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A selective cyclic integrin antagonist blocks the integrin receptors alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 and inhibits retinal pigment epithelium cell attachment, migration and invasion.

BACKGROUND: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a leading cause of blindness after failed retinal reattachment surgery. PVR is characterized by the proliferation, migration and contraction of retinal pigmented epithelial cells (RPE), and these cellular responses are influenced by the expression and function of integrin receptors. The effect of a cyclic integrin antagonist containing the amino acid sequence Arg-Gly-Asp-D-Phe-Val (RGDfV), specific for the integrin receptors alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5, was investigated on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), and serum induced human RPE proliferation, migration, invasion and attachment to the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, the effects of bFGF and PDGF-BB regulated expression of integrins alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 on RPE cells was examined. METHODS: The effect of a cyclic integrin antagonist and a control peptide (0.01 microg/ml to 300 microg/ml) was investigated on serum or cytokine (bFGF or PDGF-BB pretreatment) induced human fetal RPE cell proliferation by H3-thymidine uptake. The effect of the cyclic integrin antagonist on RPE cell attachment onto different extracellular matrices (laminin, collagen IV, fibronectin), RPE cell invasion stimulated by PDGF-BB or serum, and migration stimulated by PDGF-BB, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or serum was explored. PDGF-BB and bFGF modulation of the integrin receptors alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The integrin antagonist did not inhibit DNA synthesis stimulated by serum, bFGF, or PDGF-BB treatment. RPE attachment onto fibronectin was inhibited in a concentration range of 1-10 microg/ml (p < 0.05). Attachment of the RPE cells onto collagen IV and laminin was inhibited in a range of 3-10 microg/ml (p < 0.05). Serum and PDGF-BB stimulated migration was inhibited by the cyclic integrin antagonist in a concentration range of 1-10 microg/ml (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the cyclic integrin antagonist inhibited PDGF-BB stimulated RPE cell invasion through fibronectin (3 microg/ml: 66% inhibition, p < 0.001). In each of these experiments, the control peptides had no significant effects. PDGF-BB and bFGF pretreatment of RPE cells increased the expression of integrin receptors alphavbeta3 (bFGF: 1.9 fold, PDGF-BB: 2.3 fold) and alphavbeta5 (bFGF: 2.9 fold, PDGF-BB: 1.5 fold). CONCLUSION: A selective inhibition of the integrin receptors alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 through a cyclic integrin antagonist is able to inhibit RPE cell attachment, migration and invasion. Since these steps are of importance for the progression of PVR, a cyclic integrin antagonist should be further evaluated for the treatment of this disease.

Becaplermin↗

Clinical and molecular studies of the effect of imatinib on advanced aggressive fibromatosis (desmoid tumor).

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical efficacy of imatinib in patients with advanced aggressive fibromatosis (AF) and to identify the molecular basis of response/nonresponse to this agent. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with AF were treated with imatinib (800 mg/d) as part of a phase II clinical study. Tumor specimens were analyzed for mutations of KIT, PDGFRA, PDGFRB, and CTNNB1 (beta-catenin). Tumor expression of total and activated KIT, PDGFRA, and PDGFRB were assessed using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting techniques. We also measured plasma levels of PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB in patients and normal patient controls. RESULTS: Three of 19 patients (15.7%) had a partial response to treatment, with four additional patients having stable disease that lasted more than 1 year (overall 1 year tumor control rate of 36.8%). No mutations of KIT, PDGFRA, or PDGFRB were found. Sixteen of 19 patients (84%) had mutations involving the WNT pathway (APC or CTNNB1). However, there was no correlation between WNT pathway mutations and clinical response to imatinib. AF tumors expressed minimal to null levels of KIT and PDGFRA but expressed levels of PDGFRB that are comparable with normal fibroblasts. However, PDGFRB phosphorylation was not detected, suggesting that PDGFRB is only weakly activated. AF patients had elevated levels of PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB compared with normal patient controls. Notably, the plasma level of PDGF-BB was inversely correlated with time to treatment failure. CONCLUSION: Imatinib is an active agent in the treatment of advanced AF. Imatinib response in AF patients may be mediated by inhibition of PDGFRB kinase activity.

