Stimulation of the chemotactic migration of human fibroblasts by transforming growth factor beta

TGF-beta regulates production of growth factors and TGF-beta by human peripheral blood monocytes

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and its closely related homologue, TGF-beta 2, rapidly induce growth factor gene expression by freshly isolated human peripheral blood monocytes. Within 3 h of exposure to TGF-beta, mRNA species specific for interleukin-1 (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were observed. By 14-18 h, cytokine bioactivity and protein were detected in the culture supernatants. Furthermore, not only TGF-beta 1, but also TGF-beta 2 mRNA are expressed constitutively in unstimulated monocytes. However, in response to exogenous TGF-beta (beta 1 or beta 2), only TGF-beta 1 gene expression is upregulated, and the expression of TGF-beta 2 mRNA is unchanged. This selective autoinduction of TGF-beta 1 appears to be controlled at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. These paracrine and autocrine activities of TGF-beta suggest potential mechanisms through which an inflammatory response can be initiated and amplified. In addition, the TGF-beta enhancement of growth factor generation may promote fibrosis and angiogenesis relevant to physiological tissue repair as well as pathological fibrotic sequelae.

Coordinate regulation of transforming growth factor beta gene expression and cell proliferation in hamster lungs undergoing bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

The number of mesenchymal cells, as well as their ability to synthesize extracellular matrix (ECM) components, greatly increase in the interstitium of fibrotic lungs. We have previously shown that the transcription of type I procollagen and fibronectin genes in the lungs is preferentially elevated during the early stages of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (Raghow, R., S. Lurie, J. M. Seyer, and A. H. Kang. 1985, J. Clin. Invest. 76:1734-1739. Since a cytokine-like transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) that is capable of enhancing mesenchymal cell proliferation and ECM synthesis could be potentially involved in this process, we investigated the temporal relationship between the regulation of TGF beta gene transcription and cellular proliferation in the bleomycin-treated hamster lungs. We observed a transient 5-7-fold increase in the accumulation of TGF beta transcripts, a concomitant 3-4-fold elevation in the cellular proliferation, and 8-10-fold stimulation of DNA synthesis in these lungs; all three parameters peaked around day 10 after bleomycin administration. Based on these results, we conclude that regulation of TGF beta gene expression may contribute significantly to the early events that lead to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Transforming growth factor-ßs as modulators of pericellular proteolytic events

Since the discovery of transforming growth factor-ß:s an increasing number of different biological effects have been attributed to this group of proteins. Analysis of the cellular responses to TGFß stimulation at the molecular level has indicated that TGFß acts as an activator of transcription of several genes. This may in part explain the plethora of various functions that have been ascribed to TGFß. In addition to the TGFß family of polypeptides there is an increasing number of related factors, whose major roles appear to be involved in developmental processes. A distinct feature of TGFß is its ability to regulate pericellular proteolysis of cultured cells. As yet this property has not been associated with other members of this group of polypeptides. Depending on the target cell type TGFß may either increase or decrease pericellular proteolytic activity. Proteolytic activation of latent TGFß and its possible inhibition by TGFß-induced protease inhibitors could be a physiological feed-back mechanism in the control of proteolytic activity in the vicinity of cells.

Protein factors which regulate cell motility

Cell motility (i.e., movement) is an essential component of normal development, inflammation, tissue repair, angiogenesis, and tumor invasion. Various molecules can affect the motility and positioning of mammalian cells, including peptide growth factors, (e.g., EGF, PDGF, TGF-beta), substrate-adhesion molecules (e.g., fibronectin, laminin), cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), and metalloproteinases. Recent studies have demonstrated a group of motility-stimulating proteins which do not appear to fit into any of the above categories. Examples include: 1) scatter factor (SF), a mesenchymal cell-derived protein which causes contiguous sheets of epithelium to separate into individual cells and stimulates the migration of epithelial as well as vascular endothelial cells; 2) autocrine motility factor (AMF), a tumor cell-derived protein which stimulates migration of the producer cells; and 3) migration-stimulating factor (MSF), a protein produced by fetal and cancer patient fibroblasts which stimulates penetration of three-dimensional collagen gels by non-producing adult fibroblasts. SF, AMF, and MSF are soluble and heat labile proteins with Mr of 77, 55, and 70 kd by SDS-PAGE, respectively, and may be members of a new class of cell-specific regulators of motility. Their physiologic functions have not been established, but available data suggest that they may be involved in fetal development and/or tissue repair.

Complex regulation of transforming growth factor beta 1, beta 2, and beta 3 mRNA expression in mouse fibroblasts and keratinocytes by transforming growth factors beta 1 and beta 2

