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PDGF AA as mediator in nicotine-dependent carcinogenesis.

Effect of nicotine on PDGF AA and PDGF BB interaction with cervical cancer SiHa cells was tested. [125I]PDGF AA was internalized by cells and accumulated in the cytoplasm and nucleus (chromatin). In the absence of nicotine, maximal accumulation of [125I]PDGF AA inside the cells occurred after 1 day of incubation, which was followed by a progressive degradation of the growth factor during the next 2, 3 and 5 days of cell exposure. In the presence or 0.001 or 0.01% nicotine, accumulation of [125I]PDGF AA was slightly higher than in the absence of nicotine, and maximal accumulation occurred after 2 days or incubation. In the presence of 0.1 % nicotine, maximal accumulation occurred after 5 days of incubation and was 20 and 14 times higher in the cytoplasm and chromatin, respectively. Nicotine-postponed degradation and increased nuclear accumulation of PDGF AA resulted in activation of RNA synthesis and cell proliferation. PDGF BB, which was not internalized by cells did not respond to nicotine treatment. The proposed mechanism of nicotine-PDGF AA co-carcinogenesis may involve inhibition of growth factor degradation at the lysosomal level and an increased chromatin accumulation of the non-degraded PDGF.

Becaplermin↗

Mitogens for adult rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells in serum-free primary culture.

OBJECTIVE: When vascular smooth muscle cells are dispersed into culture in the presence of serum they modulate their phenotype. The aim of this study was to determine the range of growth factors likely to stimulate replication of medial vascular smooth muscle cells in vivo by examining their responses when cultured in the absence of serum. METHODS: Freshly dispersed vascular smooth muscle cells from the healthy aortic media of adult rats were prepared and plated out in cell culture in the absence of fetal calf serum. DNA synthesis by these cells when plated onto fibronectin in response to various growth factors and vasoconstrictors was analysed by [3H]-thymidine incorporation. RESULTS: Less than 5% of cells plated on culture plastic spread, but 15-25% of cells plated onto fibronectin spread and survived for at least 8 d in culture. These cells responded to platelet derived growth factor BB homodimer (PDGF-BB), basic fibroblast growth factor, and epidermal growth factor by stimulating DNA synthesis at least 10-fold compared with cells in the absence of growth factors. Maximum rate of DNA synthesis occurred 36-42 h after addition of 10% fetal calf serum, whereas maximum rate of DNA synthesis occurred 80-88 h after stimulation with PDGF-BB or basic fibroblast growth factor. By contrast, PDGF-AA homodimer, transforming growth factor type beta, insulin-like growth factor I, angiotensin II, and endothelin I did not stimulate DNA synthesis by more than threefold. CONCLUSIONS: Freshly dispersed vascular smooth muscle cells plated onto fibronectin in the absence of serum proliferate in response to PDGF-BB, basic fibroblast growth factor, and epidermal growth factor by stimulating DNA synthesis. The range of mitogens and the time course of entry into DNA synthesis under these culture conditions suggest that serum-free culture provides a good model for the responses of medial vascular smooth muscle cells in vivo.

Animals↗

Alphavbeta3 integrin associates with activated insulin and PDGFbeta receptors and potentiates the biological activity of PDGF.

Integrin-mediated cell attachment modulates growth responses and growth factors regulate cell attachment. Moreover, both cell attachment to extracellular matrix and mitogenic signaling by growth factors are necessary for the proliferation of most types of normal cells, suggesting that integrin and growth factor receptor signaling pathways meet at some downstream point. We report here that a small, highly tyrosine-phosphorylated fraction of PDGFbeta and insulin receptors co-immunoprecipitates with the alphavbeta3 integrin from cells. The integrin association requires growth factor stimulation of the receptors. Several signaling molecules that are known to be associated with activated growth factor receptors were present in the alphavbeta3 integrin complexes. Mitogenicity and chemotaxis induced by PDGF-BB were enhanced in cells plated on the alphavbeta3 ligand vitronectin compared with cells plated on the beta1 integrin ligand collagen. Thus, the engagement of the alphavbeta3 integrin in cell-matrix interactions appears to coordinate an intense response to growth factors, helping to explain the importance of this integrin for tissue regeneration, angiogenesis and tumor metastasis.

