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Structural analysis of lens epithelial explants induced to differentiate into fibres by fibroblast growth factor (FGF).

Recently we identified fibroblast growth factor (FGF), which is present in significant amounts in neural retinas, as a potent inducer of lens fibre differentiation in our epithelial explant cultures. Fibre differentiation was assessed by synthesis of fibre specific, proteins, beta- and gamma-crystallins, and by cell elongation. However, to establish whether FGF induced the dramatic structural changes characteristic of fibre differentiation we carried out an ultrastructural analysis. In this study epithelial explants exposed to either the acidic or basic form of FGF were shown to undergo the structural changes characteristic of fibre differentiation in the intact lens. These include: (i) cell elongation, (ii) a reduction in cytoplasmic organelles, (iii) the formation of specialized cell-cell junctions, including finger-like processes and fingerprints, ball and socket junctions, tongue-like flaps and imprints, and gap junctions, and (iv) nuclear pyknosis. This shows that FGF faithfully reproduces structural events associated with fibre differentiation as well as the molecular events reported previously, thus providing further evidence that FGF in the eye is important for the control of normal lens fibre differentiation.

Animals↗

The identification of two novel ligands of the FGF receptor by a yeast screening method and their activity in Xenopus development.

We have developed a functional screen in yeast to identify ligands for receptor tyrosine kinases. Using this method, we cloned two Xenopus genes that activate the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor. These encode novel secreted proteins, designated FRL1 and FRL2, distantly related to the epidermal growth factor and angiogenin/ribonuclease families, respectively. Both genes activate the FGF receptor in Xenopus oocytes as well as in yeast. Overexpression induces mesoderm and neural-specific genes in Xenopus explants; induction is blocked by a dominant negative inhibitor of the FGF receptor. FRL1 is broadly expressed during gastrulation and neurulation, while FRL2 is expressed principally in the axial mesoderm and brain at later stages. Our results indicate that despite their lack of similarity with FGF, FRL1 and FRL2 are ligands for the FGF receptor that play distinct roles in development.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) levels in the developing rat brain.

Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (FGF) are polypeptides with potent multipotential trophic effects on central nervous system (CNS) glia, endothelial cells, and neurons. These factors are characterized by strong binding to heparin, and are commonly assayed by their mitogenic activity on Balb/c 3T3 cells in vitro. We found a marked (ca. 13-fold) increase in Balb/c 3T3 mitogenic activity in the developing rat brain from the embryonic stage to the third postnatal week. High levels were sustained in the mature brain. Most of the mitogenic activity from rat brain bound strongly to heparin-affinity columns, and was eluted at positions characteristic of acidic FGF (aFGF) and basic FGF (bFGF). The presence of aFGF and bFGF in eluted peaks was confirmed by immunoblotting techniques using specific anti-FGF sera. Heparin-affinity high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed a proportionately greater increase in levels of aFGF than bFGF between the tenth and fortieth postnatal days. Increases in FGF levels during late embryonic and early postnatal stages of brain development may play an important role in the glial and capillary proliferation, as well as in the neuronal outgrowth and synapse formation that is occurring during this time. The differential rates of accumulation of aFGF vs bFGF suggest different physiological roles for these factors in the developing brain.

Aging↗

Glutamate induces the growth factors NGF, bFGF, the receptor FGF-R1 and c-fos mRNA expression in rat astrocyte culture.

The effect of glutamate on primary cultures of rat cortical astrocytes was studied using Northern blot hybridization. Incubation with glutamate (100 microM, 15 min) induced nerve growth factor (NGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), FGF receptor (FGF-R1) and proto-oncogene c-fos gene expression in a time dependent manner. Maximal induction of NGF, bFGF and FGF-R1 mRNA was reached after 4 h of incubation (7.2-fold induction of NGF, 3-fold increase in bFGF and 3.6-fold induction of FGF-R1 mRNA). The induction kinetics of NGF, bFGF and FGF-R1 mRNA are similar. The rapid (1 h) 77-fold induction of the c-fos transcript precedes the induction of the other genes tested.

Animals↗

Murine FGF-4 gene expression is spatially restricted within embryonic skeletal muscle and other tissues.

