Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-independent action of IGF-binding protein-3 in Hs578T human breast cancer cells. Cell surface binding and growth inhibition

What's new in the IGF-binding proteins?

Since their initial discovery over 25 years ago as IGF carrier proteins, the insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) family has grown to six members, ranging in size from 216 to 289 amino acids. The assumption over the years has been that this family of proteins, having higher affinities for IGF-I and IGF-II than does the IGF-IR, serves to block access of these ligands to the receptor. Although the need for such regulatory proteins is consistent with the constitutive secretion of IGFs from many cell types, it is not surprising that additional functions have begun to be uncovered for these proteins. This review will examine new and old actions of the IGFBPs from a biochemical and cell biological perspective.

Mechanisms underlying lack of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 expression in non-small-cell lung cancer

Expression of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3, which (IGFBP-3) inhibits the proliferation of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by inducing apoptosis, is lost in about half of stage I NSCLC cases. Since promoter methylation can silence gene expression, we investigated whether hypermethylation of the IGFBP-3 promoter is involved in loss of IGFBP-3 expression in NSCLC. We found the IGFBP-3 promoter to be methylated in seven of 13 NSCLC cell lines and in 16 of 23, seven of 9, eight of 11, and six of six tumor specimens from patients with stage I, II, III, and IV NSCLC, respectively. Methylation status correlated with IGFBP-3 mRNA and protein levels in a subset of NSCLC cell lines tested in our study. However, treatment with 5'-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5'-aza-dC) restored IGFBP-3 expression in four of seven NSCLC cell lines with the methylated promoter, suggesting that multiple mechanisms regulate IGFBP-3 expression in NSCLC. Gel shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that methylation of the Sp-1/Sp-3-binding element in the IGFBP-3 promoter influenced the binding of Sp-1, methyl-CpG-binding protein-2 (MeCP2), and histone deacetylase (HDAC). A luciferase construct expressing IGFBP-3 promoter in which the Sp-1/Sp-3 binding element was methylated showed significantly reduced transcriptional activity. The reduction in promoter activity was further suppressed by overexpression of MeCP2, which was rescued by 5'-aza-dC. Thus interference with Sp-1 transactivation by MeCP2 may contribute to the transcriptional defect of IGFBP-3 expression in NSCLC cells with methylated promoter.

Mitogenic properties of insulin-like growth factors I and II, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and epidermal growth factor on human breast stromal cells in primary culture

Insulin-like growth factors I and II (IGF-I and IGF-II) are growth factors implicated in both normal mammary gland development and breast cancer. We have previously reported on the effects of components of the IGF system on breast epithelial cells. Since data suggests that stromal-epithelial interactions play a crucial role in breast cancer, we have now investigated the mitogenic properties of IGF-I, IGF-II, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on human breast stromal cells in primary culture. We show that, under serum-free conditions, stromal cells are stimulated to grow in response to IGF-I and IGF-II in a dose-dependent manner. IGF-I and EGF, a potent stimulator of human breast epithelial cell growth in primary culture and also associated with breast cancer, appear to stimulate stromal cell growth in a synergistic manner. IGFBP-3 does not inhibit the stimulation of growth by IGF-I, or IGF-I plus EGF. However, IGFBP-3 does inhibit the stimulation of growth by IGF-II. In contrast to our previous results with human breast epithelial cells, IGFBP-3 does not have an IGF-independent inhibitory effect on stromal cell growth. This study is the first to address the effects of IGF-I, IGF-II and IGFBP-3 alone and in combination with EGF on human breast stromal cell growth in primary culture. Characterizing the role of the IGF system in both normal breast epithelial cells and stromal cells will aid in our understanding of the mechanisms behind the role of the IGF system in breast cancer.

Expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 before and after neoadjuvant hormonal therapy in human prostate cancer tissues: correlation with histopathologic effects and biochemical recurrence

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT) on insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 expression and whether IGFBP-3 expression influences the pathologic effect of NHT and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy in patients with prostate cancer. IGFBP-3 has pro-apoptotic activity, and its expression correlates negatively with prostate cancer cell growth. Castration induces IGFBP-3 expression and apoptosis in the rat prostate.

METHODS

We used tissue specimens from 42 patients who underwent NHT and radical prostatectomy. The pre-NHT and post-NHT specimens were examined for expression of IGFBP-3 using an immunohistochemical technique and for apoptosis using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method. The histopathologic effect was evaluated by the standardized rules for estimating the response of prostate cancer to NHT, determined by the percentage of remaining viable cancer cells, as advocated by the General Rule for Clinical and Pathological Study on Prostate Cancer published by the Japanese Urological Association.

RESULTS

NHT resulted in a statistically significant increase in IGFBP-3 expression compared with baseline (P = 0.01). Such an increase in expression correlated significantly with the induction of apoptotic cells (r = 0.40 and P = 0.01). The post-NHT/pre-NHT IGFBP-3 ratio was significantly greater in the NHT-effective group than in the NHT-noneffective group (P = 0.02). Patients with high IGFBP-3 expression in the post-NHT specimens had a good prognosis (P = 0.03, log-rank test).

CONCLUSIONS

Induction of IGFBP-3 by NHT was associated with apoptosis and a histopathologic effect. IGFBP-3 expression in post-NHT specimens is a potentially useful predictor of biochemical recurrence in patients with prostate cancer.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 induces caspase-dependent apoptosis through a death receptor-mediated pathway in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-3 has been shown to potently inhibit cell proliferation in various cell systems. However, the specific mechanisms involved in the antiproliferative action of IGFBP-3 have yet to be elucidated. In the present study, we demonstrate that IGFBP-3 induces apoptosis in an insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-independent manner through the activation of caspases involved in a death receptor-mediated pathway in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Induction of IGFBP-3 using an ecdysone-inducible expression system inhibited DNA synthesis in an IGF-IGF receptor axis-independent fashion and resulted in the subsequent induction of apoptosis and an increase in caspase activity. Similar results were obtained when cells were transfected with GGG-IGFBP-3, an IGFBP-3 mutant unable to bind IGFs, corroborating the IGF-independent action of IGFBP-3. Additional caspase activity studies and immunoblot analyses using specific caspase substrates and/or caspase inhibitors revealed that the growth-inhibitory effect of IGFBP-3 results mainly from its induction of apoptosis (in particular, activation of caspase-8 and -7). Analyses of caspase-9 activity and release of cytochrome c into the cytosol confirmed that the mitochondria-mediated pathway is not involved. Taken together, these results show that IGFBP-3 expression leads to the induction of apoptosis through the activation of caspases involved in a death receptor-mediated pathway and that IGFBP-3 functions as a negative regulator of breast cancer cell growth, independent of the IGF-IGF receptor axis.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 Interacts with Autocrine Motility Factor/Phosphoglucose Isomerase (AMF/PGI) and Inhibits the AMF/PGI Function

Autocrine motility factor/phosphoglucose isomerase (AMF/PGI) was identified as a binding partner for insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in solubilized T47D and MCF-7 human breast cancer cell membranes. The interaction between AMF/PGI and IGFBP-3 was verified by cross-linking biotinylated IGFBP-3 to intact cells. After solubilization of the membranes, the biotinylated complexes were precipitated with streptavidin-agarose conjugate and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. A M(r) approximately 80,000 complex was identified when the nitrocellulose membranes were probed either with streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase conjugate or AMF/PGI antiserum confirming the cross-linking of IGFBP-3 to AMF/PGI. The interaction between IGFBP-3 and AMF/PGI was also further confirmed by ligand blotting of purified AMF/PGI using biotinylated IGFBP-3. Both glycosylated and nonglycosylated IGFBP-3 inhibited the catalytic activity of AMF/PGI in a dose-dependent fashion. In addition, IGFBP-3 inhibited the binding of AMF/PGI to breast cancer cells and AMF/PGI-induced migration of both T47D and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. IGFBP-3 also decreased the phosphorylation of AMF/PGI and reduced the translocation of AMF/PGI to the cell membrane and AMF/PGI. AMF/PGI resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of IGFBP-3 induced apoptosis in T47D and MCF-7 cells. In summary, we have identified AMF/PGI as a membrane-associated binding partner for IGFBP-3 in breast cancer cells. The ability of IGFBP-3 to bind and inhibit the actions of AMF/PGI may have some role in the antiproliferative proapoptotic effects of IGFBP-3.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 in porcine ovarian granulosa cells: gene cloning, promoter mapping, and follicle-stimulating hormone regulation

The role and regulation of IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in the ovary is not fully understood. We cloned and determined the sequence of 12,257 bp of the pig IGFBP-3 gene that includes 4,296 bp of the flanking promoter sequence. The porcine IGFBP-3 promoter sequence shares two highly conserved regions with the human and bovine IGFBP-3 promoters and a mouse DNA clone. The first is a 38 bp region between -1095 and -1058, whereas the second is a 73-bp region between -63 and +10 of the pig sequence. Projected translation of the open reading frame of our sequence gave a peptide sequence identical to that determined by peptide sequencing, but with 27 additional amino acids upstream of this sequence and is highly similar to the human, bovine, rat, and mouse IGFBP-3 peptides. Using RT-PCR we demonstrated that FSH regulates IGFBP-3 mRNA expression in a biphasic manner, with an early induction (maximal at 3 h) and an inhibition at 24 h after FSH treatment. The inhibition at 24 h was not due to changes in IGFBP-3 mRNA stability. A similar pattern of FSH modulation of the IGFBP-3 gene transcription was demonstrated by the reporter activity of granulosa cells transiently transfected with IGFBP-3 promoter constructs. The site for FSH stimulation of the IGFBP-3 gene was localized to the sequence between -61 and -48 relative to the transcription start site. Regulation of IGFBP-3 transcription by FSH suggests a role for IGFBP-3 in follicular development that may be independent of IGF-I.