3T3 Cells↗

Regulation of c-myc expression by IFN-gamma through Stat1-dependent and -independent pathways.

Interferons (IFNs) inhibit cell growth in a Stat1-dependent fashion that involves regulation of c-myc expression. IFN-gamma suppresses c-myc in wild-type mouse embryo fibroblasts, but not in Stat1-null cells, where IFNs induce c-myc mRNA rapidly and transiently, thus revealing a novel signaling pathway. Both tyrosine and serine phosphorylation of Stat1 are required for suppression. Induced expression of c-myc is likely to contribute to the proliferation of Stat1-null cells in response to IFNs. IFNs also suppress platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced c-myc expression in wild-type but not in Stat1-null cells. A gamma-activated sequence element in the promoter is necessary but not sufficient to suppress c-myc expression in wild-type cells. In PKR-null cells, the phosphorylation of Stat1 on Ser727 and transactivation are both defective, and c-myc mRNA is induced, not suppressed, in response to IFN-gamma. A role for Raf-1 in the Stat1-independent pathway is revealed by studies with geldanamycin, an HSP90-specific inhibitor, and by expression of a mutant of p50(cdc37) that is unable to recruit HSP90 to the Raf-1 complex. Both agents abrogated the IFN-gamma-dependent induction of c-myc expression in Stat1-null cells.

Animals↗

Heparan sulfate upregulates platelet-derived growth factor receptors on human lung fibroblasts.

Heparan sulfate is a molecule that possesses a large structural variability and which has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts in vitro. The aim of this study was to determine whether the anti-proliferative effects of heparan sulfate were exerted by regulation of the activity of the platelet-derived growth factor and/or of the platelet-derived growth factor receptors. Both l-iduronate-rich, anti-proliferative and the l-iduronate-poor, non-anti-proliferative heparan sulfate species, were incubated with confluent human embryonic lung fibroblasts for 24 h. The mRNA levels for PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, and their receptors were measured. Binding studies were performed with [125I]-PDGF-BB and [125I]-EGF for 2 h at 4 degreesC in cultures preincubated with both types of heparan sulfate for 24 h. In separate experiments, cultures were incubated together with heparan sulfate and [125I]-PDGF-BB for 2 h at 4 degreesC. Increases of two- to threefold in the mRNA levels for both the alpha- and the beta-receptors of PDGF was obtained after treatment with both types of heparan sulfate, whereas the mRNA levels of both the PDGF-AA and the PDGF-BB were essentially unaffected. A sixfold increase in binding was only noted for [125I]-PDGF-BB in cultures pre-treated with the anti-proliferative heparan sulfate for 24 h, whereas no effect was noted with use of the non-anti-proliferative heparan sulfate. Incubating the [125I]-PDGF-BB and the anti-proliferative heparan sulfate together for 2 h resulted in a smaller, threefold increase in binding. This indicates that the anti-proliferative heparan sulfate both stabilizes and increases expression of the PDGF receptors. To investigate whether the increased number of PDGF receptors could affect cell activity, cells were preincubated with anti-proliferative heparan sulfate and then treated with PDGF-BB. This resulted in an increase in mitogenicity compared to cells treated only with PDGF-BB. Neither an increase in binding for [125I-EGF] nor an increase in the mitogenic response of EGF could be observed in cultures pre-treated with the anti-proliferative heparan sulfate. The results indicate that the extracellular matrix itself may regulate important biological phenomena such as cell proliferation and matrix production through affecting the expression of receptors of PDGF, which initiate both stimulatory and inhibitory signals.

Becaplermin↗

A 340 kDa hyaluronic acid secreted by human vascular smooth muscle cells regulates their proliferation and migration.