Adolescent↗

Changes in expression of platelet-derived growth factor and its receptors in the lungs of newborn rats exposed to air or 60% O(2).

PDGF-related gene expression has been well characterized during fetal rat lung development and adult rat lung injury, but not during normal postnatal lung growth or injury. Lung expression of the mRNA for PDGF-A, -B, -alpha R, and -beta R and immunoreactive PDGF-AA, -BB, -alpha R, and -beta R were assessed in rat pups raised in air or 60% O(2) for up to 14 d after birth. Expression of mRNA and immunoreactive ligand did not correlate for pups raised in air. Immunoreactive PDGF-alpha R and -beta R, but not PDGF-AA and -BB, were evident throughout the lung at birth. Both PDGF-AA and -BB were evident in airway epithelium, PDGF-BB in alveolar epithelial cells and PDGF-AA was widely distributed in parenchymal tissue at 4 d. PDGF-alpha R was localized to airway epithelium, and PDGF-beta R to subendothelial perivascular regions and to airway and alveolar epithelium at 4 d. Immunoreactive PDGF ligands all declined after 4 d. Intraperitoneal injection of neutralizing antibodies or truncated soluble receptors to PDGF-BB reduced lung DNA synthesis in air. Exposure to 60% O(2) significantly increased mRNA for PDGF-B, -beta R, and -alpha R, but not PDGF-A, relative to air-exposed lung at various time points after birth. PDGF-A, -B, and -alpha R immunoreactivities in these lungs were reduced and delayed, consistent with a global inhibition of lung growth. Pups exposed to 60% O(2) had a similar distribution of PDGF-beta R to that seen in air, except that at 14 d PDGF-beta R was distributed throughout the lung parenchyma. We conclude that PDGF ligands and receptors are important for normal postnatal lung growth and that their expression is delayed by O(2) exposure.

Animals↗

A role for platelet-derived growth factor-BB in rat postpneumonectomy compensatory lung growth.

Unilateral pneumonectomy leads to compensatory growth in the residual lung, the mediators of which are largely unknown. We hypothesized, based on its other known roles in lung cell growth, that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB would be an essential mediator of postpneumonectomy compensatory lung growth. Left-sided pneumonectomies were performed on 21-d-old rats, for comparison with sham-operated or unoperated control animals. Body weights were not different between groups. Right lung weights and DNA content were significantly increased (p < 0.05), compared with controls, by 10 d after pneumonectomy. The rate of DNA synthesis was maximal on d 5 postpneumonectomy. Total right lung PDGF-B mRNA and PDGF-BB protein increased after pneumonectomy, but were apparently tightly regulated, relative to total right lung beta-actin mRNA and protein content, respectively. However, PDGF-BB expression after pneumonectomy was apparently not purely constitutive, in that daily i.p. injections of a truncated soluble PDGF beta-receptor both reduced activation of the native PDGF beta-receptor, and attenuated increased lung DNA synthesis on d 3 after pneumonectomy. These findings are consistent with a critical role for PDGF-BB in postpneumonectomy lung growth.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

The selective class III/V receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor SU11657 inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis in experimental neuroblastomas grown in mice.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and their cognate receptor tyrosine kinases are strongly implicated in angiogenesis associated with solid tumors. SU11657 (SUGEN) is a selective multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with antitumor and antiangiogenic activity exerted by targeting PDGF receptors (PDGFR), VEGF receptors (VEGFR), stem cell factor receptor (c-KIT), and FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3. Oral administration of SU11657 at 40 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) to athymic mice resulted in significant growth inhibition of a panel of s.c. human neuroblastoma xenografts, namely, fast-growing SK-N-AS, MYCN- amplified IMR-32, and SH-SY5Y, by 90, 93.8, and 88%, respectively, and was well tolerated. All of the cell lines expressed VEGFR-2, PDGFR-beta, and c-KIT protein in the tumor cell and endothelial cell compartment by immunohistochemistry, and the expression decreased during therapy. Plasma concentrations of VEGF-A, PDGF-BB, and stem cell factor increased per milliliter of tumor volume at days 10, 18, and 20 of therapy. Furthermore, SU11657 reduced tumor angiogenesis by 63-96%. Our experimental data suggest that the angiogenesis inhibitor SU11657 may be beneficial in the treatment of rapidly growing and highly vascularized solid tumors of childhood, such as neuroblastoma. In summary, the class III/V receptor tyrosine kinases and their ligands are implicated in angiogenesis, tumor cell proliferation, and cell survival, and it seems reasonable to determine whether interference with these pathways can suppress neuroblastoma growth or not.

