorticoid receptors in mesothelial cells. The semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR showed that high glucose medium (4.0%) increased bFGF mRNA by 2.5-fold relative to control medium (0.1% glucose), with 83% suppression of the increase by 1 microM prednisolone. The bFGF protein level in culture supernatant was also increased by 1.5-fold in high glucose medium, with this change showing 45% suppression by 1 microM prednisolone. These effects of prednisolone were prevented by a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (RU486) in a concentration-dependent manner. The proliferation of peritoneal fibroblasts was increased 1.9-fold by the supernatant of mesothelial cells cultured in high glucose medium, with 85% suppression by 1 microM prednisolone and suppression to 16% below basal proliferation by an anti-bFGF neutralizing antibody (10 microg/ml), whereas proliferation showed a concentration-dependent increase on addition of an anti-transforming growth factor beta-neutralizing antibody. Recombinant bFGF (50 to 1000 pg/ml) likewise caused a concentration-dependent increase of peritoneal fibroblast proliferation and fibronectin release by these cells was also increased (at 50 to 5000 pg/ml). These results suggest the potential importance of bFGF for initiation of peritoneal fibrosis and the possible efficacy of glucocorticoids for preventing such fibrosis in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis.

Cell Division↗
PubMed1994

A comparison of the effect of epidermal growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor on rat periodontal ligament fibroblast-like cells' DNA synthesis and morphology.

An enhanced formation of bone, dentin, and collagen fibers in periodontal wounds after application of polypeptide growth factors has recently been reported. However, the complex environment in vivo makes it impossible to determine the specific effects of growth factors on various cells involved in the wound-healing process. We have therefore investigated the mitogenic and morphogenic effects of recombinant epidermal growth factor (rEGF), natural platelet-derived growth factor (nPDGF), and natural fibroblast growth factor (nFGF) on periodontal ligament fibroblast-like cells. A cell line was established from rat PDL tissue. The cell line was characterized according to morphology, growth pattern, cytoskeletal proteins, and growth kinetics. The mitogenic effect of growth factors was assessed by incorporation of [3H]thymidine in the cellular DNA for 4 hours. Differences between groups of observations were assessed by the Student t-test. The morphogenic effects of growth factors were described with respect to growth pattern, cell orientation, and cell and nucleus form after a random photographic recording. The fibroblast-like cell type and the non-transformed phenotype of the cell line have been identified by the presence of parameters considered to be characteristic of a normal fibroblast-like cell line. The morphogenic analysis of both experimental and control cultures showed a monolayer of adherent cells with spindle or stellate morphology, a random alignment and round or elongated nuclei. Incorporation of [3H]-thymidine was increased in a dose-dependent manner by all growth factors. Maximal effect on the DNA synthesis was: rEGF, 131%; nPDGF, 274%; and nFGF, 182%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Suppression of TGF-beta signaling in both normal conjunctival fibroblasts and pterygial body fibroblasts by amniotic membrane.

PURPOSE: When used as an alternative substrate following bare sclera removal of pterygium and other ocular surface diseases, amniotic membrane transplantation can reduce scarring on the reconstructed conjunctival surface. This study was carried out to determine if the amniotic membrane (AM) suppresses the expression of the TGFb signaling system in cultured normal conjunctival (HCF) and pterygial body fibroblasts (PBF). METHODS: HCF and PBF were cultured on AM and plastic wells in serum-containing and serum-free DMEM with or without TGF-beta1. Total RNA was extracted and subjected to Northern hybridization with probes of TGF-beta1, b2 and b3; TGF-beta receptors (TGF- beta R) type I, II and III; a-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SM), b1-integrin, CD44, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGF-R1/ flg) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor b (PDGFR-beta); and GAPDH as a loading control. MTT assay was used for cell proliferation. RESULTS: Amniotic membrane markedly suppressed the transcript expression of TGF-beta2, b3 and all three types of TGF-beta receptors by both fibroblasts as compared to their cultures on plastic surface. In addition, expression of CD44 transcript was also markedly suppressed while that of b1 integrin, a-SM actin, and FGFR1/flg was mildly suppressed. In contrast, expression of TGF-beta1 and PDGFR-beta remained largely unchanged. The cell proliferation of HCF and PBF grown on AM was also significantly suppressed. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane matrix uniquely suppresses TGF- beta signaling in both types of fibroblasts. It may also suppress signaling via CD44, b1 integrin and FGFR1/flg. As a result, the phenotype may become less mitogenic, contractile and fibrogenic. These data support in part why amniotic membrane transplantation has an anti-scarring effect for conjunctival surface reconstruction.