Fibroblast growth factors are believed to play many distinct roles in vertebrate development, owing to their ability to stimulate cell growth, prevent cell death, determine cell fate, and inhibit terminal differentiation in a variety of in vitro culture systems. We have used in situ hybridization to localize fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4, also termed HST and K-FGF) gene expression in 7.5 to 16.5 day gestation mouse embryos. Seven discrete sites of gene expression were detected: (1) primitive streak (E7.5-8.5); (2) paraxial presomitic mesoderm in the trunk (E7.5-11.5); (3) primitive neuroectoderm (E8.0-8.5); (4) pharyngeal pouch endoderm (E8.5-9.5); (5) branchial arch ectoderm (E8.5-9.5); (6) limb apical ectoderm (E10.5-12.5), and (7) skeletal myoblast groups (E9.5-13.5). FGF-4 gene expression is spatially restricted within many of these sites. The profile of FGF-4 gene expression among skeletal muscle groups is overlapping, but distinct, from that of FGF-5, thereby revealing myoblast heterogeneity at the molecular level and suggesting distinct roles for multiple FGFs in muscle development.

Animals↗

FGF-7 (keratinocyte growth factor) expression during mouse development suggests roles in myogenesis, forebrain regionalisation and epithelial-mesenchymal interactions.

We have isolated cDNA and genomic clones for the murine FGF-7 gene and examined its expression throughout development. Transcripts were transiently detected in the developing myocardium, differentially regulated between the atrium and ventricle. The gene was also expressed in the myotomes of the somites, coincident with FGF-4 and FGF-5 transcripts, and was detected transiently in cleaved muscles. Regional expression was detected in the ventricular zone of the developing forebrain at 14.5 d.p.c. Later in development, FGF-7 RNA was detected in mesenchymal tissues suggesting a role in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and in the dermis consistent with its proposed role as a keratinocyte mitogen. Our results suggest that FGF-7 is likely to have diverse roles during development.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

alpha-Trinositol inhibits FGF-stimulated growth of smooth muscle and breast cancer cells.

alpha-Trinositol (d-myo-inositol-1,2,6-trisphosphate), an isomer of the intracellular messenger IP(3), has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and other effects in animal experiments and in human. The mechanisms of action remain unknown. Several human pathologies are associated with uncontrolled production of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). FGF-2 induces vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, which contributes to restenosis after coronary balloon angioplasty. The expression of several FGFs is also increased in tumors. We studied the effects of the water- and lipid-soluble derivatives of alpha-trinositol on the FGF-2- and/or FGF-8-induced proliferation of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMC) and S115 mouse breast cancer cells. alpha-Trinositol decreased the FGF-mediated proliferation of HPASMC and S115 cells. Membrane permeability did not seem obligatory since the lipid-soluble form of alpha-trinositol was less effective than the water-soluble derivative. These results suggest a new biological function for certain phosphoinositides in the modulation of FGF-regulated processes.

Animals↗

Engineered spatial patterns of FGF-2 immobilized on fibrin direct cell organization.

The purpose of this study was to initiate the exploration of cell behavioral responses to inkjet printed spatial patterns of hormones biologically immobilized on biomimetic substrates. This approach was investigated using the example of preosteoblastic cell response in vitro to fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) printed on fibrin films. Concentration modulated patterns of FGF-2, including continuous concentration gradients, were created by overprinting dilute FGF-2 bioinks with a custom inkjet printer. The immobilized FGF-2 was biologically active and the printed patterns persisted up to 10 days under cell culture conditions. Cell numbers increased in register to printed patterns from an initial random uniform cell distribution across the patterned and non-patterned fibrin substrate. Patterned immobilized FGF-2, not cell attachment directed cell organization because the fibrin substrate was homogeneous. The capability to engineer arbitrary and persistent hormone patterns is relevant to basic studies across various fields including developmental biology and tissue regeneration. Furthermore, since this hormone inkjet printing methodology is extensible to create complex three-dimensional structures, this methodology has potential to create therapies for tissue engineering using spatial patterned delivery of exogenous hormones.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

Resolution of severe, adolescent-onset hypophosphatemic rickets following resection of an FGF-23-producing tumour of the distal ulna.