Regulation of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1), TGF beta 2, and TGF beta 3 mRNAs in murine fibroblasts and keratinocytes by TGF beta 1 and TGF beta 2 was studied. In quiescent AKR-2B fibroblasts, in which TGF beta induces delayed stimulation of DNA synthesis, TGF beta 1 autoregulation of TGF beta 1 expression was observed as early as 1 h, with maximal induction (25-fold) after 6 to 12 h. Increased expression of TGF beta 1 mRNA was accompanied by increased TGF beta protein production into conditioned medium of AKR-2B cells. Neither TGF beta 2 nor TGF beta 3 mRNA, however, was significantly induced, but both were apparently down regulated at later times by TGF beta 1. Protein synthesis was not required for autoinduction of TGF beta 1 mRNA in AKR-2B cells. Nuclear run-on analyses and dactinomycin experiments indicated that autoregulation of TGF beta 1 expression is complex, involving both increased transcription and message stabilization. In contrast to TGF beta 1, TGF beta 2 treatment of quiescent AKR-2B cells increased expression of TGF beta 1, TGF beta 2, and TGF beta 3 mRNAs, but with different kinetics. Autoinduction of TGF beta 2 mRNA occurred rapidly with maximal induction at 1 to 3 h, enhanced TGF beta 3 mRNA levels were observed after 3 h, and increased expression of TGF beta 1 occurred later, with maximal mRNA levels obtained after 12 to 24 h. Nuclear run-on analyses indicated that TGF beta 2 regulation of TGF beta 2 and TGF beta 3 mRNA levels is transcriptional, while TGF beta 2 induction of TGF beta 1 expression most likely involves both transcriptional and posttranscriptional controls. In BALB/MK mouse keratinocytes, minimal autoinduction of TGF beta 1 occurred at only the 12- and 24-h time points and protein synthesis was required for this autoinduction. The results of this study provide an example in which TGF beta 1 and TGF beta 2 elicit different responses and demonstrate that expression of TGF beta 1, and TGF beta 3 are regulated differently. The physiological relevance of TGF beta 1 autoinduction in the context of wound healing is discussed.

Transforming growth factors (TGF alpha and TGF beta 1) stimulate chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronate synthesis in cultured rat liver fat storing cells

The synthesis of total sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAG) was stimulated by transforming growth factors (TGF alpha 1.4-fold at 5 ng/ml, and TGF beta 1 2.05-fold at 2.5 ng/ml) in primary cultures of rat liver fat storing cells (FSC). The combination of both TGFs resulted in an additively stimulated synthesis of total sulfated GAG (more than 3-fold), chondroitin sulfate (more than 15-fold) and hyaluronate (3.8-fold), respectively, whereas the formation of dermatan sulfate was unchanged and that of heparan sulfate was slightly reduced. In summary, TGFs were identified as important mediators of stimulated GAG synthesis in those cells of the liver (FSC), which are the primary site of matrix glycoconjugate production.

Secretion of transforming growth factor-beta by human myelogenous leukemic cells and its possible role in proliferation of the leukemic cells

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta activity was found in the neutral extracts of human myelogenous leukemic cells or K562 cells and the conditioned medium from K562 cell culture. BALB/c 3T3 cells grown in soft agar in the presence of TGF-beta 1 produced an activity that stimulated the growth of K562 cells. This activity was non-dialyzable, acid-stable, heat-sensitive and partially inactivated by pronase treatment. These results suggest a mutual growth reliance between the leukemic cells and fibroblasts mediated by paracrine growth factors produced by these cells.

Macrophage-derived growth factors in wound healing: regulation of growth factor production by the oxygen microenvironment

There is a large amount of current research investigating the pathophysiologic aspects of pulmonary hypertension. Results of this research indicate the potential role of the macrophage as one possible mediator of pulmonary hypertension. The macrophage has been shown to produce numerous soluble mediators, including various growth factors, some of which may be involved in the cellular proliferation of the arterial wall. Most of the knowledge regarding oxygen microenvironments, macrophages, and growth factor production comes from research on the healing wound. A considerable amount of what has been learned about the role of the macrophage in cutaneous wound healing may have direct applicability to macrophage function in acute lung injury and repair, and pulmonary hypertension. Macrophages play a pivotal role in cutaneous wound repair. They participate in immunologic and nonspecific host defense responses and produce numerous growth factors that regulate mesenchymal cell proliferation, migration, and synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins. These same responses are probably at work during the progression of pulmonary hypertension.

Quantitative immunohistologic assessment of lymphocyte populations in the pulmonary inflammatory response to intratracheal silica

Immunogold-silver staining was used to identify T lymphocytes, T lymphocyte subsets, and B lymphocytes in lung tissue from mice injected intratracheally with silica, titanium dioxide, or saline alone. Morphometric quantitation revealed a marked influx of T lymphocytes in the silica-treated animals during the first 3 weeks after injection. The relative numerical density of these cells remained elevated when compared with saline-treated controls throughout the 12 weeks of the experiment. Cells expressing the CD4 and CD8 antigens were both increased in number, with the former accounting for approximately two-thirds of the T lymphocytes. An increased number of B lymphocytes was also apparent from 6 weeks after treatment with silica. The T lymphocyte response preceded the development of significant pulmonary fibrosis by several weeks. No lymphocyte response was observed in the lungs of mice injected with nonfibrogenic titanium dioxide. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that lymphokines secreted by T lymphocytes play a role in the pathogenesis of silicotic inflammatory lesions and their progression to fibrosis.

Macrophage production of transforming growth factor beta and fibroblast collagen synthesis in chronic pulmonary inflammation

A rat model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis was used to examine the relationship between collagen synthesis and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) production, and cellular distribution. Total lung TGF-beta was elevated within 2 h of intratracheal bleomycin administration and peaked 7 d later at levels 30-fold higher than controls. This was followed by a gradual decline with lower but persistent levels of production in the late phase of the response between 21 and 28 d later. The peak TGF-beta levels preceded the maximum collagen and noncollagen protein synthesis measured by [3H]proline incorporation into lung fibroblast explants of bleomycin-treated rats. The pattern of immunohistochemical staining localized TGF-beta initially in the cytoplasm of bronchiolar epithelium cells and subepithelial extracellular matrix. The peak of lung TGF-beta levels at 7 d coincided with intense TGF-beta staining of macrophages dispersed in the alveolar interstitium and in organized clusters. Later in the course of the response. TGF-beta was primarily associated with extracellular matrix in regions of increased cellularity and tissue repair, and coincided with the maximum fibroblast collagen synthesis. This temporal and spatial relationship between collagen production and TGF-beta production by macrophages suggests an important if not primary role for TGF-beta in the pathogenesis of the pulmonary fibrosis.