Actins↗
PubMed1992

Characterization of [125I]acidic fibroblast growth factor binding to the cloned human fibroblast growth factor receptor, FGF-flg, on NIH 3T3 cell membranes: inhibitory effects of heparin, pertussis toxin and guanine nucleotides.

The present studies were conducted to characterize the specific binding of recombinant human [125I]acidic fibroblast growth factor ([125]aFGF) to the cloned human fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor, flg, overexpressed on stably transfected NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblast (NFlg26) cell membranes. In the presence of 5 U/ml of heparin to block [125I]aFGF binding to membrane bound heparan sulfate proteoglycans, specific [125I]aFGF binding was optimal in the presence of 0.2 M NaCl and in a pH range of 7 to 9. [125I]aFGF labeled a single class of recognition sites with high affinity (Kd = 0.27 nM) and limited capacity (apparent maximum binding = 19.5 pmol/mg of protein). A similar estimate of ligand affinity (Kd = 0.25 nM) was determined from association and dissociation rate experiments. aFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor and several glycine-substituted point mutations of aFGF potently inhibited 0.1 nM [125I]aFGF binding. A variety of putative FGF receptor ligands including poly-L-lysines and poly-L-arginines, protamine, suramin and wheat germ agglutinin were shown to have weak or no affinity for the [125I]aFGF recognition site. Additional saturation studies, conducted in the presence of a lower (0.1 U/ml) heparin concentration, indicated that [125I] aFGF labeled both the high affinity (Kd = 0.02 nM) FGF-flg receptor and a separate class of lower affinity (Kd = 2 nM) recognition sites. Pretreatment of NFlg26 cell membranes with pertussis toxin resulted in a heparin-dependent decrease in the binding affinity (Kd values of 0.57-1.15 nM) of [125I]aFGF. Similar pretreatment with cholera toxin did not significantly affect [125I] aFGF binding. Guanine nucleotides were also found to significantly reduce 0.1 nM [125I]aFGF binding in a heparin-dependent fashion. The present data demonstrate that, in the presence of heparin, [125I]aFGF binds with high affinity to the cloned FGF-flg receptor on NFlg26 cell membranes. However, at a low heparin concentration (0.1 U/ml), [125I]aFGF binds to the FGF-flg receptor with higher affinity than was observed in the presence of 5 U/ml of heparin, and also binds a class of lower affinity recognition sites which are consistent with the labeling of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans. The present data also indicate that agents which are known to interfere with receptor/G-protein coupling reduce the binding affinity of [125I]aFGF and suggest that the FGF-flg receptor may be coupled to a G-protein in addition to its intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1990

Antiinflammatory effects of polypeptide growth factors. Platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor inhibit the cytokine-induced expression of the alternative complement pathway activator factor B in human fibroblasts.

The synthesis of complement components in human fibroblasts is modulated by mediators of inflammation such as cytokines. In particular, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) induce time- and dose-dependent increases in the synthesis of complement proteins factor B (FB), C3, and factor H (FH). Polypeptide growth factors are also soluble mediators released during inflammation and able to modulate many fibroblast functions. We have studied the effects of polypeptide growth factors platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on the synthesis of complement proteins in cultured human fibroblasts. PDGF, EGF, and FGF alone did not affect the level of synthesis of any of the complement proteins analyzed, but simultaneous incubation of PDGF, EGF, or FGF with IL-1 and TNF resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of the cytokine-enhanced expression of FB. Inhibition of FB synthesis was observed between 4 and 8 h of exposure to PDGF and persisted for 4 h after the removal of the growth factor. Analysis of steady-state levels of specific FB mRNA suggested that PDGF-induced inhibition of FB synthesis is mediated at a pretranslational level and that it requires new protein synthesis. The effect of the growth factors was limited to FB, with marginal or no inhibition on the cytokine-enhanced synthesis of C3 and FH, excluding the possibility that the inhibitory effects of PDGF, EGF, and FGF on FB synthesis were due to a negative modulation of the growth factors on cytokine cell membrane receptors. Specific inhibition of cytokine-induced increases in FB synthesis by the growth factors may represent down regulation of the acute inflammatory process, further permitting progression to processes of tissue repair and remodeling. Study of the interactions between cytokines and growth factors in the regulation of synthesis of complement proteins may also provide a system for investigating mechanisms of signal transduction of both polypeptide growth factors and cytokines.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗
PubMed1991

Activation of human dermal fibroblasts by fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and/or interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta).