Administration, Oral↗

A photo-crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel growth factor release vehicle for wound healing applications.

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a hydrogel vehicle for sustained release of growth factors for wound healing applications. Hydrogels were fabricated using ultraviolet photo-crosslinking of acrylamide-functionalized nondegradable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Protein permeability was initially assessed using trypsin inhibitor (TI), a 21 000 MW model protein drug. TI permeability was altered by changing the solids content of the gel and by adding hydrophilic PVA fillers. As the PVA content increased from 10% to 20%, protein flux decreased, with no TI permeating through 20% PVA hydrogels. Further increase in model drug release was achieved by incorporating hydrophilic PVA fillers into the hydrogel. As filler molecular weight increased, TI flux increased. The mechanism for this is most likely an alteration in protein/gel interactions and transient variations in water content. The percent protein released was also altered by varying protein loading concentration. Release studies conducted using growth factor in vehicles with hydrophilic filler showed sustained release of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-beta,beta) for up to 3 days compared with less than 24 hours in the controls. In vitro bioactivity was demonstrated by doubling of normal human dermal fibroblast numbers when exposed to growth factor-loaded vehicle compared to control. The release vehicle developed in this study uses a rapid and simple fabrication method, and protein release can be tailored by modifying solid content, incorporating biocompatible hydrophilic fillers, and varying protein loading concentration.

Becaplermin↗

Growth factor-specific regulation of insulin receptor substrate-1 expression in MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells: effects on the insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway.

IGFs are potent mitogens that play a crucial role in cell proliferation and/or differentiation and tumorigenesis. Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) is a key protein in the IGF signaling pathway in the estrogen-dependent MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line. In this study, three growth factors [fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)] were tested for their ability to modulate IRS-1 protein expression and the IGF-I signaling pathway. FGF and, to a lesser extent, EGF were found to increase IRS-1 protein, whereas PDGF had no effect. This indicates that growth factors can specifically modulate IRS-1 protein content. The increases provoked by EGF and FGF were dependent on the MAPK signaling pathway but independent of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) signaling and required de novo protein synthesis. We noted that the kinetics of MAPK activation was continuous in response to FGF but transient in response to EGF. In addition, transfection of cells with a constitutively active form of MAPK kinase, which results in continuous MAPK activity, increased IRS-1 expression. Taken together, these results suggest that stimulation of IRS-1 expression was therefore stronger when MAPK activity was sustained. Pretreatment of cells with EGF, FGF, or PDGF for 24 h reduced IGF-I-induced tyrosine phosphorylation per molecule of IRS-1. However, IGF-I-induced PI 3-kinase activity was decreased by 24 h of pretreatment with EGF or PDGF but not with FGF. Our results therefore demonstrate that different growth factors are capable of specifically modulating the IGF-I signaling via IRS-1. They further suggest that the FGF-induced increase in IRS-1 counterbalances the inhibition of IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation to allow normal stimulation of IGF-I-induced PI 3-kinase activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Dual regulation of proliferation and growth arrest in prostatic stromal cells by transforming growth factor-beta1.