Analysis of transforming growth factor beta receptor binding in embryonic, fetal, and adult rabbit fibroblasts

Adult wound repair traits including inflammation, fibroplasia, and collagen deposition are not seen at fetal wound sites. This observation raised questions about regulatory mechanisms extant in fetal healing. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is an important regulatory polypeptide known to orchestrate fibroplasia and collagen synthesis during adult wound repair. Previous studies have suggested that the wounded rabbit fetus is capable of responding with these adult characteristics if provided with exogenous TGF-beta. In order to test whether the observed in vivo effects of TGF-beta in the rabbit fetus might be due to a direct effect on the fibroblast, TGF-beta receptor binding characteristics of early passage cultured embryonic (14 days' gestation), fetal (24 days' gestation), and adult rabbit fibroblasts were studied by flow cytometry. Experiments were carried out using fluorescein-conjugated TGF-beta (F-TGF-beta) with analysis on an EPICS V flow cytometer. F-TGF-beta was incubated with each of the three fibroblast types at 37 degrees C after which time the cells were washed twice and analyzed with a minimum of 10(5) cells for each data point. F-TGF-beta bound rapidly and reversibly to the embryonic, fetal, and adult fibroblasts with saturation being achieved at 1 nmol/L for fetal and adult cells, and 8 nmol/L in the embryonic fibroblasts. Saturating concentrations of F-TGF-beta yielded mean channel numbers (a function of relative amounts of F-TGF-beta-bound) of 172, 114, and 97 for embryonic, fetal, and adult cells, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inflammatory and immunomodulatory roles of TGF-beta

Transforming growth factors (TGFs) are small polypeptides that were initially defined by their ability to induce transformation of non-neoplastic cells in culture. However, it has become increasingly clear that TGFs are not restricted in function to promoting cell growth. One type of transforming growth factor, TGF-beta, is a multifunctional molecule which has unique and potent effects on many target cells and tissues. In this article, Sharon Wahl, Nancy McCartney-Francis and Stephan Mergenhagen focus on the evolving role of TGF-beta in regulating inflammation, immune responses and tissue repair.

Platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta enhance tissue repair activities by unique mechanisms

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) markedly potentiate tissue repair in vivo. In the present experiments, both in vitro and in vivo responses to PDGF and TGF-beta were tested to identify mechanisms whereby these growth factors might each enhance the wound-healing response. Recombinant human PDGF B-chain homodimers (PDGF-BB) and TGF-beta 1 had identical dose-response curves in chemotactic assays with monocytes and fibroblasts as the natural proteins from platelets. Single applications of PDGF-BB (2 micrograms, 80 pmol) and TGF-beta 1 (20 micrograms, 600 pmol) were next applied to linear incisions in rats and each enhanced the strength required to disrupt the wounds at 5 d up to 212% of paired control wounds. Histological analysis of treated wounds demonstrated an in vivo chemotactic response of macrophages and fibroblasts to both PDGF-BB and to TGF-beta 1 but the response to TGF-beta 1 was significantly less than that observed with PDGF-BB. Marked increases of procollagen type I were observed by immunohistochemical staining in fibroblasts in treated wounds during the first week. The augmented breaking strength of TGF-beta 1 was not observed 2 and 3 wk after wounding. However, the positive influence of PDGF-BB on wound breaking strength persisted through the 7 wk of testing. Furthermore, PDGF-BB-treated wounds had persistently increased numbers of fibroblasts and granulation tissue through day 21, whereas the enhanced cellular influx in TGF-beta 1-treated wounds was not detectable beyond day 7. Wound macrophages and fibroblasts from PDGF-BB-treated wounds contained sharply increased levels of immunohistochemically detectable intracellular TGF-beta. Furthermore, PDGF-BB in vitro induced a marked, time-dependent stimulation of TGF-beta mRNA levels in cultured normal rat kidney fibroblasts. The results suggest that TGF-beta transiently attracts fibroblasts into the wound and may stimulate collagen synthesis directly. In contrast, PDGF is a more potent chemoattractant for wound macrophages and fibroblasts and may stimulate these cells to express endogenous growth factors, including TGF-beta, which, in turn, directly stimulate new collagen synthesis and sustained enhancement of wound healing over a more prolonged period of time.