RhoC Induces Differential Expression of Genes Involved in Invasion and Metastasis in MCF10A Breast Cells

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most deadly form of breast cancer in humans presumably due to its ability to metastasize from its inception. In our laboratory, overexpression of RhoC GTPase was observed to be specific for IBC tumors, but not for stage-matched, non-IBC tumors. RhoC is known to contribute to an IBC-like phenotype in HPV-E6E7 immortalized breast cells. To further study the effect of RhoC overexpression on IBC metastasis, we generated stable transfectants of spontaneous immortalized mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A) overexpressing wild-type RhoC or a constitutively active RhoC mutant (G14V). Both the RhoC wild type and the G14V transfectants were highly invasive and proliferated more rapidly compared to vector-only control clones. Overexpression of RhoC led to an increase in actin stress fiber and focal adhesion contact formation. Comparative microarray analysis of these clones further revealed that RhoC overexpression upregulated 108 genes whereas seven genes were down-regulated. We have further verified by quantitative RT-PCR that genes involved in cell proliferation, invasion/adhesion, and angiogenesis were modulated by RhoC. This work suggests strong candidates for the downstream oncogenic functions of RhoC.

IGF-1 receptor contributes to the malignant phenotype in human and canine osteosarcoma

To further define the role of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its receptor (IGF-1R) in osteosarcoma (OS), human OS cell lines with low (SAOS-2) and high (SAOS-LM2) metastatic potential and three canine OS-derived cell lines were studied. Cell lines were evaluated for: IGF-1R expression; expression of IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs); effect of IGF-1 on tumor cell growth, invasion, expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), and soluble uPA receptor (suPAR), and; ectopic and orthotopic tumorigenicity of the canine OS cells in athymic mice. All cell lines exhibited steady-state mRNA expression of IGF-1R. The SAOS-2 and SAOS-LM2 cells expressed 9,138 and 10,234 cell-associated binding sites, respectively. Canine OS cells expressed from 1,728 to 3,883 binding sites. Two IGF-1-treated cell lines displayed enhanced proliferation. Two cell lines formed colonies in semisolid media, and IGF-1 increased colony number. Matrigel invasion was enhanced in one cell line following IGF-1 treatment. uPA and suPAR were unchanged in SAOS-2 and SAOS-LM2 cells following IGF-1 treatment, but the highly metastatic OS line SAOS-LM2 expressed five times more suPAR and displayed enhanced invasion compared to the parental, low metastatic SAOS-2. IGFBP-5 was detected in four of five cell lines, and IGFBP-3 was detected in two canine OS cell lines. Two canine OS lines were tumorigenic, and one metastasized spontaneously. In conclusion, OS cells express IGF-1R, which can contribute to their growth and invasion. There is suggestive evidence that increasing receptor number may contribute to in vivo tumorigenesis. Additional studies are needed to determine how IGF-1/IGF-1R interactions contribute to the malignant phenotype of OS.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 prevents retinoid receptor heterodimerization: implications for retinoic acid-sensitivity in human breast cancer cells

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) has both IGF-dependent and -independent effects on cell growth, which are frequently growth-inhibitory. Interestingly, the development of a more aggressive phenotype in breast cancer cells (BCCs) correlates positively with elevated expression of IGFBP-3 and is often associated with all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA)-resistance. IGFBP-3 was previously demonstrated to interact directly with retinoid X receptor (RXR). In this study we have shown that IGFBP-5 also interacts with RXR and that both IGFBPs interact with retinoic acid receptor (RAR). To investigate whether the presence of IGFBP-3 regulates breast cancer cell responsiveness to atRA, we immuno-neutralized the IGFBP-3 expressed by the atRA-resistant Hs578T and MDA-MB-231 BCCs (which express IGFBP-3 constitutively) and showed that they become more sensitive to the growth-inhibitory effects of atRA. Similarly, in Hs578T cells expressing a reporter gene under the control of an RAR response element (RARE), depletion of IGFBP-3 resulted in the induction of reporter gene expression in response to atRA. In investigating possible mechanisms for IGFBP-3 regulation of atRA-sensitivity, we found that IGFBP-3 blocked the formation of RAR:RXR heterodimers and disrupted the ligand-inducible receptor complex. Thus, IGFBP-3 has the potential to reduce the RARE-mediated transactivation of target genes and modulate the atRA-response in BCCs.

Role of extracellular matrix in insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-2 regulation of IGF-II action in normal human osteoblasts

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) in its native form had little affinity for extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from human or rat osteoblastic cells. However, in the presence of IGFs, IGFBP-2 binding to ECM was markedly enhanced, with IGF-II being more effective than IGF-I. IGF-II-enhanced binding of IGFBP-2 to ECM was specific for IGFBP-2 of the six known IGFBPs. In the presence of IGF-II, IGFBP-2 bound with high affinity to heparin-Sepharose, but not to type I collagen, fibronectin, or laminin. Furthermore, heparin and heparan sulfate, but not chondroitin sulfate, inhibited IGFBP-2/IGF-II binding to ECM. High salt (100 mM NaCl) inhibited, while CaCl(2) enhanced binding of IGFBP-2/IGF-II to ECM. In the presence of ECM, IGFBP-2/IGF-II was as effective as IGF-II alone in stimulating [3H]thymidine and [3H]proline incorporation and in inhibiting apoptosis in cultured human osteoblasts. On the other hand, IGFBP-2 was a potent inhibitor of IGF-II action in human breast and ovarian carcinoma cells. There was no difference between soluble and ECM-associated IGFBP-2 in affinity for IGF-I and IGF-II. These data suggest a unique mechanism for targeting an anabolic IGFBP-2/IGF-II complex in bone.

Insulin-like growth factor-I increases astrocyte intercellular gap junctional communication and connexin43 expression in vitro

Connexin43 (cx43) forms gap junctions in astrocytes, and these gap junctions mediate intercellular communication by providing transport of low-molecular-weight metabolites and ions. We have recently shown that systemic growth hormone increases cx43 in the brain. One possibility was that local brain insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) could mediate the effect by acting directly on astrocytes. In the present study, we examined the effects of direct application of recombinant human IGF-I (rhIGF-I) on astrocytes in primary culture concerning cx43 protein expression and gap junctional communication (GJC). After 24 hr of stimulation with rhIGF-I under serum-free conditions, the GJC and cx43 protein were analyzed. Administration of 30 ng/ml rhIGF-I increased the GJC and the abundance of cx43 protein. Cell proliferation of the astrocytes was not significantly increased by rhIGF-I at this concentration. However, a higher concentration of rhIGF-I (150 ng/ml) had no effect on GJC/cx43 but increased cell proliferation. Because of the important modulatory role of IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) on IGF-I action, we analyzed IGFBPs in conditioned media. In cultures with a low abundance of IGFBPs (especially IGFBP-2), the GJC response to 30 ng/ml rhIGF-I was 81%, compared with the average of 25%. Finally, as a control, insulin was given in equimolar concentrations. However, GJC was not affected, which suggests that rhIGF-I acted via IGF-I receptors. In summary, the data show that rhIGF-I may increase GJC/cx43, whereas a higher concentration of rhIGF-I--at which stimulation of proliferation occurred--did not affect GJC/cx43. Furthermore, IGFBP-2 appeared to modulate the action of rhIGF-I on GJC in astrocytes by a paracrine mechanism.