In a preliminary study, we observed that TGF-beta1 induced both proliferation and growth arrest in prostatic stromal cells, depending on the concentration of TGF-beta1 used in the culture medium. In this study, we explored possible mechanisms of this dual effect of TGF-beta. Primary cultures of prostatic stromal cells, established from clinical surgical specimens and treated with low doses of TGF-beta1 (0.001-0.01 ng/ml), resulted in an increase in cell proliferation. The addition of neutralizing antibody against platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, but not anti-PDGF-AA, abrogated this stimulatory effect of TGF-beta1. TGF-beta1 treatment resulted in a dose-related increase in PDGF-BB production as measured by ELISA. Cells underwent growth arrest at high concentrations of TGF-beta1 (1.0 and 10 ng/ml). An inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk), p15INK4b, was up-regulated at both transcript and protein levels in these cultures by TGF-beta1 in a dose-related manner as determined by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. The transcript, but not the protein, for another cdk inhibitor, p21Cip1, was up-regulated with treatment of TGF-beta1 to these cells. Levels of other cdk inhibitors, such as p16INK4a and p27Kip1, were constitutively expressed in prostatic stromal cells and were not significantly affected by TGF-beta1 treatment. Finally, the growth arrest effect of TGF-beta1 was abrogated when antisense oligonucleotides to p15INH4b, but not p21Cip1, were added to the culture medium. These data indicate that the dual effect of TGF-beta1 is mediated, at least, by up-regulation of PDGF-BB and p15INK4b, respectively.

Antibodies↗

Increase of C-type natriuretic peptide expression by serum and platelet-derived growth factor-BB in human aortic smooth muscle cells is dependent on protein kinase C activation.

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is produced by the vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of injured and atherosclerotic arteries, in which it may exert autocrine control over SMCs by binding to its principal receptors, NPR-B and NPR-C, but few studies have examined the factors that regulate CNP expression in human SMCs. In the present report, we show that serum induces significant increases in both CNP and NPR-C transcript levels in human, but not rat SMCs in culture, and that pretreatment with either the general tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein, the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG 1296, or the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X blocks most of the serum-induced increase in CNP. PDGF-BB also induced significant dose-dependent increases in CNP transcript that correlated temporally with the serum effect on CNP mRNA. Inhibition of several PDGF-BB signaling pathways downstream of receptor activation showed that PKC inhibition with GF109203X was almost as effective as genistein in abolishing the PDGF-BB-induced up-regulation of CNP mRNA. Furthermore, PKC activation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) produced an extremely high level of CNP mRNA that was abolished by GF109203X. Immunoreactive CNP was markedly increased in SMCs receiving 10% serum, 20 ng/ml PDGF-BB, or PMA, and was decreased in PDGF-treated and PMA-treated cells by AG 1296 and GF109203X, respectively. This report suggests that in humans, PDGF and other factors signaling through receptor tyrosine kinases and downstream activation of PKC could represent an important control for CNP expression in vascular smooth muscle.

Animals↗

Growth factors regulate the synthesis of insulin-like growth factor-I in bone cell cultures.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), a prevalent growth factor secreted by bone cells, has important effects on bone remodeling. Hormones are known to regulate the synthesis of skeletal IGF-I, but there is limited information about the actions of growth factors on IGF-I synthesis. We tested the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta 1), and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) AA and BB on IGF-I mRNA expression and polypeptide concentrations in cultures of osteoblast-enriched (Ob) cells from 22-day-old fetal rat calvariae. Steady state IGF-I mRNA levels were determined by Northern blot analysis, and IGF-I concentrations were determined in acidified and fractionated culture medium by a specific RIA. Treatment of Ob cells with bFGF at 0.06-6 nM, TGF beta 1 at 0.04-4 nM, and PDGF BB at 0.3-3.3 nM caused a dose-dependent decrease in steady state IGF-I mRNA. A smaller effect was observed with PDGF AA. The effect was initially observed after 6-8 h of treatment and was maximal after 16 h. Treatment with bFGF at 0.6-6 nM, TGF beta 1 at 0.4-4 nM, and PDGF BB at 0.3-3.3 nM for 24 h decreased IGF-I polypeptide concentrations by 40-80%. The effects of bFGF, TGF beta 1, and PDGF BB and AA on IGF-I mRNA were independent of protein synthesis and cell division, as they were observed in the presence and absence of cycloheximide at 3.6 microM or hydroxyurea at 1 mM. Similarly, their inhibitory actions on immunoreactive IGF-I were not prevented by hydroxyurea. In conclusion, bFGF, TGF beta 1, PDGF BB, and, to a lesser extent, PDGF AA decrease skeletal IGF-I synthesis by reducing IGF-I transcript levels, and this effect may contribute to their actions on selected aspects of Ob cell function.