Bronchial epithelial cells produce lung fibroblast chemotactic factor: fibronectin

The interaction between the epithelial cells and the subjacent mesenchymal cells in the airway is thought to play a major role during tissue repair after airway injury and lung morphogenesis. To evaluate this interaction, we cultured human lung fibroblasts, and bovine and human bronchial epithelial cells, and determined that bronchial epithelial cell-conditioned medium has a chemotactic activity for lung fibroblasts. This activity had the characteristics of protein: it was nondialyzable, heat-labile, pepsin-labile, acid-stable, and lipid-inextractable. Molecular sieve chromatography on Sephadex G-150 and affinity chromatography on gelatin-Sepharose revealed that there was one peak of chemotactic activity in high molecular weight range, which bound to gelatin, thus suggesting that the chemotactic factor might be fibronectin. Production and secretion of fibronectin into the culture media were demonstrated by biosynthetic incorporation of radioactive amino acid into fibronectin followed by immunoprecipitation on SDS-PAGE and autoradiography. Release into the culture medium was confirmed by ELISA. The identity of fibronectin as the chemotactic activity was confirmed by the addition of antifibronectin antibody to the conditioned medium, which inhibited chemotaxis in dose-dependent manner. Thus, bronchial epithelial cells produce fibronectin which can function as a chemotactic factor for lung fibroblasts. This production of fibronectin by bronchial epithelial cells may play an important role in regulating interaction between the bronchial epithelial cells that line the lumenal surface of the bronchial epithelial wall and the mesenchymal fibroblasts that underlie the bronchial epithelial basement membrane.

Enhanced jun gene expression is an early genomic response to transforming growth factor beta stimulation

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) is a multifunctional polypeptide that regulates proliferation, differentiation, and other functions of many cell types. The pathway of TGF beta signal transduction in cells is unknown. We report here that an early effect of TGF beta is an enhancement of the expression of two genes encoding serum- and phorbol ester tumor promoter-regulated transcription factors: the junB gene and the c-jun proto-oncogene, respectively. This stimulation was observed in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells which were growth inhibited by TGF beta, AKR-2B mouse embryo fibroblasts which were growth stimulated by TGF beta, and K562 human erythroleukemia cells, which were not appreciably affected in their growth by TGF beta. The increase in jun mRNA occurred with picomolar TGF beta concentrations within 1 h of TGF beta stimulation, reached a peak between 1 and 5 h in different cells, and declined gradually to base-line levels. This mRNA response was followed by a large increase in the biosynthesis of the c-jun protein (AP-1), as shown by metabolic labeling and immunoprecipitation analysis. However, differential and cell type-specific regulation appeared to determine the timing and magnitude of the response of each jun gene in a given cell. In AKR-2B and NIH 3T3 cells, only junB was induced by TGF beta, evidently in a protein synthesis-independent fashion. The junB response to TGF beta was maintained in c-Ha-ras and neu oncogene-transformed cells. Thus, one of the earliest genomic responses to TGF beta may involve nuclear signal transduction and amplification by the junB and c-jun transcription factors in concert with c-fos, which is also induced. The differential activation of the jun genes may explain some of the pleiotropic effects of TGF beta.

Role of growth factors in inflammation and repair

Mononuclear cells generate a variety of hormone-like proteins termed growth factors that are instrumental in the evolution and resolution of inflammatory reactions. Many of these growth regulatory molecules have multifunctional properties. For example, the mononuclear cell-derived growth factors, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), are potent leukocyte chemoattractants. In addition, TGF-beta, a product of platelets, T lymphocytes, and monocytes, appears to induce the transcription of other monocyte-derived growth hormone genes. In this regard, picomolar concentrations of TGF-beta stimulate peripheral blood monocytes to transcribe the genes for PDGF (c-sis), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), interleukin 1 (IL-1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Furthermore, levels of mRNA for TGF-beta, which is constitutively expressed in resting monocytes, are also increased by exogenous TGF-beta. Each of these monocyte products exhibits a plethora of biological activities on other cell types. T lymphocytes, in response to antigen, contribute to this network by secreting growth factors and lymphokines that regulate monocyte growth factor production.

Transforming growth factor-beta does not alter interleukin-1 expression in cultured human macrophages

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) is a growth modulator that stimulates the growth of fibroblastic cells but inhibits the growth of cells of epithelial origin. TGF beta also influences the production of extracellular matrix proteins, and of proteases and the type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) by cultured cells. TGF beta appears also to have various immunoregulatory effects, suppressing both T- and B-cell activities. It has been proposed that it might increase the expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) mRNA in cultured human monocytes, thus potentiating immune functions. To analyze the role of TGF beta in IL-1 production we have now quantitated the effect of this factor on the production of biologically active IL-1 as well as IL-1 beta mRNA expression. The effect of TGF beta on IL-1 production optimally activated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was also studied. It was found that IL-1 activity and mRNA levels were rapidly elevated by LPS but not by TGF beta. Culture fluids from monocytes treated with TGF beta alone or with TGF beta plus LPS inhibited the proliferation of the test thymocytes. After gel filtration, the media from TGF beta-treated cultures showed no activity in the molecular weight area of IL-1 (approx. 15 kD), while the supernatants from TGF beta plus LPS-induced cells contained IL-1 activity in these fractions, the magnitude of which was, however, at the same level as in the culture fluids derived from cells stimulated with LPS alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transforming growth factor beta reverses the glucocorticoid-induced wound-healing deficit in rats: possible regulation in macrophages by platelet-derived growth factor