Phosphorylation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-3 by breast cancer cell membranes enhances IGF-I binding

Cross-linking of nonglycosylated biotinylated IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 to T-47D cell membranes identifies complexes with Mr of 32, 50, 70, and 100 kDa. Nonbiotinylated glycosylated IGFBP-3 competed for binding to each of these sites. The 32-kDa band approximated the size of intact nonglycosylated IGFBP-3, but its abundance was enhanced by cross-linking, and it had a more acidic isoelectric point on isoelectric focusing, suggesting that it had undergone phosphorylation. Immobilized IGFBP-3 was phosphorylated in the presence of (32)P-gamma ATP by both T-47D cell membranes and by intact cells treated with phenylarsine oxide to inhibit internalization. MCF-7 and COS-1 cells were also able to bind and phosphorylated IGFBP-3. IGF-I inhibited both IGFBP-3 binding to membranes and phosphorylation. However, incubation of T-47D cells with IGFBP-3 enhanced binding of (125)I-IGF-I to the cell monolayer indicating that membrane bound IGFBP-3 was able to bind IGF-I. Immobilized IGFBP-3 when phosphorylated by T-47D membranes bound significantly more (125)I-IGF-I than nonphosphorylated IGFBP-3. Treatment with alkaline phosphatase significantly reduced (125)I-IGF-I binding to phosphorylated immobilized IGFBP-3 and also reduced (125)I-IGF-I to T-47D cell monolayers preincubated with IGFBP-3. Phosphorylation of IGFBP-3 by T-47D membranes was partially blocked by inhibitors of both protein kinase A and C. These data demonstrate that binding of IGFBP-3 to breast cancer membranes is accompanied by phosphorylation at the plasma membrane and that both processes are inhibited by IGF-I. However, once phosphorylated the ability of IGFBP-3 to bind IGF-I is enhanced, resulting in increased association of the IGF-I with the cell membrane.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 inhibits the growth of human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo

The role of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-5 in human breast cancer cell growth is unclear. We determined the effects of IGFBP-5 expression on the growth of human breast cancer cell lines in vivo and in vitro. Expression of IGFBP-5, both by stable transfection and adenoviral-mediated infection, was inhibitory to the growth of MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T human breast cancer cells over a 13-day period. IGFBP-5 expression resulted in a G2/M cell cycle arrest and the induction of apoptosis in both cell lines, an effect that was abrogated in the presence of the broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk. IGFBP-5-induced apoptosis was associated with a transcriptional increase in expression of the proapoptotic regulator bax and decrease in the anti-apoptotic bcl-2 compared with vector controls. Secreted IGFBP-5 when added exogenously to breast cancer cells was not internalized and had no effect on cell growth or apoptosis, suggesting that IGFBP-5 may elicit its inhibitory effects via a novel, intracrine mechanism. In athymic nude mice, stable expression of IGFBP-5 significantly inhibited both the formation and growth of tumors derived from MDA-MB-231 cells. IGFBP-5-expressing tumors also had a significantly elevated level of bax mRNA and decreased levels of bcl-2 mRNA compared with vector tumors. These data suggest that IGFBP-5 is a potent growth inhibitor and proapoptotic agent in human breast cancer cells via modulation of cell cycle regulation and apoptotic mediators.

A reassessment of insulin-like growth factor binding protein gene expression in the human retinal pigment epithelium

The role of insulin-like growth factors (IGF) in regulating cell differentiation and proliferation is in part modulated by the IGF binding protein (IGFBP) family of genes. Previous studies of the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) have detected expression of IGFBP-2, -3, and -6. However, recent experiments in our lab have suggested a broader pattern of IGFBP gene family expression in the RPE cell than has previously been recognized. We have examined the gene expression profile of IGFBP-1 to -6 and the related protein, IGFBP-rP1, in RPE cell lines derived from ten donors eyes using RT-PCR, ELISA, and Western methods. Transcripts of IGFBP-1 to -6 and -rP1 were consistently detected in human RPE cells. IGFBP-3, -5, -6, and -rP-1, appear to be constitutively expressed in the RPE, whereas IGFBP-1, -2, and -4, were expressed at variable levels in the cell lines examined. IGFBP secretion by the RPE in vitro was confirmed by ELISA (IGFBP-1, -2, -3, -4, and -6) and Western blot analysis (IGFBP-5 and -rP1). There was, in general, a strong correlation between gene-specific transcription levels and protein secretion by the RPE. Our studies demonstrate that the major IGFBP family genes are ubiquitously expressed in explanted human RPE cells in vitro. This broad expression profile and the recent evidence that IGFBPs have IGF-independent biological activity suggest that the IGFBP family genes may constitute a previously unrecognized and complex regulatory system in the human retina and RPE.

Dietary and lifestyle factors in relation to plasma insulin-like growth factor I in a general population sample

There is evidence that the insulin-like growth factor system (IGF), particularly IGF-I, is important in human carcinogenesis. We studied in a general, though not strictly random population sample of 620 adults, the relationship of IGF-I to demographic, lifestyle and dietary factors, the latter ascertained through an extensive validated questionnaire. Plasma IGF-I levels declined significantly with age and the decline was more evident among women than among men. Tobacco smoking, body mass index and regular physical activity were unrelated to this hormone and a positive association with height was not statistically significant. Neither protein nor carbohydrate intake was related to plasma IGF-I levels but there was inconsistent evidence that ethanol intake may be inversely associated with plasma IGF-I and saturated and polyunsaturated lipids may be positively associated with it. The findings are evaluated in conjunction with evidence indicating that the incidence of cancer is lower among women than among men, height is a risk factor for several forms of cancer, and saturated and polyunsaturated lipids have been more closely linked to human and animal carcinogenesis than monounsaturated lipids.

Bovine lactoferrin binds to insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) has been shown to have IGF independent actions that appear to be mediated by specific IGFBP-3 binding proteins located on cell membranes. We show here using Western ligand blotting, a number of mammary membrane proteins that bind 125I-labeled rhIGFBP-3. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that the >70 kDa protein was identified from bovine mammary microsomes as bovine lactoferrin (bLf). In addition to being a secretory protein, Lf is tightly associated with cellular membranes. Labeled rhIGFBP-3 was shown to bind to commercially purchased and processed apo- or holo-human or bLf, but not bovine transferrin (bTf). Binding of [125I]rhIGFBP-3 to other positively charged proteins was not detected nor was binding to rhIGFBP-5 or other mammary-secreted IGFBPs observed. Reciprocal specific binding of [125I]bLf to rhIGFBP-3 was shown, but [125I]bTf did not show binding to rhIGFBP-3. While [125I]rhIGF-II does not bind to bLf, unlabeled rhIGF-II was shown to compete with [125I]bLf for rhIGFBP-3 binding. More detailed analysis by dot blot showed that Lf competes (ED(50)=3 microg/ml) or displaces (ED(50)=1mg/ml) bound [125I]rhIGF-II from dot blotted rhIGFBP-3. In vitro studies with a bovine primary mammary epithelial cell culture showed that all-trans-retinoic acid stimulates the appearance of bovine IGFBP-3 and bLf in the conditioned media and that [125I]rhIGFBP-3 could be utilized to detect conditioned media bLf. These findings reveal a novel role for bLf, binding to IGFBP-3 and perhaps disassociating IGFBP-3:IGF when in high concentration.

Phosphorylation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 by deoxyribonucleic acid-dependent protein kinase reduces ligand binding and enhances nuclear accumulation

The IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) regulate the mitogenic effects of IGFs in the extracellular environment. Several members of this family, including IGFBP-3, also appear to have IGF-independent effects on cell function. For IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5, both of which are translocated to the cell nuclei, these effects may be related to their putative nuclear actions. Because reversible phosphorylation is an important mechanism for controlling nuclear protein import, we have examined the effect of phosphorylating IGFBP-3 with a number of serine/threonine protein kinases on its nuclear import. Phosphorylation of IGFBP-3 by the double-stranded DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) increased both the nuclear import of IGFBP-3 and the binding of IGFBP-3 to components within the nucleus compared with nonphosphorylated IGFBP-3. However, there was no difference in the binding of the nuclear transport factor, importin beta, to nonphosphorylated and phosphorylated IGFBP-3. The ability of the DNA-PK phosphoform of IGFBP-3 to bind IGFs was severely attenuated, and in contrast to nonphosphorylated IGFBP-3, the DNA-PK phosphoform was unable to transport IGF-I to the nucleus. Furthermore, IGFBP-3 was phosphorylated by DNA-PK when complexed to IGF-I causing the phosphoform to release IGF-I. Together, these results suggest that when IGF-I is cotransported into the nucleus by IGFBP-3, phosphorylation of IGFBP-3 by nuclear DNA-PK provides a means for releasing bound IGF-I and creating a phosphoform of IGFBP-3 with increased affinity for nuclear components.