Animals↗

Platelet-derived growth factor-AA and -BB (PDGF-AA and -BB) enhance the synthesis of PDGF-AA in bone cell cultures.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), an agent with important mitogenic effects for bone cells, exists in three isoforms, PDGF-AA, -BB, and -AB. PDGF-AB and -BB are the prevalent circulating isoforms, whereas normal unstimulated cells of the osteoblast lineage synthesize primarily PDGF-AA. We examined the effects of PDGF-BB on PDGF-A mRNA expression and PDGF-AA polypeptide concentrations in cultures of osteoblast-enriched cells from 22-day-old fetal rat calvariae (Ob cells). In a selected number of experiments we compared the effects of PDGF-BB with those of PDGF-AA on PDGF-A mRNA levels. Steady state PDGF-A mRNA levels were determined by Northern blot analysis, and PDGF-AA concentrations were determined in acidified and fractionated culture medium by a specific RIA for PDGF-A chains. Treatment of Ob cells with PDGF-AA or -BB at 0.3-3.3 nM caused a dose-dependent increase in steady state PDGF-A mRNA, an effect that was initially observed after 2 h. Treatment with PDGF-BB at 1-3.3 nM for 24 h increased PDGF-AA polypeptide concentrations by 2- to 5-fold. The effects of PDGF on PDGF-A mRNA and polypeptide levels were prevented by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide at 3.6 microM. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate at 1 microM increased PDGF-A mRNA after 2-6 h and PDGF-AA polypeptide levels after 24 h by 2-fold. However, the protein kinase-C inhibitor staurosporine at 50 nM did not modify basal PDGF-A mRNA levels and did not prevent the stimulatory effect of PDGF-AA or -BB on PDGF-A mRNA or PDGF-AA polypeptide levels. In conclusion, PDGF-BB and -AA increase skeletal PDGF-A synthesis, an effect that reveals autoinduction of PDGF in bone cells.

Alkaloids↗

Regulation of insulin-like growth factor-II synthesis in bone cell cultures by skeletal growth factors.

Insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) is a growth factor secreted by bone cells and presumed to act as an autocrine regulator of bone formation. Although hormones and growth factors regulate the synthesis of skeletal IGF-I, hormones do not seem to modify the synthesis of skeletal IGF-II. We postulated that skeletal IGF-II is regulated by growth factors, and we tested the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta 1), and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) on IGF-II messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and polypeptide concentrations in cultures of osteoblast-enriched (Ob) cells from 22-day-old fetal rat calvariae. Steady state IGF-II mRNA levels were determined by Northern blot analysis, and IGF-II concentrations were determined in acidified and fractionated culture medium by a specific RIA. Treatment of Ob cells with bFGF, TGF beta 1, and PDGF-BB decreased IGF-II mRNA levels after 24-48 h. A continuous 48-h treatment with bFGF at 0.6-6 nM, TGF beta 1 at 0.04-1.2 nM, and PDGF-BB at 0.3-3.3 nM caused a dose-dependent decrease in steady state IGF-II mRNA. The effects of bFGF, TGF beta 1, and PDGF-BB on IGF-II mRNA were dependent on protein synthesis and decreased in the presence of cycloheximide at 3.6 microM, but were independent of cell division, because they were observed in the presence and absence of 1 mM hydroxyurea. Treatment with bFGF, TGF beta 1, and PDGF-BB for 24 h did not cause a change in IGF-II polypeptide levels. PDGF-BB at 3.3 nM and TGF beta 1 at 0.04-0.4 nM for 48 h decreased IGF-II polypeptide levels by about 50%, although bFGF had no effect. In conclusion, bFGF, TGF beta 1, and PDGF decrease skeletal IGF-II transcript levels, and this effect may contribute to their actions on selected aspects of Ob cell function.