Oncogenic hypophosphatemic osteomalacia (OHO) is an uncommon hypophosphatemic syndrome characterized by bone pain, proximal muscle weakness and rickets. It has been postulated that OHO results from overproduction of a humoral phosphaturic factor by an occult tumour. Recently, some OHO tumours have been shown to elaborate fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), which causes renal phosphate wasting when administered to mice. The purpose of this study was to undertake detailed investigations to confirm the diagnosis of OHO in a pediatric patient and to document the biochemical, radiographic and bone histological phenotype before and after tumour removal. We describe an 11-year-old, previously healthy girl with significant pain and functional disability associated with hypophosphatemic rickets. Circulating 1,25-(OH)(2) vitamin D was very low (14 pM; N: 40-140) while the FGF-23 serum level was markedly elevated [359.5 reference units (RU)/ml, N: 33-105]. An iliac bone biopsy revealed severe osteomalacia, but periosteocytic lesions, as are typical for X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, were not seen. Sequence analyses of the PHEX and FGF23 genes were normal. A radiographic skeletal survey revealed a small exostosis of the left, distal ulnar metaphysis. A tumour was subsequently removed from this site and the pathology was consistent with benign, fibro-osseous tissue. Serum FGF-23 was normal when measured at 7 h post-operatively, while serum phosphate reached the low-normal range at 16 days following surgery. An iliac bone biopsy taken 5 months after the operation showed improvement, but not yet resolution, of the osteomalacia. Biochemical parameters of bone and mineral metabolism suggested that complete resolution of the osteomalacia was not achieved until 12 months following surgery. One year after tumour removal, the patient was pain-free and had resumed a normal level of activity. The rapid normalization of FGF-23 levels following removal of a benign tumour and the subsequent improvement in the biochemical and histological parameters of bone and mineral metabolism suggest that FGF-23 played a key role in this girl's disease.

Base Sequence↗

Changes in nNOS and NADPH diaphorase in frog retina and tectum after axotomy and FGF-2 application.

We have shown previously that application of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) to the cut optic nerve of the frog, Rana pipiens, augments the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In this study, we examine the effects of axotomy and FGF-2 treatment upon the distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and NADPH diaphorase (NADPH-d) activity in the frog retina and tectum. We find that NOS and NADPH-d are largely absent from RGCs but present in amacrine neurons and in retinorecipient tectal layers. Axotomy alone has little effect on NOS expression or diaphorase activity, apart from slightly increasing the levels of expression in a subpopulation of amacrine cells that arborize in the On sublamina of the inner plexiform layer. FGF-2 application to the optic nerve down-regulates NOS expression and activity in the retina and up-regulates it in the tectum, particularly in retinorecipient layers. Electron microscopy of the optic nerve and neurofilament immunostaining of the tectum suggests that FGF-2 treatment increases the number of regenerating retinal axons arriving at the tectum. The effects in the retina and tectum are probably indirect, that in the retina being due to retrograde signaling from RGCs to amacrine neurons, and that in the tectum being due to re-induction of NOS expression in tectal neurons by the arrival of regenerating axons. At this stage, it appears unlikely that these changes in NOS play a role in the FGF-2's survival effect on RGCs.

Animals↗

Inhibition of TGFbeta signaling potentiates the FGF-2-induced stimulation of cardiomyocyte DNA synthesis.

OBJECTIVE: Added transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) inhibits the proliferation of immature cardiomyocytes. We have now examined the hypothesis that suppression of endogenous TGFbeta signaling will boost the proliferative response (DNA synthesis) of cardiac myocytes to serum and/or to the mitogenic factor fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). METHODS AND RESULTS: Overexpression of a kinase-deficient TGFbeta type II receptor (TGFbetaRIIDeltaKD) resulted in a 2.8-fold increase in cardiomyocyte DNA synthesis in serum-rich cultures, an effect requiring active FGFR-1 since it was not observed in the presence of excess kinase-deficient FGFR-1. This finding suggested that endogenous TGFbeta-TGFbetaRII suppressed endogenous FGFR-1-mediated signals that stimulate or are permissive for DNA synthesis. TGFbeta had no effect, however, on the FGF-2-induced acute stimulation of extracellular signal regulated kinase1/2. FGF-2, added in the absence or presence of TGFbeta inhibition, elicited a 3- or a 13-fold stimulation of DNA synthesis, respectively, pointing to a synergistic effect. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of TGFbetaRII-transduced signaling upregulates the proliferative response of cardiomyocytes to serum, and greatly potentiates the stimulatory effect of FGF-2. A combinatorial strategy including activation of FGF-2 and inhibition of TGFbeta-triggered signal transduction may be required for maximal stimulation of immature cardiomyocyte DNA synthesis.

Animals↗

Growth hormone, VEGF and FGF: involvement in rheumatoid arthritis.

Adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a systemic autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology, is characterized by dysfunctional cellular and humoral immunity, enhanced migration and attachment of peripheral macrophages and pro-inflammatory leukocytes to the synovium and articular cartilage of diarthrodial joints. The progressive destruction of cartilage and bone in RA is a result of elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression, synovial neovascularization, proteinase-mediated dissolution of articular cartilage matrix and osteoclast-mediated subchondral bone resorption. Juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) is disease with manifestations similar to adult RA that occurs in childhood. JCA usually causes precocious joint destruction and often also presents with evidence of growth plate anomalies and reduced stature. Three proteins play an integral role in both adult RA and JCA. These are somatotropin (also called pituitary growth hormone (GH)), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). GH is responsible for regulating long bone growth and skeletal maturation through its capacity to stimulate insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) synthesis by hepatocytes. Mechanisms responsible for growth plate disturbances and short stature in children with JCA include deficient GH production, GH-insensitivity resulting from defects in the GH receptor, suppressed IGF-1 synthesis or neutralization of IGF-1 action by IGF-1 binding proteins (IGFBPs). In addition, GH has also been implicated in perpetuating inflammation and pain in adult RA. VEGF has been shown to be the critical angiogenesis factor responsible for vascular proliferation and blood vessel invasion of the synovial lining membrane in RA. Acidic FGF (FGF-1) and basic FGF (FGF-2) have also been implicated in aberrant synoviocyte proliferation (i.e. synovial hyperplasia) and apoptosis resistance in adult RA.

Animals↗

Gene profiling of cells expressing different FGF-2 forms.

Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2) induces cell proliferation, cell migration, embryonic development, cell differentiation, angiogenesis and malignant transformation. The four forms of FGF-2 (Low Molecular Weight) and (High Molecular Weights) are alternative translation products, and have a different subcellular localization: the high molecular weight (HMWFGF-2) forms are nuclear while the low molecular weight form, (LMWFGF-2) is mainly cytoplasmic. Our previous work demonstrated NIH 3T3 cells expressing different FGF-2 forms, displayed a different phenotype, suggesting that nuclear and cytoplasmic forms of FGF-2 may have different functions. Here we report a cDNA microarray-based study in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts expressing different FGF-2 forms. Several candidate genes that affect cell-cycle, tumor suppression, adhesion and transcription were identified as possible mediators of the HMWFGF-2 phenotype and signaling pattern. These results demonstrated that HMWFGF-2 and LMWFGF-2 target the expression of different genes. Particularly, our data suggest that HMWFGF-2 forms may function as inducers of growth inhibition and tumor suppression activities.

Animals↗

Spatial and temporal localization of FGF-2 and VEGF in healing tooth extraction sockets in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that spatial and temporal localization of growth factors FGF-2 and VEGF in a rabbit tooth extraction socket model correlate with the histologic events of healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four male New Zealand white rabbits divided into 8 groups of 3 were used in the study. Incisor teeth were extracted from both jaws and the healing extraction socket with surrounding jaw bone was harvested at 48 hours, 4 days, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Tissues were fixed, decalcified, and processed for hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical staining. The sections were stained to detect FGF-2 and VEGF. The stained sections were then imaged and an automated computer program was used to detect the brown diaminobenzidine stain that represented the growth factors of interest. Data was obtained in the form of percentage area and intensity of stain and analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA - Tukey Kramer and Scheffe's post-test). RESULTS: Spatial and temporal differences in localization of FGF-2 and VEGF were observed across all time frames in both jaws. Statistically significant differences in percentage area and intensity of brown diaminobenzidine stain were seen temporally between FGF-2 and VEGF (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed positive correlation of histologic events to spatial and temporal localization of FGF-2 and VEGF in a rabbit tooth extraction model.

Analysis of Variance↗

Ablation of vitamin D signaling rescues bone, mineral, and glucose homeostasis in Fgf-23 deficient mice.

To explore further the role of the vitamin D axis for fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) signaling, we mated Fgf-23 deficient (Fgf-23(-/-)) mice and vitamin D receptor (VDR) mutant mice with a non-functioning VDR. To prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism in VDR and compound mutant mice, all mice were kept on a rescue diet enriched with calcium, phosphorus, and lactose. Consistent with previous findings, Fgf-23(-/-) animals showed hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, growth retardation, ectopic calcifications, severe osteoidosis, skin atrophy, and renal dysfunction. In addition, here we describe that Fgf-23(-/-) mice are hypoglycemic, and have profoundly increased peripheral insulin sensitivity and improved subcutaneous glucose tolerance, but normal renal expression of the aging suppressor gene Klotho. Although VDR and double mutants on the rescue diet still had moderately elevated parathyroid hormone serum levels and lower bone mineral density compared to wild-type mice, double mutant mice were normocalcemic and normophosphatemic, and had normal body weight, normal renal function, and no ectopic calcifications. Ablation of vitamin D signaling in compound mutants also normalized subcutaneous glucose tolerance tests and insulin secretory response. In conclusion, our results indicate that the alterations in mineral and carbohydrate metabolism present in Fgf-23(-/-) mice require an intact vitamin D signaling pathway.