A novel insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-independent role for IGF binding protein-3 in mesenchymal chondroprogenitor cell apoptosis

Chondrogenesis results from the condensation of mesenchymal chondroprogenitor cells (MCC) that proliferate and differentiate into chondrocytes. We have previously shown that IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 has an IGF-independent antiproliferative effect in MCC. The current study evaluates the IGF-independent apoptotic effect of IGFBP-3 on MCC to modulate chondrocyte differentiation. We employed the RCJ3.1C5.18 chondrogenic cell line, which in culture progresses from MCC to differentiated chondrocytes; cells do not express IGFs or IGFBP-3. We also used IGFBP-3 mutants with decreased (I56 substituted to G56; L80 and L81 to G80G81) or abolished binding for IGFs (I56, L80, and L81 to G56G80G81). MCC transfected with IGFBP-3 detached, changed their phenotype, and underwent apoptosis. A maximal IGFBP-3 apoptotic effect was observed 24 h after transfection (463 +/- 73% of controls; P < 0.001). Remarkably, IGFBP-3 mutants had similar effects, demonstrating that the IGFBP-3 apoptotic action was clearly IGF independent. In addition, treatment with IGFBP-3 in serum-free conditions resulted in a significant increase of apoptosis (173 +/- 23% of controls; P < 0.05). Moreover, this apoptotic effect was selective for MCC, resulting in a selective reduction of chondrocytic nodules and a significant decrease in type II collagen expression and proteoglycan synthesis. In summary, we have identified a novel IGF-independent role for IGFBP-3 in the modulation of chondrocyte differentiation.

Role of IGF system of mitogens in the induction of fibroblast proliferation by keloid-derived keratinocytes in vitro

Keloids are proliferative dermal growths representing a pathological wound-healing response. We report high proliferation rates in normal (NF) and keloid-derived fibroblasts (KF) cocultured with keloid-derived keratinocytes (KK). IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 mRNA and secreted IGFBP-3 in conditioned media were increased in NF cocultured with KK compared with NF but markedly reduced in KF cocultured with KK or normal keratinocytes (NK). IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-4 mRNA levels were elevated, whereas IGFBP-5 mRNA was decreased in KF cocultured with KK or NK. Significant increases in IGFBP-2 and -4 mRNA in KF cocultured with KK did not correlate with protein secretion. Downstream IGF signaling cascade components, phospho-Raf, phospho-MEK1/2, phospho-MAPK, PI-3 kinase, phospho-Akt, and phospho-Elk-1, were elevated in KF cocultured with KK. Addition of recombinant human IGFBP-3 or antibodies against IGF-I or IGF-IR significantly inhibited proliferation of KF. The bioavailability of IGF-I may be related to the levels of IGFBP-3 produced, which in turn influences KF proliferation, suggesting that modulation of IGF-I, IGF-IR, and IGFBP-3, individually or in combination, may represent novel approaches to the treatment of keloids.

Type Ialpha collagen is an IGFBP-3 binding protein

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) possesses both growth-inhibitory and -potentiating effects on cells, which are independent of IGF action and mediated through specific IGFBP-3 binding proteins/receptors located at the cell membrane, cytosol, or nuclear compartments as well as in the extracellular matrix. We here characterized type Ialpha collagen as one of these IGFBP-3 binding proteins. Human serum was fractionated over an IGFBP-3 affinity column, and bands at 70-100 kDa were eluted as IGFBP-3 ligands. The 100-kDa band was extracted, subjected to N-terminal amino acid sequencing, and identified through database searching as the N-terminal chain of type Ialpha collagen protein. In a separate screening approach, using a yeast two-hybrid system, we cloned the type Ialpha collagen cDNA from a human liver cDNA library as an IGFBP-3 protein partner. Anti-IGFBP-3 antibodies co-immunoprecipitated type Ialpha collagen and IGFBP-3 from the conditioned media of human fibroblasts and vice versa. We demonstrated through ligand dot blot analysis that type Ialpha collagen binds IGFBP-3. IGFBP-3 mutants, with altered sequence at the nuclear localization sequence, bound type Ialpha collagen poorly. Western immunoblot showed that type Ialpha collagen binds only IGFBP-3 but not IGF-I, suggesting an IGF-I-independent mechanism of this interaction. Physiological effects of IGFBP-3-collagen interactions may include modulation of cell adhesion and migration.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 potentiates epidermal growth factor action in MCF-10A mammary epithelial cells. Involvement of p44/42 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is inhibitory to the growth of many breast cancer cells in vitro; however, a high level of expression of IGFBP-3 in breast tumors correlates with poor prognosis, suggesting that IGFBP-3 may be associated with growth stimulation in some breast cancers. We have shown previously in MCF-10A breast epithelial cells that chronic activation of Ras-p44/42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase confers resistance to the growth-inhibitory effects of IGFBP-3 (Martin, J. L., and Baxter, R. C. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 16407-16411). Here we show that, in the same cell line, IGFBP-3 potentiates DNA synthesis and cell proliferation stimulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF), a potent activator of Ras. A mutant of IGFBP-3, which fails to translocate to the nucleus and has reduced ability to cell-associate, similarly enhanced EGF action in these cells. By contrast, the structurally related IGFBP-5, which shares many functional features with IGFBP-3, was slightly inhibitory to DNA synthesis in the presence of EGF. IGFBP-3 primes MCF-10A cells to respond to EGF because pre-incubation caused a similar degree of EGF potentiation as co-incubation. In IGFBP-3-primed cells, EGF-stimulated EGF receptor phosphorylation at Tyr-1068 was increased relative to unprimed cells, as was phosphorylation and activity of p44/42 and p38 MAP kinases, but not Akt/PKB. Partial blockade of the p44/42 and p38 MAP kinase pathways abolished the potentiation by IGFBP-3 of EGF-stimulated DNA synthesis. Collectively, these findings indicate that IGFBP-3 enhances EGF signaling and proliferative effects in breast epithelial cells via increased EGF receptor phosphorylation and activation of p44/42 and p38 MAP kinase signaling pathways.

Effect of differentiation on levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein mRNAs in cultured porcine embryonic myogenic cells

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) have been shown to affect proliferation of several cell types via insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-dependent and IGF-independent mechanisms. The goal of this study was to determine if levels of IGFBP-2, -3, -4 and -5 mRNA changed during differentiation of cultured porcine embryonic myogenic cells. Total RNA was isolated from muscle cultures at various stages of differentiation and Northern blots of this RNA were probed with 32P-labeled cDNA probes specific for individual IGFBPs. Fusion, myogenin mRNA, and creatine phosphokinase activity were used as markers of differentiation. The level of IGFBP-3 mRNA in differentiating cultures (120 h in culture) was only one-third of the level in myogenin negative, nonfused cultures (72 h in culture) (P < 0.05, n = 4). In contrast, the level of IGFBP-3 mRNA in extensively fused cultures (144 h in culture) was increased by three-fold as compared to the level in myogenin negative, nonfused cultures (P < 0.05, n = 4) and approximately seven-fold as compared to the 120-h cultures (P < 0.05, n = 4). No significant change in the level of IGFBP-5 mRNA was observed during differentiation of myogenic cultures. IGFBP-2 mRNA levels were not significantly different at 72, 96 and 120 h, but at 144 h IGFBP-2 mRNA level was increased three-fold as compared to nonfused cultures (72 h) (P < 0.05, n = 4). IGFBP-4 mRNA was not detectable on Northern blots of total RNA from porcine myogenic cultures at any stage of differentiation. Changes in IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-2 mRNA levels are associated with differentiation of embryonic porcine myogenic cells in culture and this may indicate that these IGFBPs play a role in differentiation of these cells.

Cellular actions of the insulin-like growth factor binding proteins

In addition to their roles in IGF transport, the six IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) regulate cell activity in various ways. By sequestering IGFs away from the type I IGF receptor, they may inhibit mitogenesis, differentiation, survival, and other IGF-stimulated events. IGFBP proteolysis can reverse this inhibition or generate IGFBP fragments with novel bioactivity. Alternatively, IGFBP interaction with cell or matrix components may concentrate IGFs near their receptor, enhancing IGF activity. IGF receptor-independent IGFBP actions are also increasingly recognized. IGFBP-1 interacts with alpha(5)beta(1) integrin, influencing cell adhesion and migration. IGFBP-2, -3, -5, and -6 have heparin-binding domains and can bind glycosaminoglycans. IGFBP-3 and -5 have carboxyl-terminal basic motifs incorporating heparin-binding and additional basic residues that interact with the cell surface and matrix, the nuclear transporter importin-beta, and other proteins. Serine/threonine kinase receptors are proposed for IGFBP-3 and -5, but their signaling functions are poorly understood. Other cell surface IGFBP-interacting proteins are uncharacterized as functional receptors. However, IGFBP-3 binds and modulates the retinoid X receptor-alpha, interacts with TGFbeta signaling through Smad proteins, and influences other signaling pathways. These interactions can modulate cell cycle and apoptosis. Because IGFBPs regulate cell functions by diverse mechanisms, manipulation of IGFBP-regulated pathways is speculated to offer therapeutic opportunities in cancer and other diseases.