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are potent mitogenic polypeptides which enhance rates of wound healing in experimental animals; in contrast, glucocorticoids inhibit wound repair. The potential of TGF-beta and PDGF to reverse this inhibition in healing was tested in methylprednisolone-treated rats with deficits in skin wound strength of 50%. Single applications of TGF-beta (10-40 pmol per wound, 0.25-1 micrograms) applied locally at the time of wounding fully reversed this deficit in a concentration-dependent and highly reproducible manner. Wounds in glucocorticoid-treated animals were characterized by a near total absence of neutrophils and macrophages and by a delayed influx and reduced density of fibroblasts; however, such wounds treated with TGF-beta showed significant increases in wound fibroblasts and in intracellular procollagen type I. PDGF did not reverse the deficit in wound breaking strength in glucocorticoid-treated rats; there were more fibroblasts in the PDGF-treated wounds, but these fibroblasts lacked the enhanced expression of procollagen type I found in TGF-beta-treated wounds. The wound macrophages, required for normal tissue repair, remained absent from both PDGF- and TGF-beta-treated wounds in glucocorticoid-treated animals. This result suggested that macrophages might normally act as an intermediate in the induction of procollagen synthesis in fibroblasts of PDGF-treated wounds and that TGF-beta might bypass the macrophage through its capacity to stimulate directly new synthesis of procollagen type I in fibroblasts. Whereas PDGF does not stimulate procollagen synthesis, in a rodent macrophage cell line, PDGF induced a highly significant, time-dependent enhancement of expression of TGF-beta.

The effect of in vivo T helper and T suppressor lymphocyte depletion on wound healing

The role of T lymphocytes in wound healing is still not well-defined. Because it had been previously shown that in vivo depletion of T cells leads to impaired wound healing, the effect of depleting T cell subsets on subsequent fibroplasia was studied. T helper/effector cells were depleted by the use of the monoclonal antibody GK1.5, reactive against the L3T4 antigen (CD4). T suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes were depleted by using the 2.43 monoclonal antibody reactive against the Lyt 2 antigen (CD8). In the first experiment, Balb/c mice were treated with the antibodies starting at 24 hours before wounding was performed, and weekly thereafter. Depletion of the T helper/effector cells had no effect on wound-breaking strength or hydroxyproline deposition in sponge granulomas, whereas depletion of T suppressor/cytotoxic cells significantly enhanced both of these healing parameters. In a second experiment, T cell subset depletion was started on Days 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14 postwounding, and treatments were continued weekly thereafter. Once again, depletion of T helper/effector cells had no effect on wound healing, whereas depletion of T suppressor/cytotoxic cells markedly increased both wound-breaking strength and collagen synthesis. In conclusion, the data show that T suppressor/cytotoxic cells have a counter-regulatory role in wound healing, whereas the T cell subset responsible for up-regulating wound healing remains to be identified.

Transforming growth factor-beta stimulates the expression of endothelin mRNA by vascular endothelial cells

Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells. Incubation of the serum-deprived confluent porcine aortic endothelial cells with 10-300 pM TGF-beta 1, resulted in a several fold increase in endothelin mRNA levels with a peak time of 2 h. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that the levels of endothelin in endothelial cell conditioned media was also increased by TGF-beta 1. These results suggest that TGF-beta 1, secreted by activated platelets, is involved not only in wound healing, but in the regulation of local vascular tone by stimulating endothelin production in the endothelial cells.

Enhanced jun gene expression is an early genomic response to transforming growth factor beta stimulation

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) is a multifunctional polypeptide that regulates proliferation, differentiation, and other functions of many cell types. The pathway of TGF beta signal transduction in cells is unknown. We report here that an early effect of TGF beta is an enhancement of the expression of two genes encoding serum- and phorbol ester tumor promoter-regulated transcription factors: the junB gene and the c-jun proto-oncogene, respectively. This stimulation was observed in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells which were growth inhibited by TGF beta, AKR-2B mouse embryo fibroblasts which were growth stimulated by TGF beta, and K562 human erythroleukemia cells, which were not appreciably affected in their growth by TGF beta. The increase in jun mRNA occurred with picomolar TGF beta concentrations within 1 h of TGF beta stimulation, reached a peak between 1 and 5 h in different cells, and declined gradually to base-line levels. This mRNA response was followed by a large increase in the biosynthesis of the c-jun protein (AP-1), as shown by metabolic labeling and immunoprecipitation analysis. However, differential and cell type-specific regulation appeared to determine the timing and magnitude of the response of each jun gene in a given cell. In AKR-2B and NIH 3T3 cells, only junB was induced by TGF beta, evidently in a protein synthesis-independent fashion. The junB response to TGF beta was maintained in c-Ha-ras and neu oncogene-transformed cells. Thus, one of the earliest genomic responses to TGF beta may involve nuclear signal transduction and amplification by the junB and c-jun transcription factors in concert with c-fos, which is also induced. The differential activation of the jun genes may explain some of the pleiotropic effects of TGF beta.

Active and latent forms of transforming growth factor beta activity in synovial effusions

We have evaluated the possible involvement of TGF-beta in rheumatoid arthritis by assay of 16 cell-free synovial fluids for the presence of its active and "latent" forms. Evidence has been obtained for TGF-beta-like activity in synovial effusions by four criteria: (a) TGF-beta receptor competition, (b) soft-agar colony formation of AKR-2B and NRK-49F indicator cells, (c) immunological neutralization of the biological activity, and (d) biochemical activation of a latent form.