Animals↗

Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of interstitial collagenase by platelet-derived growth factor BB in bone cell cultures.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a bone cell mitogen, stimulates bone collagen degradation and does not enhance bone matrix apposition rates. The mechanism of the effect on collagen degradation is unknown, and it could involve changes in interstitial collagenase synthesis. We tested the effects of PDGF on interstitial collagenase expression in cultures of osteoblast-enriched cells from fetal rat calvariae (Ob cells). After 4-8 h of treatment, PDGF BB at 0.3 nM increased steady state collagenase messenger RNA (mRNA), whereas PDGF AA had no effect. The effect of PDGF BB on collagenase transcripts was dose dependent. PDGF BB increased the levels of immunoreactive collagenase after 6 h, whereas the levels were decreased after 16 h. Stimulation of collagenase mRNA by PDGF BB was dependent on de novo protein synthesis and activation of protein kinase C. PDGF BB prolonged the half-life of collagenase mRNA in transcriptionally arrested cells. PDGF BB initially increased and subsequently decreased the rate of collagenase gene transcription and the levels of collagenase heterogeneous nuclear RNA. In conclusion, PDGF BB regulates interstitial collagenase in Ob cells by transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms, and this effect may contribute to its stimulatory actions on bone collagen degradation.

Animals↗

Glucocorticoids inhibit keratinocyte growth factor production in primary dermal fibroblasts.

The participation of growth factors in wound healing and tissue repair has been well established. Previous studies demonstrated that the expression of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) was greatly elevated shortly after injury and that topical application of KGF accelerated healing. Steroidal antiinflammatory agents, specifically glucocorticoids, markedly impair wound healing. The participation of KGF in wound healing led us to examine the effect of glucocorticoids on KGF production. The addition of dexamethasone significantly reduced the level of constitutively produced KGF messenger RNA, protein, and bioactivity in conditioned medium from dermal fibroblasts. This inhibitory effect was observed with a variety of glucocorticoids, whereas nonsteroidal antiinflammatory compounds had little effect on KGF synthesis. The mechanisms by which dexamethasone decreased KGF production include a combination of a diminished transcriptional rate and destabilization of the KGF messenger RNA. Cytokines such as interleukin-1 alpha, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, and transforming growth factor-alpha, typically up-regulated during wound healing, augment KGF expression by dermal fibroblasts. We determined that dexamethasone also blocked this inductive effect. These results suggest that glucocorticoids could inhibit KGF production in the setting of wound repair, which may contribute to the impairment of healing associated with glucocorticoid use.

Animals↗

The mechanism of excisional fetal wound repair in vitro is responsive to growth factors.

We have investigated the ability of fetal rat skin to heal an excisional wound in vitro. Skin from the backs of E17-E19 rats was wounded using a 1-mm diameter cutting needle and suspended in culture on a 6-pin cradle for 72 h. Neither contraction nor epithelial closure was observed within wounds created in skin from E19 embryos. In contrast, wounds in E17 skin contracted to 35-50% of their original area over 72 h, although, in the absence of serum, complete wound closure was not observed. Addition of FBS at the time of culture resulted in the movement of the epithelium over the dermal margins of the wound to effect complete closure. Histological sections through these healed wounds revealed an epithelial bridge spanning the dermal margins of the wound. A similar mechanism of repair was observed in the presence of day 14 adult wound fluid. The response of wounds in E17 skin to a range of growth factors was then assessed in an attempt to reproduce the serum response under defined conditions. Insulin-like growth factor I or epidermal growth factor did not significantly affect wound closure. Basic fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, or platelet-derived growth factor did promote wound closure although, in contrast to the serum-induced response, wound histology revealed repair had been achieved by dermal fibroblasts that occupied the space between the epithelial margins of the healed wound. We have therefore shown that the epithelial component of fetal wound repair proceeds in organ-cultured fetal skin in the absence of an adhesive substrate over which to migrate and is dependent on the source of trophic factors. The inability of skin taken from the E19 embryo to heal in vitro suggests a developmental switch in the mechanism of wound epithelialization.