Intrinsic actions of IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 on Hs578T breast cancer epithelial cells: inhibition or accentuation of attachment and survival is dependent upon the presence of fibronectin

The insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) have IGF-independent differential effects on cell function. We investigated whether they can affect integrin-receptor-mediated cell attachment to different extracellular matrix (ECM) components in Hs578T cells. Cell attachment to a general ECM gel was unaffected by IGFBP-1 and -6 but was significantly increased by IGFBP-4 and -5 and decreased by IGFBP-2 and -3. Similar results were obtained for attachment to laminin or collagen type IV. Attachment to fibronectin, however, was increased by IGFBP-3 and decreased by IGFBP-5. The actions of IGFBP-3 and -5 on cell attachment to ECM were lost in the presence of a soluble Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing fibronectin fragment. Thrombospondin reversed the actions of IGFBP-3 on cell attachment, but IGFBP-5 still increased cell attachment. On plastic, neither IGFBP-3 nor -5 alone affected cell viability; although ceramide-induced apoptosis was enhanced by IGFBP-3 but reduced by IGFBP-5. The presence of RGD reversed the action of IGFBP-5 on cell death but attenuated that of IGFBP-3. With cells grown on fibronectin, the action of IGFBP-3 was reversed, and it conferred cell survival, whereas the survival effect of IGFBP-5 was lost. In summary we have demonstrated that IGFBP-3 and -5 both have intrinsic effects on cell survival. In each case the presence of fibronectin or fibronectin fragments determines whether susceptibility to apoptosis is increased or decreased. These effects on cell survival are paralleled by acute effects on integrin receptor function; IGFBP-3 and -5 were able to either enhance or inhibit cell attachment in the presence of fibronectin. Cell survival is tightly controlled by cues from the ECM and from growth factors, particularly the IGFs. Our findings indicate that, in addition to being crucial modulators of IGF actions, the IGFBPs have direct actions on cell attachment and survival that are specific and dependent upon the matrix components present.

Differential effects of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins-1, -2, -3, and -6 on cultured growth plate chondrocytes

BACKGROUND

In children with chronic renal failure (CRF), impairment of longitudinal growth is in part due to excess amounts of circulating high-affinity insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) that might decrease or prevent insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding to its signaling receptor. However, it appears from the clinical studies that various IGFBPs may have contrasting effects on longitudinal growth. Because of the potential importance of the IGFBPs as modulators of longitudinal growth in pediatric CRF, the aim of the present study was to investigate the biological effects of IGFBP-1, -2, -3, and -6 on cultured growth plate chondrocytes that express the type 1 IGF receptor.

METHODS

The effects of exogenous IGFBPs on IGF-independent and IGF-dependent proliferation of rat growth plate chondrocytes in primary culture were investigated. Proliferation was assessed by colony formation of agarose-stabilized long-term suspension cultures and by the [3H]thymidine assay. The effects of IGFBPs on IGF-I binding and the binding of IGFBPs to chondrocytes were assessed by binding studies with radiolabeled proteins in monolayer culture.

RESULTS

Intact IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-6 inhibited in equimolar concentration the IGF-I- and IGF-II-stimulated DNA synthesis and cell proliferation, whereas the biological activity of IGFBP-3 was complex. It had an IGF-independent antiproliferative effect and also inhibited IGF-dependent chondrocyte proliferation under coincubation conditions, whereas under preincubation conditions IGFBP-3 enhanced IGF-I-responsiveness. Studies on the mechanism by which IGFBP-3 potentiated IGF activity demonstrated that under preincubation conditions IGFBP-3 is capable to associate with the cell membrane and to facilitate IGF-I cell surface binding.

CONCLUSIONS

Intact IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-6 act exclusively as growth inhibitors on IGF-dependent proliferation of growth plate chondrocytes. IGFBP-3, however, can either inhibit IGF-independent and IGF-dependent cell proliferation, or enhance IGF responsiveness of chondrocytes dependent on the temporal relationship to the IGF exposure.

Mitogenic properties of insulin-like growth factors I and II, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and epidermal growth factor on human breast epithelial cells in primary culture

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) are growth factors implicated in mammary gland development and are believed to be involved in breast cancer. However, the interactions between components of the IGF system and breast epithelial cells, which give rise to breast cancer, are not well understood. We have investigated the mitogenic properties of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on human breast epithelial cells (HBEC) in primary culture. We show that, under serum-free conditions, HBEC are stimulated to grow in response to IGF-I and IGF-II in a dose-dependent manner. IGF-I and EGF, a potent stimulator of HBEC growth in primary culture and also associated with breast cancer, appear to stimulate HBEC in a synergistic manner. IGFBP-3 inhibits the stimulation by IGF-I, IGF-II and IGF-I plus EGE In addition, it appears that IGFBP-3 has an inhibitory effect on HBEC growth that is IGF-independent. This study is the first to address the effects of IGF-I, IGF-II and IGFBP-3 alone and in combination with EGF on HBEC growth in primary culture. Characterizing the role of the IGF system in normal breast biology is significant because the system has been implicated in breast cancer and a number of the anti-estrogens used in treatment are believed to function through the IGF system.

Role of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in breast cancer cell growth

The mitogenic effects of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are regulated by a family of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs). One member of this family, IGFBP-3, mediates the growth-inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects of a number of growth factors and hormones such as transforming growth factor-beta, retinoic acid, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. IGFBP-3 may act in an IGF-dependent manner by attenuating the interaction of pericellular IGFs with the type-I IGF receptor. It may also act in an IGF-independent manner by initiating intracellular signaling from a cell surface receptor, or by direct nuclear action, or both. The possibility of a membrane-bound receptor is strengthened by recent studies which have identified members of the transforming growth factor-beta receptor family as having a role, either directly or indirectly, in signaling from the cell surface by IGFBP-3. A number of growth factors and hormones stimulate the expression and secretion of cellular IGFBP-3, which then signals from the cell surface to bring about some of the effects attributed to the primary agents. Within the cell, the apoptosis-inducing tumor suppressor, p53, can also induce IGFBP-3 expression and secretion. Since IGFBP-3 upregulates the cell cycle inhibitor, p21(Waf1), and increases the ratio of proapoptotic to antiapoptotic members of the Bcl family, it appears to exert the same effects on major downstream targets of cell signaling as p53 does. The nuclear localization of IGFBP-3 has been described in a number of cell types. IGFBP-3 may act to import IGFs or other nuclear localization signal-deficient signaling molecules into the nucleus. It may also act directly in the nucleus by enhancing the activity of retinoid X receptor-alpha and thereby promote apoptosis. All of the above phenomena will be discussed with particular emphasis on the growth of breast cancer cells.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 increases intracellular calcium concentrations in MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3, IGFBP-3, specifically binds to IGFs with high affinity, but it is also capable of modulating the IGF-I signalling pathway or inducing apoptosis independently of its binding to IGFs. The molecular mechanisms underlying the action of IGFBP-3 have not been elucidated. In this study, we have demonstrated that binding of IGFBP-3 to a cell surface receptor in MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells induces a rapid and transient increase in intracellular free calcium. This increase was mediated via a pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway, indicating that the IGFBP-3 receptor may be specifically coupled to a Gi protein. The effect of IGFBP-3 on calcium concentrations was dose-dependent and also occurred when IGFBP-3 was complexed with either IGF-I or heparin, suggesting that the receptor binding site is probably located in the least conserved central domain of IGFBP-3. Neither IGFBP-1, nor IGFBP-5 (structurally the closest to IGFBP-3) altered intracellular calcium concentrations. These results provide evidence that a specific intracellular signal is triggered by IGFBP-3 binding to a cell surface receptor.

Trichostatin A, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, activates the IGFBP-3 promoter by upregulating Sp1 activity in hepatoma cells: alteration of the Sp1/Sp3/HDAC1 multiprotein complex

We determined the molecular mechanisms by which trichostatin A (TSA) induced insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) gene expression in Hep3B cells, a p53-mutant human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line. TSA induced the expressions of the IGFBP-3 mRNA and protein and the activation of its promoter. Using IGFBP-3 promoter deletion constructs, the TSA-responsive element was mapped to a region between -115 and -30, relative to the transcription start site. Promoter mutation analysis confirmed that the TSA-responsive element coincides with the Sp1/GC-rich region on the IGFBP-3 promoter. This transcriptional activation appears to be mediated by both the Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factors and, in particular, by the phosphorylation of Sp1, because treatment of Hep3B cells and Schneider (SL2) cells with TSA significantly activated phosphorylation of Sp1 in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with the transcriptional activation of the IGFBP-3 promoter by TSA, TSA treatment led to the release of HDAC1 and Sp3 from the Sp1 transcriptional factor complex, indicating the involvement of multiprotein complexes containing Sp1, Sp3, p300, and HDAC-1 in IGFBP-3 activation by TSA. Taken together, these results show that Sp1 phosphorylation and the modulation of the Sp1/Sp3/HDAC1 multiprotein complex play a pivotal role in the transcriptional activation of the IGFBP-3 promoter through the Sp1/GC-rich site by TSA.