Chemotactic response of osteoblast-like cells to transforming growth factor beta

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) was tested for its ability to stimulate a chemotactic response in two clonal rat osteosarcoma (ROS) cell lines, 17/2 and 25/1. TGF-beta stimulated dose-dependent chemotaxis in both cell lines. In serum-containing media, maximal response was seen at a concentration of 500 fg (10(-15)g)/mL for the ROS 17/2 cells and 25 fg/mL for the ROS 25/1 cells. In serum-free media, the maximal chemotactic response to TGF-beta occurred at 5 fg/mL for both the ROS 17/2 and 25/1 cells. TGF-beta was not mitogenic at these dosages. The results indicate that TGF-beta could act as a chemoattractant for osteogenic cells in both demineralized bone matrix induced osteogenesis and in normal bone remodeling.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) is chemotactic for human monocytes and induces their expression of angiogenic activity

TGF beta stimulates human blood monocyte migration, with peak migratory response occurring consistently at a concentration of 16-100 fg/ml. Checkerboard analysis revealed both chemotactic and chemokinetic components to this response. At higher concentrations (10-100 pg/ml), TGF beta stimulated expression of angiogenic activity by monocytes. While mRNA for TNF alpha was undetectable in resting monocytes, high steady state levels of TNF alpha mRNA were rapidly induced in TGF beta-treated monocytes. TGF beta is secreted by a number of neoplastic cells as well as normal cells such as platelets and lymphocytes. TGF beta may recruit monocytes from the circulation, and subsequently activate them to express angiogenic activities such as TNF alpha, thus playing an important role in wound repair, inflammation and tumor growth.

Acceleration of tensile strength of incisions treated with EGF and TGF-beta

The ability of surgeons to accelerate wound healing through pharmacologic intervention is limited. The effects of locally applied, biosynthetic human epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) on tensile strength of experimental incisions were investigated. A single dose of EGF in saline failed to increase tensile strength over controls. Thus, EGF was incorporated into multilamellar liposomes, which prolonged the exposure of incisions to EGF (p less than 0.001). A single dose of EGF in multilamellar liposomes produced a 200% increase in wound tensile strength over controls between 7 and 14 days (p less than 0.05). Light and electron microscopy of the wounds revealed increased collagen formation and fibroblast proliferation. A single dose of TGB-beta in a collagen vehicle stimulated a 51% increase in wound tensile strength at 9 days (p less than 0.01). We conclude that addition of EGF and TGF-beta in appropriate vehicles stimulates early transient increases in wound tensile strength in normal rats.

Transforming growth factor beta in the control of epidermal proliferation

Transforming growth factor beta is a polypeptide growth factor with a multiplicity of diverse biologic effects. Increasingly, data support a role for TGF beta in the autocrine regulation of normal epithelial cell growth (Figure 1). Definition of the normal pathways for growth stimulation and inhibition of epithelial cell growth by autocrine peptides like TGF beta and TGF alpha undoubtedly will increase understanding of normal growth and development, embryogenesis, wound repair, and tumorigenesis.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) induces fibrosis in a fetal wound model

The adult cellular response to tissue injury is characterized by acute inflammation followed eventually by fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Fetal tissue responses to injury differ markedly from those of the adult; an early acute inflammatory response is absent, few fibroblasts participate, and no collagen is deposited. The object of the present study was to analyze the effects of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), an important regulatory molecule in adult healing events, on the fetal tissue response following wounding. Fetal cellular and extracellular matrix responses to injury were evaluated by placing subcutaneous wound implants containing TGF-beta (0.01 to 10 ng) in fetal rabbits at 24 days gestation (term = 31 days). Histologic responses one to seven days later were compared with fetal and adult control implants without TGF-beta. The histology of the adult implant was characterized by an early acute inflammatory response: by day 7 fibroblasts and collagen were predominant. In contrast, control implants removed from fetal rabbits had no histologic evidence of acute inflammation or fibroblast penetration and no collagen was deposited. When implants containing 1.0 ng TGF-beta were removed from fetal rabbits at seven days, a grossly fibrotic reaction was observed: histology confirmed marked fibroblast penetration with collagen deposition. Fetal implants containing 0.01 ng or 10 ng TGF-beta showed few fibroblasts but had increased numbers of inflammatory cells compared with controls. These observations demonstrate that the fetal response becomes adultlike with fibroblast proliferation and collagen accumulation when TGF-beta is added, thus documenting the responsiveness of the fetal system to adult repair signals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transforming growth factor beta stimulates collagen-matrix contraction by fibroblasts: implications for wound healing

An important event during wound healing is the contraction of newly formed connective tissue (granulation tissue) by fibroblasts. The role of polypeptide growth factors in the process of wound contraction was investigated by analyzing the influence of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), platelet-derived growth factor on the ability of fibroblasts to contract a collagen matrix in an in vitro system. TGF-beta, but not the other growth factors tested, markedly enhanced the ability of BHK-21,3T3-L1, and human foreskin fibroblasts to contract collagen gels. These results suggest that TGF-beta released from platelets and inflammatory cells at sites of tissue injury stimulates fibroblasts to contract the provisional wound matrix and that this effect contributes to the ability of TGF-beta to accelerate wound healing.

Transforming growth factor-beta: possible roles in carcinogenesis

TGF-beta is the prototype of a large family of multifunctional regulatory proteins. The principal sources of the peptide, platelets and bone, suggest that it plays a role in healing and remodeling processes. In vitro, TGF-beta is chemotactic for monocytes and fibroblasts and can greatly enhance accumulation of extracellular matrix components by fibroblasts. Its ability to stimulate the formation of granulation tissue locally and the demonstration of specific time- and tissue-dependent expression in embryogenesis suggest that similar mechanisms are operative in vivo. By analogy to its effects in wound healing and embryogenesis, it is proposed that TGF-beta, secreted by tumour cells, can augment tumour growth indirectly by effects on the stromal elements. These effects include suppression of the immune response, and enhancement of both angiogenesis and formation of connective tissue. Many tumour cells have escaped from direct growth inhibitory effects of TGF-beta by a variety of mechanisms including inability to activate the latent form of the peptide, loss of cellular receptors for TGF-beta, and loss of functional intracellular signal transduction pathways.