The formation of atherosclerotic lesions is characterized by invasion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) into the tunica intima of the arterial wall and subsequently by increased proliferation of VSMC, a process apparently restricted to the intimal layer of blood vessels. Both events are preceded by the pathological overexpression of several growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) which is a potent mitogen for VSMC and can induce their chemotaxis. PDGF is generally not expressed in the normal artery but it is upregulated in atherosclerotic lesions. We have previously shown that PDGF-BB specifically stimulates proliferating VSMC to secrete a 340 kDa hyaluronic acid (HA-340). Here, we present evidence regarding the biological functions of this glycan. We observed that HA-340 inhibited the PDGF-induced proliferation of human VSMC in a dose-dependent manner and enhanced the PDGF-dependent invasion of VSMC through a basement membrane barrier. These effects were abolished following treatment of HA-340 with hyaluronidase. The effect of HA-340 on the PDGF-dependent invasion of VSMC coincided with increased secretion of the 72-kDa type IV collagenase by VSMC and was completely blocked by GM6001, a hydroxamic acid inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases. HA-340 did not exert any chemotactic potency, nor did it affect chemotaxis of VSMC along a PDGF gradient. In human atheromatic aortas, we found that HA-340 is expressed with a negative concentration gradient from the tunica media to the tunica intima and the atheromatic plaque. Our findings suggest that HA-340 may be linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, by modulating VSMC proliferation and invasion.

Aorta↗

Neurofibromin is a novel regulator of RAS-induced signals in primary vascular smooth muscle cells.

Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene. Neurofibromin is encoded by NF1 and functions as a negative regulator of Ras activity. NF1 patients develop renal artery stenosis and arterial occlusions resulting in cerebral and visceral infarcts. Further, NF1 patients develop vascular neurofibromas where tumor vessels are invested in a dense pericyte sheath. Although it is well established that aberrations in Ras signaling lead to human malignancies, emerging data generated in genetically engineered mouse models now implicate perturbations in the Ras signaling axis in vascular smooth muscular cells (VSMCs) as central to the initiation and progression of neointimal hyperplasia and arterial stenosis. Despite these observations, the function of neurofibromin in regulating VSMC function and how Ras signals are terminated in VSMCs is virtually unknown. Utilizing VSMCs harvested from Nf1+/- mice and primary human neurofibromin-deficient VSMCs, we identify a discrete Ras effector pathway, which is tightly regulated by neurofibromin to limit VSMC proliferation and migration. Thus, these studies identify neurofibromin as a novel regulator of Ras activity in VSMCs and provide a framework for understanding cardiovascular disease in NF1 patients and a mechanism by which Ras signals are attenuated for maintaining VSMC homeostasis in blood vessel walls.

Animals↗

Angiotensin II requires PDGF-BB to induce DNA synthesis in rat mesangial cells cultured in an exogenous insulin-free medium.

BACKGROUND: Mesangial cell proliferation is an important feature of chronic glomerular disease. Different cytokines and vasoactive substances have been implicated in mesangial cell proliferation. However, the role of angiotensin II remains controversial. Furthermore, all the studies made to date have been performed using a medium supplemented with high concentrations of insulin (5 micrograms/ml) in order to facilitate mesangial cell proliferation in vitro. As has recently been reported, insulin causes a change both in extracellular matrix composition and in mesangial cell phenotype, thus mimicking disease conditions. METHODS: We examined the effects of Ang II in synchronized and proliferating mesangial cells with and without growth factor (PDGF-BB, bFGF and/or insulin) supplementation and the effects of exogenous administration of insulin on mesangial proliferation by measuring the bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) uptake. RESULTS: Angiotensin II itself caused no increase in BrdU incorporation. However, it exerted a significant synergistic effect on PDGF-BB-induced DNA synthesis (P < 0.05) in quiescent medium and tended to stimulate BrdU uptake by proliferating cells (P = 0.09). BrdU incorporation significantly correlated with direct cell count (r = 0.95). PDGF-BB had the maximal stimulatory effect on DNA synthesis both in quiescent and in proliferative culture conditions. The insulin dose (5 micrograms/ml) which has been shown to cause mesangial cell proliferation in vitro, caused an increase in BrdU incorporation by itself in quiescent medium. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in an insulin-free medium, mimicking in vivo glomerular conditions, PDGF-BB or proliferative medium are needed to allow Ang II-induced DNA synthesis in mesangial cell culture.

Angiotensin II↗

Platelet-derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and interferon gamma increase type IV collagen production in human fetal mesangial cells via a transforming growth factor-beta-dependent mechanism.