Co-localization of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 and fibronectin in human articular cartilage

OBJECTIVE

The anabolic cytokine insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) stimulates chondrocyte synthesis of matrix macromolecules and several lines of evidence suggest that it has a major role in maintaining articular cartilage and possibly in cartilage repair. Despite the apparent importance of IGF-I in articular cartilage metabolism and its potential importance in joint diseases, little is known about the regulation of IGF-I activity within the tissue. Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) bind IGF-I and can modify its activity. At least three IGFBPs are expressed by chondrocytes: IGFBP-3, -4 and -5. Localization of IGFPBs in the articular cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) could create reservoirs of IGF-I within the articular cartilage ECM and thereby regulate local IGF-I levels. We hypothesized that ECM molecules bind and concentrate IGFPBs in the pericellular/territorial matrix.

DESIGN

Semi-quantitative immunohistological measures of co-localization were used to compare the spatial distribution of IGFBP-3, -4, and -5 with the distributions of three peri-cellularly-enriched matrix molecules fibronectin, tenascin-C, and type VI collagen in osteoarthritic and non-osteoarthritic human articular cartilage. Purified proteins were used in an agarose diffusion assay to compare IGFBP-3 binding to the same three matrix proteins.

RESULTS

IGFBP-3 associated with fibronectin in the pericellular/territorial matrix (approximately 40% co-localization) but not with tenascin-C, or type VI collagen (approximately 6% and approximately 15% co-localization respectively, P< 0.05). Neither IGFBP-4, nor IGFBP-5 were associated with any of the three ECM proteins (P< 0.05). In agarose diffusion assays IGFBP-3 interacted with fibronectin and heparan sulfate proteoglycan but not with type VI collagen or tenascin-C.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct binding between purified IGFBP-3 and fibronectin and the strong co-localization the two proteins in the cartilage matrix support the hypothesis that IGFPB-3 and fibronectin help regulate local IGF-I levels.

IGF-binding protein-3-induced growth inhibition and apoptosis do not require cell surface binding and nuclear translocation in human breast cancer cells

IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) has both antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on the growth of human breast cancer cells in vitro. However, the mechanisms governing these effects are not well understood. IGFBP-3 has been shown to associate with the cell surface through carboxyl-terminal residues. This suggests that it may interact with a specific cell surface receptor, although a signaling receptor for IGFBP-3 has not yet been fully characterized. IGFBP-3 also translocates to the nucleus and has been shown to interact with the nuclear RXRalpha, with evidence that this interaction may mediate its growth inhibitory and proapoptotic effects. Here we demonstrate that a mutant form of IGFBP-3 that has reduced cell surface binding and does not translocate to the nucleus is still growth inhibitory, elicits a potent G(1) cell cycle arrest, and induces apoptosis via modulation of Bcl-2 family members in human breast cancer cells. This suggests the existence of multiple pathways by which IGFBP-3 elicits its growth effects.

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins 1 and 3 and breast cancer outcomes

The IGF family of growth factors is believed to play a role in the development and progression of breast cancer. We recently identified an adverse prognostic effect of insulin in breast cancer; we now report prognostic effects of circulating IGFBP's 1 and 3. 512 women with T1-3, N0-1, M0 breast cancer provided fasting blood which was analysed for IGFBP's I and 3. Information on body size, diet and traditional prognostic factors and treatment was obtained; women were followed for recurrence and death. IGFBP-1 levels correlated inversely with insulin levels (Spearman r = -0.60, p < 0.0001), reflecting known inhibition of IGFBP-1 gene expression by insulin. Insulin explained 36% of the variance in IGFBP-1 levels. IGFBP-1 levels were also correlated with obesity and diet. Levels of IGFBP-1 significantly predicted distant recurrence and death, hazard ratio (95% CI) for lower versus upper quartile 2.08 (1.20-3.61) and 3.0 (1.45-6.21), respectively. These effects persisted after adjustment for tumor-related variables and treatment but were not independent of insulin levels. High levels of IGFBP-3 predicted distant recurrence (hazard ratio upper v.s. lower quartile 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-3.0) but not death (hazard ratio 1.0, 95% CI 0.5-1.9). The effect on distant recurrence was restricted to postmenopausal women (hazard ratio 3.8, 95% CI 1.6-9.0) and to those with estrogen receptor positive tumors (p = 0.002). Prognostic effects of IGFBP-1 appear related to the known effect of insulin on IGFBP-1 gene expression. The adverse effect of IGFBP-3 on distant recurrence in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer should be further investigated.

A non-IGF binding mutant of IGFBP-3 modulates cell function in breast epithelial cells

We demonstrated previously that IGFBP-3 alone had no effect on cell death, but dramatically modulated apoptosis in Hs578T IGF non-responsive cells. We investigated whether a non-IGF binding mutant of IGFBP-3 retained its intrinsic actions in this cell line, prior to investigating its actions in IGF-responsive cells (MCF-7 and MCF-10A). In the Hs578T cells, the ceramide analogue, C2-induced apoptosis, non-glycosylated, glycosylated or mutant IGFBP-3 alone had no effect but on co-incubation with C2, all forms of IGFBP-3 markedly accentuated triggered apoptosis. In MCF-7 cells, IGFBP-3 was unable to modulate C2-induced death. In the MCF-10A cells, IGFBP-3 acted as a potent survival factor. IGFBP-3 also affected cell growth in the MCF-10A cells (inhibiting at low doses but increasing growth at higher concentrations). These actions of IGFBP-3 in the MCF-10A cells were independent of IGF-1. IGFBP-3 has differential IGF-independent effects on cell death and growth in normal breast and breast cancer cells.

Effects of a non-IGF binding mutant of IGFBP-5 on cell death in human breast cancer cells

We have demonstrated previously that IGFBP-5 alone had no effect on cell death but modulated ceramide-induced apoptosis in Hs578T IGF non-responsive cells. To investigate if IGFBP-5 maintains its intrinsic ability to modulate apoptosis in IGF-responsive cells, we used a non-IGF binding mutant of IGFBP-5. In Hs578T cells, non-glycosylated, glycosylated or mutant IGFBP-5 alone each had no effect on cell death, whereas all forms inhibited ceramide-induced apoptosis. In IGF-responsive MCF-7 cells, each wild type form reduced ceramide-induced cell death but mutant IGFBP-5 was without effect. In the presence of mutant IGFBP-5, however, IGF-I no longer conferred survival and in the presence of wild type IGFBP-5, long R3 IGF-I was also unable to confer survival. In summary, all forms of IGFBP-5 modulated ceramide-induced apoptosis in Hs578T cells. In MCF-7 cells, IGF-I-induced survival could be facilitated by IGFBP-5, but also blocked by IGFBP-5 if association with IGFBP-5 was prevented.

Differential interactions between IGFBP-3 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in normal vs cancerous breast epithelial cells

In addition to modulating insulin-like growth factors action, it is now clear that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 also has intrinsic effects on cell growth and survival. We have compared the effects of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 and transforming growth factor-beta on cell proliferation and death of Hs578T cells and the normal breast epithelial cell line, MCF-10A. The growth of MCF-10A cells was inhibited at low concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 but stimulated at high concentrations. These differential effects were unaffected in the presence of an insulin-like growth factor-I receptor antagonist. A synthetic peptide corresponding to the serine phosphorylation domain of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (that does not bind to insulin-like growth factors) also mimicked these differential actions. The growth of both cell lines was significantly inhibited by transforming growth factor-beta, this was associated with a 14-fold increase of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 secreted by the Hs578T cells but a five-fold decrease of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 secreted by MCF-10A cells. Replacement doses of exogenous insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 overcame the transforming growth factor-beta-induced growth inhibition in the MCF-10A cells. Cell death induced by ceramide was significantly reduced by insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 in the MCF-10A cells and depleting insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 with transforming growth factor-beta in these cells consequently increased their susceptibility to ceramide. In contrast, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 enhanced apoptosis induced by ceramide in the Hs578T cells but transforming growth factor-beta treated Hs578T cells were resistant to apoptosis. The addition of anti-sense mRNA to insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 significantly abrogated this effect of transforming growth factor-beta. These data indicate that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 has intrinsic activity capable of inhibiting or enhancing the growth and survival of breast epithelial cells depending on the cell line and exposure to other cytokines.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) stimulates growth and IGF-I secretion in human intestinal smooth muscle by Ras-dependent activation of p38 MAP kinase and Erk1/2 pathways