High levels of transforming growth factor-beta are present in the epithelial lining fluid of the normal human lower respiratory tract

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a mediator capable of modulating a broad range of effects on the behavior of many normal cells, was found in high concentrations in the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of the normal human lower respiratory tract. Although plasma contained small amounts of TGF-beta, the concentrations of TGF-beta in normal ELF were in the 200 to 300 pM range, more than 15-fold higher. This ELF TGF-beta had similar physical characteristics to purified human platelet TGF-beta, competed with platelet TGF-beta for its receptor on A549 carcinoma cells, and stimulated the anchorage-independent growth of NRK cells in soft agar in the presence of epidermal growth factor. Furthermore, ELF TGF-beta suppressed diploid lung fibroblast proliferation in a dose-dependent fashion similar to platelet TGF-beta. In the context of these observations and with the known biologic properties of this molecule, TGF-beta in ELF has the potential to play a role in a variety of cellular processes in the lower respiratory tract.

Invasive activity and chemotactic response to growth factors by Kaposi's sarcoma cells

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a relatively low grade neoplasm, classically occurring in the skin of elderly men. A more virulent and invasive form of Kaposi's sarcoma has been described in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The origin and identification of the tumor cells in these lesions is controversial. Here we have studied the behavior of cells derived from KS lesions in an in vitro assay which measures the ability of cells to invade through a reconstituted basement membrane. In agreement with previous work, KS cells obtained under selective culture conditions were invasive showing activity comparable to that of malignant tumor cells. Normal fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells did not demonstrate invasive behavior under the same experimental conditions. To characterize further the nature of the KS cells we tested the chemotactic response of cells from the most invasive line to a variety of growth factors and compared their response to those of fibroblasts, smooth muscle, and endothelial cells. These studies suggest that normal cells respond to a unique repertoire of chemotactic factors. The chemotactic response of the KS cells most closely resembled that of smooth muscle cells and was quite distinct from endothelial cells. These results indicate that the KS-derived cultures contain invasive cells with a smooth muscle cell-like phenotype.

Transforming growth factor beta increases mRNA for matrix proteins both in the presence and in the absence of changes in mRNA stability

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been shown to stimulate synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, both in animals and in cell culture. We found that mRNAs for alpha 1(I) collagen, fibronectin, and thrombospondin were markedly increased in TGF-beta-treated 3T3 (mouse) cells. For collagen and fibronectin this increase was 10-to 20-fold, as measured by quantitative blot hybridization analysis. A maximal value was reached at 16-24 hr, with a subsequent gradual decline. Concomitant treatment with cycloheximide prevented the stimulation observed with TGF-beta. Under conditions of confluent growth a clear increase in alpha 1(I) collagen mRNA stability was observed, whereas in subconfluent cells no change in mRNA half-life was found, despite an equally large increase in mRNA levels. We suggest that the mode of action of TGF-beta varies with the target cell and depends on the interplay of a number of complex cellular factors.

Transforming growth factor beta and inhibition of hepatocellular proliferation

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) is a recently characterized polypeptide that elicits diverse biologic actions in a wide range of cell types in vitro. TGF beta is a bifunctional growth regulator of fibroblasts with either growth stimulation or growth inhibition but inhibits the growth of most epithelial cells. In addition, TGF beta can either block or induce the differentiation of certain cells. TGF beta reversibly inhibits DNA synthesis in normal adult rat hepatocytes and in cells isolated from regenerating liver 12 h and 18 h after partial hepatectomy. However, at 3 h and 6 h after hepatectomy there is a decrease in sensitivity of hepatocytes to growth inhibition by TGF beta. Recent data from other laboratories indicate that TGF beta expression increases substantially in liver after partial hepatectomy and that administration of purified TGF beta in vivo inhibits DNA synthesis in regenerating rat liver. Together with our observations, these findings suggest that TGF beta may play a central role as a negative paracrine growth regulator in adult rat liver.

Chemotactic response of mesenchymal cells, fibroblasts and osteoblast-like cells to bone Gla protein

Bone gla protein (BGP) and decarboxylated bone gla protein (dBGP) were tested for chemotactic activity against stage 24 chick limb bud mesenchymal cells, chick embryonic muscle-derived fibroblasts, murine Balb/C 3T3 cells, and two lines of rat osteosarcoma cells, ROS-17/2.8 and -25/1. Both BGP and dBGP were potent chemoattractants for all the cell types except 3T3 cells. The dose response curves were bell-shaped, with maximal chemotactic response ranging from 5 pg/ml for ROS 25/1 cells to 10 ng/ml for the stage 24 limb bud cells. dBGP was equally potent a chemoattractant as BGP for all cell types tested indicating that the gamma-carboxylation of the glutamic acid residues is not required for chemotactic activity. Given this chemotactic capability, it is possible that BGP acts in bone remodelling by attracting osteogenic cells to the sites of bone resorption where BGP may be liberated or exposed.