Human dermal fibroblast proliferation was dependent of growth factors such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). These mediators, which induce proliferation of the cells in culture, were able to synergize when added in combination. This synergistic effect seems to be restricted to the mitogenic activity since IL-1-induced PGE2 release and interferon-beta 1 (IFN-beta 1) production by fibroblasts was inhibited in the presence of FGFs, which by themselves were unable to stimulate the production of IFN-beta 1 and the release of arachidonate metabolites from the fibroblasts even at high concentration.

Cell Division↗
PubMed1982

Fibroblast stimulation in schistosomiasis. II. Functional and biochemical characteristics of egg granuloma-derived fibroblast-stimulating factor.

The pathogenetic mechanisms that underlie hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis are unknown, but may be under the regulation of molecules secreted by the hepatic granulomas that encase the helminth eggs. Previous studies in mice demonstrated that isolated Schistosoma mansoni egg granulomas can elaborate in vitro substances that stimulate fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. The present study provides the initial characterization of the granuloma-derived factor(s). Serum-free cell culture supernatants from isolated granulomas contained activity that stimulated the uptake of (3H)-thymidine by quiescent human dermal fibroblasts. This activity was present in fractions (Sephadex G-200 chromatography) with estimated m.w. of 30,000 to 40,000. Activity eluted with linear salt gradients from ion exchange columns (DEAE Sephadex) with 0.4 to 0.7 and 1.5 to 1.8 M NaCl (pH 8.4). Activity was present in fractions with approximate pI of 6 to 6.5 and 4, prepared by flat-bed isoelectrofocusing of crude supernatant in granular gel. Activity that stimulated thymocyte proliferation in an interleukin 1 (IL 1) assay was present in crude granuloma supernatants as well as in the partially purified fractions that contained fibroblast-stimulating activity. We conclude that the granuloma-derived fibroblast-stimulating factor has biologic activity similar to IL 1 but on the basis of m.w. and pI determination is distinct from IL 1.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Immunolocalization of basic fibroblast growth factor and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 and receptor-2 in rat cranial sutures.

Craniosynostosis is a common disorder with an unknown etiology. Recent genetic mapping studies have demonstrated a strong linkage between several familial craniosynostotic syndromes and mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGF-R1) and 2 (FGF-R2). The purpose of this experiment was to investigate by immunohistochemistry the protein production of these receptors as well as of their most prevalent ligand, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), before, during, and after sutural fusion in rat cranial sutures. The posterior frontal (normally fuses between postnatal days 12 and 22) and sagittal (remains patent) sutures of embryonic day 20 and neonatal days 6, 12, 17, 22, and 62 (n = 3 per group) were harvested, fixed, and decalcified. Five-micrometer sections were stained with polyclonal antibodies against bFGF, FGF-R1, and FGF-R2, and patterns of immunohistochemical staining were assessed by independent reviewers. Our results indicate that increased bFGF production correlates temporally with suture fusion, with increased staining of the dura underneath the fusing suture prior to fusion followed by increased staining within osteoblasts and sutural cells during fusion. FGF-R1 and, to a lesser extent FGF-R2 immunostaining revealed a different pattern of localization with increased immunostaining within the patent sagittal suture at these time points. These results implicate bFGF in the regulation of sutural fusion and may imply autoregulatory mechanisms in fibroblast growth factor receptor expression.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Suppression of autocrine cell proliferation and tumorigenesis of human melanoma cells and fibroblast growth factor transformed fibroblasts by a kinase-deficient FGF receptor 1: evidence for the involvement of Src-family kinases.