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) are produced by human intestinal smooth muscle cells. Endogenous IGF-I stimulates growth and increases IGFBP-5 secretion. IGFBP-5 augments the effects of IGF-I by facilitating interaction of IGF-I with the IGF-I receptor tyrosine kinase. Andress (Andress, D. L. (1998) Am. J. Physiol. 274, E744-E750) and Berfield et al. (Berfield, A. K., Andress, D. L., and Abrass, C. K. (2000) Kidney Int. 57, 1991-2003) have shown that in osteoblasts and kidney mesangial cells, IGFBP-5 stimulates proliferation and filopodia formation independently of IGF-I, presumably by activating a distinct IGFBP-5 receptor serine kinase. The present study determined whether IGFBP-5 exerts direct effects on growth in human intestinal smooth muscle cells and identified the intracellular signaling pathways involved. IGFBP-5 caused a concentration-dependent increase in [(3)H]thymidine incorporation and an increase in IGF-I secretion that occurred independently of IGF-I and the IGF-I receptor tyrosine kinase. IGFBP-5-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase, which was abolished by SB203580, or expression of a dominant negative Ras mutant, Ras(S17N), and phosphorylation of Erk1/2, which was abolished by a Raf1 kinase inhibitor, U1026, or expression of Ras(S17N). IGFBP-5-stimulated [(3)H]thymidine incorporation and IGF-I secretion were partly inhibited by SB203580 or U1026 and abolished by the combination of the two inhibitors or by expression of Ras(S17N). These data show that IGFBP-5 stimulates growth and IGF-I secretion in human intestinal smooth muscle cells by activation of p38 MAP kinase-dependent and Erk1/2-dependent pathways that are independent of IGF-I. A positive feedback mechanism therefore links IGFBP-5 and IGF-I secretion that reinforces their individual effects on growth.

Enhanced expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 sensitizes the growth inhibitory effect of anticancer drugs in gastric cancer cells

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and -II are potent mitogens and their mitogenic effects are modulated by IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). In this study, we evaluated whether the enhanced expression of IGFBP-3 may increase the sensitivity of human gastric cancer cells to the anticancer drugs. We further investigated the potential mechanism for the growth inhibitory effect of anticancer drug induced-IGFBP-3 expression. These IGFBP-3-expressing gastric cancer cells showed a lower proliferation rate than IGFBP-3-non-expressing cells. Treatment with anticancer drugs resulted in up-regulation of IGFBP-3 expression in IGFBP-3-expressing cells. Interestingly the anticancer drug-induced-growth inhibition was more evident in IGFBP-3-expressing cells causing the IGFBP-3 expressing cells but not the IGFBP-3 non-expressing cells to accumulate in the G1/G0 phase and induce apoptosis. The exogenous addition of IGFBP-3 inhibited the growth of IGFBP-3-non-expressing cells, causing them to undergo apoptosis. Our data suggest that IGFBP-3 may have an important role in the biology of gastric cancer cell growth and provides a potential marker for predicting the responsiveness to anticancer drugs.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 activates a phosphotyrosine phosphatase. Effects on the insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway

The proliferative action of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and -II) is mediated via the type I IGF receptor (IGF-IR) and is modulated by their association with high affinity binding proteins, IGFBP-1 to -6. We recently found that, in addition to its ability to bind IGFs, IGFBP-3 also inhibits IGF-IR activation independently of IGF binding and without interacting directly with IGF-IR. Here, we show that IGFBP-3 is capable of blocking the signal triggered by IGFs. Breast carcinoma-derived cells (MCF-7) were stimulated by des(1-3)IGF-I or [Gln(3),Ala(4),Tyr(15),Leu(16)]IGF-I, two IGF analogues with intact affinity for IGF-IR, but with weak or virtually no affinity for IGFBPs, then incubated with IGFBP-3. The activated IGF-IR was desensitized through reversal of its autophosphorylation, following which both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and p42(MAPK) activities were depressed. Direct measurement of phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity and reconstitution experiments using tyrosine-phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) indicated that IGFBP-3 activated a phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTPase). This action appeared to be peculiar to IGFBP-3 among the IGFBPs, since neither IGFBP-1 nor IGFBP-5 (structurally the closest to IGFBP-3), had any such effect. Several cell lines derived from normal or tumor cells responsive to IGF-I were used to show that IGFBP-3-stimulated PTPase is cell type-specific. Although the precise nature of the phosphatase remains to be determined, the results of this study demonstrate that IGFBP-3 stimulates a phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity that down-regulates the IGF-I signaling pathway, suggesting a major role for IGFBP-3 in regulating cell proliferation.

Identification of STAT-1 as a molecular target of IGFBP-3 in the process of chondrogenesis

The chondrogenesis process requires the ordered proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-3, well characterized as the carrier of insulin-like growth factor (IGF), has been reported to have intrinsic bioactivity that is independent of IGF binding. The mechanisms involved in this IGF-independent action are still unclear. Using the RCJ3.1C5.18 chondrogenic cells, which in culture progresses from undifferentiated to terminally differentiated chondrocytes, we have shown previously that IGFBP-3 has an IGF-independent, antiproliferative effect in undifferentiated and early differentiated but not in terminally differentiated chondrocytes. In the present study, cDNA microarray analysis was used to screen for genes: 1) that were regulated by IGFBP-3 in early but not in terminally differentiated chondrocytes; 2) that were regulated specifically by IGFBP-3, but not by IGF-I; and 3) whose regulation was abolished by coincubation of IGFBP-3 with IGF-I. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-1 was the gene that, fulfilling the screening criteria, exhibited the greatest up-regulation by IGFBP-3 (>40-fold). STAT-1 gene up-regulation was confirmed by Northern analysis of cells treated with IGFBP-3 or transfected with an IGFBP-3 expression vector. Remarkably, similar results were obtained when cells were transfected with an IGFBP-3 mutant unable to bind IGFs, definitively demonstrating the IGF-independent action of IGFBP-3. Consistent with the up-regulation of STAT-1 mRNA, IGFBP-3 also increased STAT-1 protein expression. Furthermore, both IGFBP-3 and the IGFBP-3 mutant induced STAT-1 phosphorylation and its nuclear localization. An antisense STAT-1 oligonucleotide abolished the IGF-independent cell apoptosis induced by IGFBP-3. We have demonstrated that STAT-1 is a major intracellular signaling and transcriptional target of the IGF-independent apoptotic effect of IGFBP-3 in chondrogenesis.

Signalling pathways involved in the direct effects of IGFBP-5 on breast epithelial cell attachment and survival

We have demonstrated previously that IGFBP-5 can confer survival against apoptosis induced by ceramide, C2, or a small synthetic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-containing peptide in a direct manner. The endogenous ceramide-induced pathway is normally counter-balanced by survival signals mediated by sphingosine kinase (SK) and protein kinase C (PKC). In order to investigate whether these pathways are involved in the IGFBP-5 survival effect, we have used inhibitors of SK (N, N-di-methyl sphingosine, DMS) and PKC (chelerythrine chloride, CC). The effect of pre-incubating Hs578T breast cancer cells with IGFBP-5 on cell adhesion or on subsequent cell death induced by C2 or RGD was investigated with and without the presence of DMS or CC. Cell death was determined by trypan blue cell counts and apoptosis confirmed by morphological assessment and flow cytometry. Cell attachment was determined by a cell adhesion assay. The presence of IGFBP-5 significantly inhibited cell death induced by C2 or RGD, compared to the triggers of apoptosis alone (P<0.01 in both cases). In the presence of either IGFBP-5, CC or DMS, there was no significant effect on cell death compared to the control. IGFBP-5 in the presence of either inhibitor resulted in a significant increase in cell death; IGFBP-5 also lost its ability to confer survival on C2 and RGD-induced apoptosis and in contrast significantly increased cell death. In the cell adhesion assay, IGFBP-5 significantly increased cell attachment over basal levels. In the presence of either inhibitor the IGFBP-5 effect on cell adhesion was reversed and cell attachment was reduced to below basal levels. These data suggest that IGFBP-5 promotes the attachment and survival of Hs578T cells by modulating the balance between ceramide and opposing survival signals.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 induces early apoptosis in malignant prostate cancer cells and inhibits tumor formation in vivo

BACKGROUND

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-3) levels are significantly reduced in malignant prostate epithelial cells. In this study, we evaluated the role of endogenous IGFBP-3 on prostate cancer cell growth and tumorigenesis.

METHODS

IGFBP-3 was re-expressed by stable transfection of human IGFBP-3 cDNA in a model of human prostate cancer, M12, a malignant subline in which IGFBP-3 levels are undetectable in comparison to the parent epithelial cell, P69. Effect of IGFBP-3 re-expression (M12-BP-3) on growth kinetics, morphology, propensity to apoptosis, and in vivo tumor formation were studied.