Chemotactic response of embryonic limb bud mesenchymal cells and muscle-derived fibroblasts to transforming growth factor-beta

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) was tested for its ability to stimulate a chemotactic response in Stage 24 embryonic chick limb bud mesenchymal cells and muscle-derived fibroblasts. TGF-beta stimulated dose-dependent chemotaxis in both cell populations. Maximal chemotaxis was achieved with a concentration of 5 ng/ml for limb bud cells and as low as 15 pg/ml for muscle-derived fibroblasts. TGF-beta was not chemokinetic at these levels. Several other proteins found in bone, namely fibronectin, type I collagen, and osteonectin, were not chemotactic. However, both Bone Gla-protein and basic-FGF were found to be chemotactic but less effective than TGF-beta. Comparison with extracts of adult bone indicates that while TGF-beta is a potent chemoattractant, it does not account for all the chemotactic activity found in adult bone.

Role of transforming growth factor-beta in the development of the mouse embryo

Using immunohistochemical methods, we have investigated the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in the development of the mouse embryo. For detection of TGF-beta in 11-18-d-old embryos, we have used a polyclonal antibody specific for TGF-beta type 1 and the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique. Staining of TGF-beta is closely associated with mesenchyme per se or with tissues derived from mesenchyme, such as connective tissue, cartilage, and bone. TGF-beta is conspicuous in tissues derived from neural crest mesenchyme, such as the palate, larynx, facial mesenchyme, nasal sinuses, meninges, and teeth. Staining of all of these tissues is greatest during periods of morphogenesis. In many instances, intense staining is seen in mesenchyme when critical interactions with adjacent epithelium occur, as in the development of hair follicles, teeth, and the submandibular gland. Marked staining is also seen when remodeling of mesenchyme or mesoderm occurs, as during formation of digits from limb buds, formation of the palate, and formation of the heart valves. The presence of TGF-beta is often coupled with pronounced angiogenic activity. The histochemical results are discussed in terms of the known biochemical actions of TGF-beta, especially its ability to control both synthesis and degradation of both structural and adhesion molecules of the extracellular matrix.

Effects of growth factors in vivo. I. Cell ingrowth into porous subcutaneous chambers

Growth factors secreted by platelets and macrophages may play roles in atherogenesis and in wound repair. The multiple biologic effects of these factors are being studied extensively in vitro, but their roles in vivo are relatively unexplored. The cellular responses to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were examined in a wound chamber model in rats. Growth factors were emulsified in bovine dermal collagen suspensions, placed in 1 X 30-mm porous polytetrafluoroethylene tubes, inserted subcutaneously, and removed after 10 days. The presence of PDGF (400 ng), TGF beta (200 ng), or bFGF (100 ng) increased the DNA content of the chambers two- to sixfold, compared with controls. Regardless of dose, EGF (100-800 ng) did not affect the DNA content. The increases in DNA observed for PDGF, TGF beta, or bFGF resulted from accumulations of varying numbers of fibroblasts, capillaries, macrophages, and leukocytes in 10-day chambers. The addition of 250 micrograms/ml heparin to the collagen suspension potentiated the response to PDGF and bFGF, but not to TGF beta or EGF. The clearance of 125I-labeled growth factors from the chambers was biphasic. After an initial rapid phase, the remaining growth factor was slowly cleared. The half-life of the initial phase was rapid for PDGF (12 hours) and bFGF (9 hours) and somewhat slower for TGF beta (22 hours). There was no difference in the rate of clearance between collagen and collagen/heparin matrices for any of the growth factors examined. These studies demonstrate that PDGF, bFGF, and TGF beta can induce granulation tissue development in normal animals. The similarity in cellular responses to three peptides with differing in vitro actions suggests that the responses observed at 10 days reflect a secondary process, possibly mediated by effector cells such as macrophages, lymphocytes, or granulocytes that are attracted into the chamber by each growth factor, rather than a direct effect of the factors themselves.

Transforming growth factor type beta induces monocyte chemotaxis and growth factor production

Recent studies have focused on the potential role of transforming growth factor type beta (TGF-beta) as an immunoregulatory peptide. In this context, we demonstrate that TGF-beta is a potent chemoattractant for human peripheral blood monocytes. At concentrations from 0.1 to 10 pg/ml, TGF-beta induces directed monocyte migration in vitro. Consistent with this observation is the expression of high-affinity TGF-beta receptors on the monocytes with a Kd of 1-10 pM. At higher concentrations of TGF-beta (greater than or equal to 1 ng/ml), monocytes are stimulated to generate biologically active mediator(s) that enhance fibroblast growth. Gene expression for one of these growth factors, interleukin 1, is induced in monocytes within hours after exposure to TGF-beta. Thus, TGF-beta may provide an important signal for monocyte recruitment and for regulation of their synthesis of mediators of fibroblast growth and activity in wound healing.

Transforming growth factor-beta increases steady state levels of type I procollagen and fibronectin messenger RNAs posttranscriptionally in cultured human dermal fibroblasts

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta), when injected subcutaneously into newborn mice, induces a rapid fibrotic response, stimulates chemotaxis, and elevates the rates of biosynthesis of collagen and fibronectin by fibroblasts in vitro. We explored the molecular mechanisms of TGF beta-mediated stimulation of collagen and fibronectin synthesis in cultured human foreskin fibroblasts. TGF beta preferentially stimulated the synthesis of fibronectin and type I procollagen chains 3-5-fold as shown by polypeptide analysis. Concomitant elevation in the steady state levels of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) coding for type I procollagen and fibronectin also occurred but without a net increase in the rate of transcription of either of these genes. The preferential stabilization of mRNAs specifying type I procollagen and fibronectin provides a partial explanation for the mechanisms by which TGF beta enhances the synthesis of type I procollagen and fibronectin in mesenchymal cells.