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF/FGF2) is thought to play a decisive role in malignant progression. Aberrant expression of bFGF causes constitutive autocrine activation of its cognate receptor and autonomous growth of human melanoma cells or bFGF transformed fibroblasts in culture. It remains to be determined, however, whether the endogenous bFGF confers growth advantage to tumors and what are the downstream targets of the activated FGF receptor critical for its transforming capacity. We therefore transfected metastatic melanoma cells and bFGF transformed mouse fibroblasts with a dominant-negative mutant of the murine FGF receptor 1 (fgfr1/flg), comprising the extracellular and transmembrane domains but lacking the intracellular kinase domain (dnflg). Reverse transcriptase-PCR, 125I-bFGF binding and affinity labeling analyses show that the truncated receptor is targeted to the membrane and is expressed at much higher levels than the endogenous receptor in all of the selected clones. Expression of the dnflg dramatically reduces the basal as well as bFGF induced growth of these cells in vitro and also suppresses their tumorigenic potential in nude mice. The expression of the dnflg does not significantly alter the general level of tyrosyl-phosphorylated proteins in the trunsduced melanoma cells. Rather, a major downstream affected target is a Src-family kinase, whose activity, determined by an in vitro immune kinase assay, is stimulated in normal melanocytes by exogenous bFGF, and is markedly reduced in the dnflg-expressing melanoma cells. The present study demonstrates that direct interference with the activity of FGF receptors has a deleterious effect on cell proliferation and survival in vitro and in vivo leading to the suppression of melanoma tumor progression possibly through the inactivation of a Src-family kinase.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2003

Epidermal growth factor up-regulates expression of transforming growth factor beta receptor type II in human dermal fibroblasts by phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway: Resistance to epidermal growth factor stimulation in scleroderma fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE: Transforming growth factor beta receptors (TGFbetaRs) are known to be expressed at high levels in several fibrotic diseases, including systemic sclerosis. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of up-regulation of TGFbetaR expression. METHODS: The levels of expression of TGFbetaR type II (TGFbetaRII) messenger RNA (mRNA), with or without stimulation by epidermal growth factor (EGF), were evaluated by Northern blot analysis, and the protein levels were determined by immunoblotting. The transcription activity of the TGFbetaRII gene was examined with luciferase assays using the -1670/+35 TGFbetaRII promoter luciferase construct. RESULTS: EGF up-regulates the expression of TGFbetaRII mRNA and protein in human dermal fibroblasts. Actinomycin D, an RNA synthesis inhibitor, significantly blocked the EGF-mediated up-regulation of TGFbetaRII mRNA expression, whereas cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, did not block this up-regulation. In addition, EGF treatment did not significantly affect the TGFbetaRII mRNA half-life. EGF-mediated induction of TGFbetaRII expression was inhibited by treatment of fibroblasts with the selective phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) inhibitors wortmannin or LY294002, and Akt inhibitor also blocked EGF-induced expression of TGFbetaRII. In addition, EGF induced TGFbetaRII promoter activity, and this induction was significantly blocked by wortmannin, LY294002, or Akt inhibitor. Cotransfection with a dominant-negative mutant of p85 (the regulatory component of PI 3-kinase) or Akt significantly reduced the induction of TGFbetaRII promoter activity by EGF. Moreover, a constitutive active form of p110 (a catalytic component of PI 3-kinase) induced TGFbetaRII promoter activity. In addition, scleroderma fibroblasts expressed increased levels of TGFbetaRII but did not show further up-regulation of TGFbetaRII expression by EGF. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that EGF-mediated induction of TGFbetaRII expression occurs at the transcription level, does not require de novo protein synthesis, and involves the PI 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway, and that abnormal activation of EGF-mediated signaling pathways, including PI 3-kinase or Akt, might play a role in the up-regulation of TGFbetaRII in scleroderma fibroblasts.

Androstadienes↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Connective tissue synthesis by cultured scleroderma fibroblasts. I. In vitro collagen synthesis by normal and scleroderma dermal fibroblasts.

The authors have been unable to demonstrate an increase in collagen synthesis by fibroblasts isolated from sclerodermatous skin. In order to elucidate this problem further, scleroderma fibroblasts were biopsied from upper dermis, from lower (including subcutaneous) dermis, and from adjacent clinically noninvolved skin. All cell lines failed to show a significant increase in collagen synthesis when they were compared to control fibroblast lines. One difference among them was that fibroblasts from involved areas showed a rate of collagen synthesis equal to or less than cells isolated from adjacent clinically noninvolved sites.

Adolescent↗