BACKGROUND: Glomerulosclerosis is characterized by glomerular accumulation of extracellular matrix following mesangial cell proliferation. The precise pathomechanism of glomerulosclerosis is still undetermined. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) are known to be mitogenic for mesangial cells, and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is known to have an inhibitory effect on mesangial cell proliferation. We attempted to clarify the role of these cytokines on mesangial matrix production using cultured human fetal mesangial cells (HMC). METHODS: HMC were incubated with these cytokines for 24-72 h and the levels of type IV collagen and TGF-beta in the cell supernatants were measured by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: PDGF, b-FGF, and IFN-gamma stimulated type IV collagen production by HMC in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The anti-TGF-beta neutralizing antibody clearly inhibited their stimulatory effect on type IV collagen production. PDGF and b-FGF also stimulated TGF-beta production by HMC in a dose-dependent manner, although IFN-gamma did not. CONCLUSION: PDGF, b-FGF, and IFN-gamma stimulate type IV collagen production in cultured HMC via a TGF-beta-dependent mechanism.

Antibodies↗

In vitro evidence for differential involvement of CTGF, TGFbeta, and PDGF-BB in mesangial response to injury.

BACKGROUND: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a profibrotic growth factor, which is upregulated in wound healing and renal fibrosis, including anti-Thy-1.1 nephritis. The kinetics of CTGF mRNA expression in anti-Thy-1.1 nephritis suggested that CTGF regulation might contribute to glomerular response to injury downstream of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta). In anti-Thy-1.1 nephritis the initial damage is followed by mesangial repair and limited sclerosis, which involves mesangial cell (MC) activation (alpha-smooth-muscle actin (alphaSMA) expression), proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix production. The present in vitro study addresses the possible role of CTGF in these different aspects of mesangial response to injury, and how CTGF activity might relate to effects of TGFbeta and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunostaining and ELISA showed that alphaSMA expression and transformation of MC into myofibroblast-like cells was induced by TGFbeta, but not affected by PDGF-BB, CTGF, or neutralizing anti-CTGF antibodies. [(3)H]thymidine incorporation and Ki67 staining demonstrated that, unlike PDGF-BB, neither CTGF nor TGFbeta induced the proliferation of MC. In contrast, both CTGF and TGFbeta induced MC migration, as evidenced by approximation of wound edges in scrape-wounded, non-proliferating rat MC monolayers. In addition, fibronectin expression was upregulated by both CTGF and TGFbeta, as measured by dot-blot analysis. Anti-CTGF completely blocked the effect of added CTGF. Moreover, anti-CTGF significantly reduced TGFbeta-induced increase in fibronectin. CONCLUSION: It thus appears that CTGF is specifically involved in a subset of the adaptive changes of MC involved in mesangial repair and sclerosis, which makes it an interesting candidate target for future intervention strategies.

Actins↗

Influence of growth factors on the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from subtotally nephrectomized rats after endothelin or angiotensin II antagonism.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the most important cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease. In uraemia, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and endothelin (ET) systems are activated. It is not known whether inhibition of these systems attenuates the proliferation of isolated smooth muscle cells of uraemic rats. METHODS: Subtotally nephrectomized (SNX) rats were treated with an ET(A) receptor antagonist, an ET(AB) receptor antagonist, the angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist losartan (all 10 mg/kg body weight/day) or the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor trandolapril (0.1 mg/kg body weight/day) or received no medication (SNX) for 12 weeks. Then, aortal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were isolated and cultivated. After incubation of SMCs with different growth factors (5-7 days), proliferation was measured using a bromodeoxyuridine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (BrdU ELISA). RESULTS: Higher maximum levels of proliferation were found in SMCs from untreated SNX rats than in SMCs from control animals [platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) 486.60+/-8.27 vs 346.74+/-4.60%, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) 176.68+/-6.50 vs 123.71+/-1.49%, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) 153.38+/-10.16 vs 122.27+/-1.41%]. Treatment with ET receptor antagonists or losartan attenuated growth factor-stimulated proliferation (PDGF-BB: ET(A) receptor antagonist, 135.71+/-1.08%; ET(AB) receptor antagonist, 122.72+/-0.58%; losartan: 103.69+/-1.83%, n = 8). SMCs from trandolapril-treated rats showed an increased response (PDGF-BB 663.48+/-7.00%, n = 8). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of SNX rats with ET receptor antagonists or losartan reduced growth factor-induced SMC proliferation in vitro. However, further investigations with uraemic patients have to clarify whether angiotensin or ET receptor antagonists inhibit the development of atherosclerosis.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

Synergistic induction of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 by integrins and platelet-derived growth factor via focal adhesion kinase in mesangial cells.