Animals↗

Insulin-like growth factor II promoter expression in cultured rodent osteoblasts and adult rat bone.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II stimulates bone formation by increasing the replication of cells of the osteoblastic lineage and by enhancing the differentiated function of the osteoblast. Although IGF-II is synthesized by skeletal cells, little is known about the mechanisms involved and its regulation by growth factors. IGF-II expression is tissue specific and is developmentally regulated. In the present study, we examined the expression of IGF-II in fetal rat, newborn mouse and MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic (Ob) cells, and in adult rat calvariae. We also determined mechanisms involved in the regulation of IGF-II by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1. Northern analysis revealed IGF-II transcripts of 3.6 and 1.2 kb in osteoblastic cells and adult rat calvariae. Ribonuclease (RNase) protection assay using probes specific to the three known IGF-II promoters, P1, P2, and P3, demonstrated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression driven by P3 in osteoblasts and adult rat calvariae, but no expression of P1 or P2 transcripts. PDGF BB, FGF-2, and TGF beta1 inhibited the expression of IGF-II P3 mRNA by 50%. PDGF BB, FGF-2, and TGF beta1 also decreased the rates of IGF-II transcription in rat Ob cells as determined by nuclear run-on assays and did not modify the decay of IGF-II in transcriptionally arrested rat Ob cells. In conclusion, the synthesis of IGF-II in osteoblastic cells and in adult rat calvariae is driven by IGF-II P3 and is regulated by skeletal growth factors acting at the transcriptional level using the IGF-II P3.

Animals↗

Transforming growth factor-beta1-induced proliferation of the prostate cancer cell line, TSU-Pr1: the role of platelet-derived growth factor.

The results of our previous study revealed that transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGFbeta1) stimulated proliferation of the prostate cancer cell line, TSU-Pr1. This observation is unexpected, for TGFbeta usually inhibits proliferation in prostate cancer cells. The present study examines possible mechanisms through which TGFbeta1 induces this proliferation. We postulate that TGFbeta1 action is mediated through an indirect mechanism by inducing the expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which, in turn, stimulates proliferation. The TGFbeta1-induced proliferation can be abrogated by treatment with a PDGF-neutralizing antibody. Treatment with exogenous PDGF significantly increased TSU-Pr1 proliferation. Finally, treatment of TSU-Pr1 cells with TGFbeta1 resulted in an increase in PDGF secretion. These results indicate that TGFbeta1-induced proliferation in TSU-Pr1 cells is at least mediated through an increased secretion of PDGF.

Becaplermin↗

Bone morphogenetic proteins induce gremlin, a protein that limits their activity in osteoblasts.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) induce the differentiation of cells of the osteoblastic lineage and enhance the function of the osteoblast. Growth factor activity is regulated by binding proteins, and we previously showed that BMPs induce noggin, a glycoprotein that binds and blocks BMP action. Recently, additional BMP antagonists, such as gremlin, have been described, but there is no information about their expression or function in osteoblasts. We tested for the expression of gremlin and studied its induction by BMPs in cultures of osteoblast-enriched cells from 22-day-old fetal rat calvariae (Ob cells). BMP-2 caused a time- and dose-dependent increase in gremlin messenger RNA and polypeptide levels, as determined by Northern and Western blot analyses. The effects of BMP-2 on gremlin transcripts were independent of new protein synthesis. BMP-2 increased the rate of gremlin transcription as determined by nuclear run-on assays. Fibroblast growth factor-2 and platelet-derived growth factor BB also induced gremlin, but other hormones and growth factors had no effect. Gremlin prevented the stimulatory effects of BMP-2 on DNA, collagen, noncollagen protein synthesis, and alkaline phosphatase activity in Ob cells. In conclusion, BMPs induce gremlin transcription in Ob cells, a mechanism that probably limits BMP action in osteoblasts.

Animals↗