RESULTS

M12-BP-3 cells secreted IGFBP-3 and growth arrested at a cell density that was threefold lower than control cells and this was associated with marked alteration in cell morphology. Control cells when grown in conditioned media secreted by M12-BP-3 also showed altered morphology compared to when cultured in IGFBP-3-immunodepleted conditioned media. The M12-BP-3 clones showed altered mitochondrial membrane potential, increased PARP cleavage, increase in sub-G1 peak, decreased levels of neuron specific enolase, and decreased tumor formation in athymic, nude mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that IGFBP-3 induces early apoptosis and has potential tumor suppressive effect in prostate cancer. Prostate 51: 141-152, 2002.

The amino-terminal region of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3, (1-95)IGFBP-3, induces apoptosis of MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells

In an earlier study, we reported that an N-terminal proteolytic fragment ((1-95)IGFBP-3) corresponding to the first 95 residues of human insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) inhibits proliferation in a variety of fibroblasts. With a view to investigating its cytostatic capacity in carcinoma cells, we transiently transfected MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells with an expression vector containing (1-95)IGFBP-3 cDNA. The transfected cells secreted a hyper-glycosylated form of (1-95)IGFBP-3. Twenty-four hours after transfection, cell morphology and viability were similar in control and (1-95)IGFBP-3-secreting cells. However, after 48 h, (1-95)IGFBP-3-secreting cells were apoptotic, with marked cytoplasmic vacuolation and increased free histones in the cytoplasm. Culture media conditioned by (1-95)IGFBP-3-secreting cells also induced morphological changes and apoptosis in wild-type MCF-7 cells, indicating that (1-95)IGFBP-3 was responsible for the effects observed. These results provide further evidence that the N-terminal proteolytic fragment of IGFBP-3 has a functional role.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5) interacts with a four and a half LIM protein 2 (FHL2)

Recent studies using insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) knockout mice demonstrate that IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-5, an important bone formation regulator, itself is a growth factor with cellular effects not dependent on IGFs. Because IGFBP-5 contains a nuclear localization sequence that mediates transport of IGFBP-5 into the nucleus, we propose that IGFBP-5 interacts with nuclear proteins to affect transcription of genes involved in bone formation. We therefore undertook studies to identify proteins that bind to IGFBP-5 using IGFBP-5 as bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen of a U2 human osteosarcoma cDNA library. Five related clones that interacted strongly with the bait corresponded to the FHL2 gene, which contains four and a half LIM domains. Co-immunoprecipitation studies with lysates from U2 cells overexpressing FHL2 and IGFBP-5 confirmed that interaction between IGFBP-5 and FHL2 occurs in whole cells. In vitro interaction studies revealed that purified FHL2 interacted with IGFBP-5 but not with IGFBP-3, -4, or -6. Northern blot analysis showed that FHL2 was strongly expressed in human osteoblasts. Nuclear localization of both FHL2 and IGFBP-5 was evident from Western immunoblot analysis and immunofluorescence. The role of FHL2 as an intracellular mediator of the effects of IGFBP-5 and other osteoregulatory agents in osteoblasts will need to be verified in future studies.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein-3 mutants that do not bind IGF-I or IGF-II stimulate apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) can stimulate apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation directly and independently of binding IGFs or indirectly by forming complexes with IGF-I and IGF-II that prevent them from activating the IGF-I receptor to stimulate cell survival and proliferation. To date, IGF-independent actions only have been demonstrated in a limited number of cells that do not synthesize or respond to IGFs. To assess the general importance of IGF-independent mechanisms, we have generated human IGFBP-3 mutants that cannot bind IGF-I or IGF-II by substituting alanine for six residues in the proposed IGF binding site, Ile(56)/Tyr(57)/Arg(75)/Leu(77)/Leu(80)/Leu(81), and expressing the 6m-hIGFBP-3 mutant construct in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Binding of both IGF-I and IGF-II to 6m-hIGFBP-3 was reduced >80-fold. The nonbinding 6m-hIGFBP-3 mutant still was able to inhibit DNA synthesis in a mink lung epithelial cell line in which inhibition by wild-type hIGFBP-3 previously had been shown to be exclusively IGF-independent. 6m-hIGFBP-3 only can act by IGF-independent mechanisms since it is unable to form complexes with the IGFs that inhibit their action. We next compared the ability of wild-type and 6m-hIGFBP-3 to stimulate apoptosis in serum-deprived PC-3 human prostate cancer cells. PC-3 cells are known to synthesize and respond to IGF-II, so that IGFBP-3 could potentially act by either IGF-dependent or IGF-independent mechanisms. In fact, 6m-hIGFBP-3 stimulated PC-3 cell death and stimulated apoptosis-induced DNA fragmentation to the same extent and with the same concentration dependence as wild-type hIGFBP-3. These results indicate that IGF-independent mechanisms are major contributors to IGFBP-3-induced apoptosis in PC-3 cells and may play a wider role in the antiproliferative and antitumorigenic actions of IGFBP-3.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha regulates insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 expression in vascular smooth muscle

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) may change coronary plaque integrity by altering vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) survival and modifying the extracellular matrix. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) prevents apoptosis, promotes matrix formation, and can decrease TNF-alpha or IL-1beta--induced proteoglycan degradation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To determine the effects of cytokines on the IGF-1 system, rat aortic VSMCs were exposed to TNF-alpha (10 to 500 ng/mL), IL-1beta (20 pg to 10 ng/mL), IL-6 (100 pg to 15 ng/mL), or IFN-gamma (10 to 600 U/mL). IL-1beta, IL-6, and IFN-gamma did not regulate IGF-1, IGF-1 receptor (R), or IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). However, TNF-alpha markedly decreased IGF-1 mRNA (85% reduction at 24 hours) and increased IGFBP-3 mRNA and protein (300% increase at 24 hours). These changes were blocked by actinomycin D, consistent with a transcriptional mechanism. Experiments using TNF binding protein-1 indicated that these effects were not attributable to secretion of an autocrine factor. Anti--IGFBP-3 antibodies increased VSMC DNA synthesis 3-fold. In addition, apoptosis induced by TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and Fas ligand was markedly reduced by desamino-(1-3)-IGF-1.

CONCLUSIONS

TNF-alpha, a cytokine that is upregulated in atherosclerotic plaques, reduces IGF-1 and increases IGFBP-3 in VSMCs, likely leading to a reduction in bioactive IGF-1. Because IGF-1 is important for growth and survival of VSMCs, its downregulation by TNF-alpha possibly plays a crucial role in acute and chronic coronary syndromes by decreasing VSMC viability and promoting plaque instability.

Signaling through the Smad pathway by insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 in breast cancer cells. Relationship to transforming growth factor-beta 1 signaling

We previously demonstrated in T47D cells transfected to express the transforming growth factor-beta receptor type II (TGF-betaRII) that insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) could stimulate Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation, potentiate TGF-beta1-stimulated Smad phosphorylation, and cooperate with exogenous TGF-beta1 in cell growth inhibition (Fanayan, S., Firth, S. M., Butt, A. J., and Baxter, R. C. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 39146-39151). This study further explores IGFBP-3 signaling through the Smad pathway. Like TGF-beta1, natural and recombinant IGFBP-3 stimulated the time- and dose-dependent phosphorylation of TGF-betaR1 as well as Smad2 and Smad3. This effect required the presence of TGF-betaRII. IGFBP-3 mutated in carboxyl-terminal nuclear localization signal residues retained activity in TGF-betaR1 and Smad phosphorylation, whereas IGFBP-5 was inactive. Immunoneutralization of endogenous TGF-beta1 suggested that TGF-beta1 was not essential for IGFBP-3 stimulation of this pathway, but it increased the effect of IGFBP-3. IGFBP-3, like TGF-beta1, elicited a rapid decline in immunodetectable Smad4 and Smad4.Smad2 complexes. IGFBP-3 and nuclear localization signal mutant IGFBP-3 stimulated the activation of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 promoter but was not additive with TGF-beta, suggesting that this end point is not a direct marker of the IGFBP-3 effect on cell proliferation. This study defines a signaling pathway for IGFBP-3 from a cell surface receptor to nuclear transcriptional activity, requiring TGF-betaRII but not dependent on the nuclear translocation of IGFBP-3. The precise mechanism by which IGFBP-3 interacts with the TGF-beta receptor system remains to be established.

Reduced expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and its promoter hypermethylation in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is postulated to be a mediator of growth suppression signals. Reduced expression of the IGFBP-3 was observed in nine out of 12 human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) (75%). Promoter hypermethylation of the IGFBP-3 was detected in four out of 12 HCCs (33%) although mutations were not identified. The expression of IGFBP-3 was restored by the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine in HCC cell line with promoter hypermethylation (HepG2). As IGFBP-3 functions like a tumor suppressor gene, it may be used as a therapeutic target for HCC.