Analysis of Variance↗

Anosmin-1 modulates the FGF-2-dependent migration of oligodendrocyte precursors in the developing optic nerve.

Oligodendrocyte precursors (OPCs) originate at specific domains within the neural tube before migrating to colonize the entire CNS. Once in their target areas, these cells differentiate into oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells in the CNS. Using the embryonic mouse optic nerve as an experimental model, we have analyzed the influence of FGF-2 on OPC development. FGF-2 exerts a dose-dependent motogenic effect on the migration of plp-dm20+ and it also acts as a chemoattractant on these cells. These effects produced by FGF-2 are principally mediated by the FGFR1 receptor, which is expressed by OPCs. Anosmin-1 is the protein that is defective in the X-linked form of human Kallmann syndrome. This protein is expressed by retinal axons and it also interacts with FGFR1, thereby impairing the migration of OPCs. Because both Anosmin-1 and FGF-2 are present in the optic nerve in vivo, we propose a model whereby the relative concentration of these two proteins modulates the migration of OPCs during development through their interaction with FGFR1. This FGF-2/FGFR1/Anosmin-1 system may be relevant in the context of demyelinating diseases.

Animals↗

Co-ordination of TGF-beta and FGF signaling pathways in bone organ cultures.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is known to regulate chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophic differentiation in embryonic bone cultures by a perichondrium dependent mechanism. To begin to determine which factors in the perichondrium mediate the effects of TGF-beta, we studied the effect of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-I) and Fibroblast Growth Factors-2 and -18 (FGF2, FGF18) on metatarsal organ cultures. An increase in chondrocyte proliferation and hypertrophic differentiation was observed after treatment with IGF-I. A similar effect was seen after the perichondrium was stripped from the metatarsals suggesting IGF-I acts directly on the chondrocytes. Treatment with FGF-2 or FGF-18 resulted in a decrease in bone elongation as well as hypertrophic differentiation. Treatment also resulted in a decrease in BrdU incorporation into chondrocytes and an increase in BrdU incorporation in perichondrial cells, similar to what is seen after treatment with TGF-beta1. A similar effect was seen with FGF2 after the perichondrium was stripped suggesting that, unlike TGF-beta, FGF2 acts directly on chondrocytes to regulate proliferation and hypertrophic differentiation. To test the hypothesis that TGF-beta regulates IGF or FGF signaling, activation of the receptors was characterized after treatment with TGF-beta. Activation was measured as the level of tyrosine phosphorylation on the receptor. Treatment with TGF-beta for 24h did not alter the level of IGFR-I tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, treatment with TGF-beta resulted in and increase in tyrosine phosphorylation on FGFR3 without alterations in total FGFR3 levels. TGF-beta also stimulated expression of FGF18 mRNA in the cultures and the effects of TGF-beta on metatarsal development were blocked or partially blocked by pretreatment with FGF signaling inhibitors. The results suggest a model in which FGF through FGFR3 mediates some of the effects of TGF-beta on embryonic bone formation.

Animals↗

FGF signalling controls expression of vomeronasal receptors during embryogenesis.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) have been shown to control formation and differentiation of multiple organ systems in the developing vertebrate embryo. The analysis of differential gene expression during embryogenesis is, therefore, a potent tool to identify novel target genes regulated by FGF signalling. Here, we have applied microarray analysis to identify differentially regulated genes in FGF mutant mouse embryos. Surprisingly, transcripts corresponding to vomeronasal receptors (VRs), which so far have been only detected in the vomeronasal organ (VNO), were found to be downregulated in FGF mutant embryos. VR expression was detected in the developing olfactory pit and the anlage of the VNO. Interestingly, several FGFs can be detected in the developing olfactory pit during mouse embryogenesis [Bachler, M., Neubuser, A. 2001. Expression of members of the Fgf family and their receptors during midfacial development. Mech. Dev. 100, 313-316]. FGF signalling may thus control expression of VRs in the olfactory pit and formation of the VNO. Moreover, VR expression was detected in unexpected locations within the developing embryo including retina, dorsal root ganglia and neural tube. The relevance of VR expression in these structures and for formation of the VNO is discussed.

Animals↗