BACKGROUND: Growth factors, extracellular matrix and its receptor integrins are upregulated in various glomerular diseases. We investigated the mechanism of collaboration between integrins and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in focal adhesion kinase (FAK)- and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)1/2-mediated signal pathways that lead to monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 expression in cultured rat mesangial cells (MCs). METHODS: Serum-starved MCs were plated on fibronectin- or polylysine-coated plates with or without PDGF, and examined for phosphorylation of ERK1/2, mitogen-activated protein or ERK kinase (MEK)1/2 and FAK by western blotting, and for expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The effects of dominant-negative FAK on MCP-1 expression were examined. RESULTS: Cell adhesion to fibronectin increased phosphorylation of FAK, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2, and induced MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression. PDGF increased phosphorylation of FAK, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 even without cell adhesion to fibronectin, and induced MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression. PDGF with integrin activation by fibronectin synergistically increased phosphorylation of FAK, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2, and expression of MCP-1 mRNA and protein. Dominant-negative FAK attenuated fibronectin enhancement of PDGF-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and MCP-1 expression, indicating involvement of FAK in this signalling. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the cooperative role of integrin and PDGF receptor in activation of the ERK pathway possibly via FAK in MCs. The synergistic activation of integrin and PDGF signalling may play an important role in the progression of glomerular diseases through the induction of MCP-1.

Animals↗

The proprotein convertase PACE4 is upregulated by PDGF-BB in megakaryocytes: gene expression of PACE4 and furin is regulated differently in Dami cells.

The differentiation of megakaryocytes into platelets is highly regulated by many cytokines and growth factors. PACE4 and furin are Ca(2+)-dependent serine endoproteases belonging to the subtilisin-like proprotein convertase (SPC) family. These enzymes are involved in the proteolytic activation of proteins that play essential roles in cell growth and differentiation. In this study, we examined the expression of PACE4 and furin during the differentiation of megakaryoblastic cell lines, Dami and HEL cells, induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). PMA stimulates not only the expression of platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) mRNA, but also PACE4 mRNA in these cell lines. The expression of PACE4 transcripts (both the PACE4A and PACE4C/CS isoforms) was upregulated more than 4-fold by PMA. Moreover, direct treatment with PDGF-BB also resulted in an increase in the level of PACE4 mRNA. Further, the effect of PDGF-BB on PACE4 expression was confirmed by promoter assay of the PACE4 gene. Although the furin mRNA level was increased by TGF-beta1 in Dami cells, it was not affected by PDGF-BB. These results indicate for the first time that PACE4 expression is specifically upregulated by PDGF-BB in differentiated megakaryoblasts, suggesting a unique role for PACE4 in platelet production.

Becaplermin↗

Inhibitory effects of ML-9, wortmannin, and Y-27632 on the chemotaxis of vascular smooth muscle cells in response to platelet-derived growth factor-BB.

The chemotactic migration toward platelet-derived growth factor-BB of SM3, a cell line established from rabbit aorta smooth muscle, was examined by the Boyden chamber method. Myosin light-chain (MLC) kinase inhibitors ML-9 and wortmannin, and the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 effectively reduced the migration. However, neither membrane ruffling nor the phosphorylation of MLC was inhibited concomitantly. The reduction is discussed with reference to a novel property of MLC kinase, which stimulates myosin ATPase activity without phosphorylating MLC [Ye et al. (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96, 6666-6671].

Amides↗

Computer modelling of the receptor-binding domains of VEGF and PIGF.

Models of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-like domains of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placenta growth factor (PIGF) were built based on their homology to PDGF. These domains contain most of the determinants for receptor binding. The sequences of these proteins exhibit limited but significant homology to that of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a member of the cystine knot growth factor family. The eight cysteine residues that are involved in intra- and interchain disulphide bonds are conserved. Two high affinity receptors for VEGF have been identified, only one of which binds PIGF. The models presented here are consistent with results that show that VEGF receptor binding is mediated by charged residues in the loops. A comparison of the models suggests that the difference in receptor-binding specificity between VEGF and PIGF may be due to differences in the distribution of positively charged residues and the exposure of hydrophobic residues in the loops.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Evidence for activation of the alternate complement pathway in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Complement activation has been shown to occur in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Since the two pathways of complement are activated by different stimuli (the alternate pathway by microbial products and IgA, and the classical pathway by immune complexes), we decided to study the relative contribution of the two pathways of complement activation in patients with JRA. METHODS: In 56 patients with JRA, plasma levels of C3 and C4 were measured by turbidimetric assays, and those of C4d, factor Bb and sC5-9 complex by solid-phase enzyme immunoassays. Levels beyond the mean +/- 2 S.D. of normal were considered abnormal. RESULTS: Plasma C3 and C4 levels were decreased in one patient each. The C4d values were increased in 17 patients, whereas levels of factor Bb were elevated in 42 patients and levels of sC5-9 complex were elevated in 51 patients. The values of factor Bb and sC5-9 had a linear correlation (r = 0.75), but there was no significant correlation between C4d and sC5-9 levels (r = 0.36). CONCLUSION: Complement activation in JRA is initiated predominantly by the alternate pathway and culminates in the formation of terminal membrane attack complex.

Adolescent↗

Increased cell proliferation and associated expression of PDGFRbeta causing hypercellularity in patellar tendinosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed cellularity in patellar tendinosis with respect to cell proliferation and the expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRbeta). METHODS: Surgical samples were taken from 11 patients fulfilling criteria of patellar tendinosis and from 12 matched controls. Standard immunohistochemistry methods were used to detect expression of PDGFRbeta and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Results were analysed by computer-assisted microscopy. Tendon cells were isolated from nine tendinosis and eight control tissues for cell culture. RESULTS: Increased cellularity (P<0.001) was observed in tendinosis tissues compared with controls, and also a higher proliferative index (P:<0.001). Increased expression of PDGFRbeta was demonstrated (P<0.001). Cultured tendinosis cells showed a higher proliferation rate than controls (P<0.001). This was maintained when the cells were cultured under various conditions of serum supplementation (P<0.01). Tendinosis cells also showed a higher proliferation rate (P<0.01) in medium containing 10 ng/ml PDGF. CONCLUSION: Hypercellularity in patellar tendinosis is caused by increased cell proliferation and is associated with increased expression of PDGFRbeta.

Adolescent↗

Pyrazolo pyrimidine-type inhibitors of SRC family tyrosine kinases promote ovarian steroid-induced differentiation of human endometrial stromal cells in vitro.

Reversible protein tyrosine phosphorylation, coordinately controlled by protein tyrosine kinases and phosphatases, is a critical element in signal transduction pathways regulating a wide variety of biological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and tumorigenesis. We have previously reported that c-Src belonging to the Src family tyrosine kinase (SFK) becomes dephosphorylated at tyrosine 530 (Y530) and thereby activated during progestin-induced differentiation of human endometrial stromal cells (i.e., decidualization). In this study, to elucidate the role of decidual c-Src activation, we examined whether 4-amino-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP1) and 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2), both potent and selective SFK inhibitors, affected the ovarian steroid-induced decidualization in vitro. Unexpectedly, PP1 paradoxically increased the kinase activity of decidual c-Src together with dephosphorylation of Y530 in the presence of ovarian steroids. Concomitantly, PP1 enhanced morphological and functional decidualization, as determined by induction of decidualization markers, such as insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 and prolactin. PP2 also advanced decidualization along with up-regulation of the active form of c-Src whose Y-530 was dephosphorylated. In contrast to PP1 and PP2, herbimycin A, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with less specificity for SFKs, showed little enhancing effect on the expression of both IGFBP-1 and active c-Src. These results suggest that SFKs, including c-Src, may play a significant role in stromal cell differentiation, providing a clue for a possible therapeutic strategy to modulate endometrial function by targeting signaling pathway(s) involving SFKs.

Animals↗