Inositol trisphosphate formation and calcium mobilization in Swiss 3T3 cells in response to platelet-derived growth factor

Purification and characterization of human erythrocyte phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase. Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-monophosphate 4-kinase are distinct enzymes

PtdIns 4-kinase has been purified 83,000-fold from human erythrocyte membranes. The major protein detected by SDS/PAGE is of molecular mass 56 kDa, and enzymic activity can be renatured from this band of the gel. The characteristics of this enzyme are similar to other type II PtdIns kinases previously described: PtdIns presented in Triton X-100 micelles is preferred as a substrate over PtdIns vesicles, the enzyme possesses a relatively low Km for ATP (20 microM), and adenosine is an effective inhibitor. A monoclonal antibody raised against bovine brain type II PtdIns 4-kinase is an effective inhibitor of the purified enzyme. PtdIns(4,5)P2 inhibits by approx. 50% when added in equimolar amounts with PtdIns; PtdIns4P has little effect on activity. A PtdIns3P 4-kinase activity has also been detected in erythrocyte lysates. Approximately two-thirds of this activity is in the cytosolic fraction and one-third in the membrane fraction. No PtdIns3P 4-kinase activity could be detected in the purified type II PtdIns 4-kinase preparation, nor could this activity be detected in a bovine brain type III PtdIns 4-kinase preparation. The monoclonal antibody that inhibits the type II PtdIns 4-kinase does not affect the PtdIns3P 4-kinase activity in the membrane fraction. The cytosolic PtdIns3P 4-kinase can be efficiently recovered from a 60%-satd.-(NH4)2SO4 precipitate that is virtually free of PtdIns 4-kinase activity. We conclude that PtdIns3P 4-kinase is a new enzyme distinct from previously characterized PtdIns 4-kinases, and that this enzyme prefers PtdIns3P over PtdIns as a substrate.

Autoregulation of prostaglandin E2-induced Ca2+ influx in osteoblast-like cells: inhibition by self-induced activation of protein kinase C

In cloned osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulated 45Ca2+ influx even in the presence of nifedipine, a Ca2+ antagonist that inhibits voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel, in a dose-dependent manner, attaining a maximum at 0.5 microM. Dose of PGE2 above 0.5 microM caused less than maximal stimulation. While PGE2 stimulated the formation of inositol trisphosphate dose dependently in the range between 1 nM and 10 microM. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a protein kinase C (PKC)-activating phorbol ester, which by itself had little effect on 45Ca2+ influx, significantly suppressed the 45Ca2+ influx induced by PGE2 in a dose-dependent manner between 1 nM and 1 microM. 4 alpha-Phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, a phorbol ester which is inactive for PKC, showed little effect in this capacity. Staurosporine, a PKC inhibitor, enhanced the PGE2-induced 45Ca2+ influx. On the other hand, dibutyryl cAMP had little effect on the 45Ca2+ influx induced by PGE2. Our data suggest that PGE2 regulates Ca2+ influx through self-induced activation of PKC. These results indicate that there is an autoregulatory mechanism in signal transduction by PGE2, and PGE2 modulates osteoblast functions through the interaction between Ca2+ influx and phosphoinositide hydrolysis in osteoblast-like cells.

Signal transduction pathways in keratinocytes

Mammalian cells do not live as isolated organisms, but are instead organized into complex, highly specialized tissue organs composed of a homogeneous or a mixed cell population. In order to maintain tissue homeostasis in physiological and pathophysiological conditions, intercellular communication is an absolute requirement. This review will summarize our current knowledge as to how an extracellular signal is transduced via a specific receptor to the interior of the cell and how this signal will induce special cell functions. Attention will be paid to the major signal transduction pathways known to be active in keratinocytes, namely the adenylate cyclase, guanylate cyclase, tyrosine kinase, and phospholipase C systems. Finally, examples will be given of how interactions between these signal transduction pathways can take place and how 'signal cross-talk' might regulate keratinocyte function.

Proliferative effect of PGD2 on osteoblast-like cells; independent activation of pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein from PGE2 or PGF2 alpha

PGD2 stimulated DNA synthesis and decreased alkaline phosphatase activity dose-dependently between 10 nM and 10 microM in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. PGD2 had little effect on cAMP production, but caused very rapid enhancement of phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis dose-dependently between 10 nM and 10 microM. The formation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) induced by PGD2 reached the peak within 1 min and decreased thereafter, which is more rapid than that induced by PGE2 or PGF2 alpha and both PGE2 and PGF2 alpha affected PGD2-induced IP3 formation additively. Pertussis toxin (PTX) inhibited both PGD2-induced formation of inositol phosphates and DNA synthesis. The degree of these PTX (1 micrograms/ml)-induced inhibitions was similar. In addition, neomycin, a phospholipase C inhibitor, inhibited PGD2-induced DNA synthesis as well as the formation of IP3, and the patterns of both inhibitions were similar. In the cell membranes, PTX-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of a 40-kDa protein was significantly attenuated by pretreatment of PGD2. Time course of the attenuation of PTX-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation by PGD2 was apparently different from that by PGE2 or PGF2 alpha. These results indicate that PGD2 activates PTX-sensitive GTP-binding protein independently from PGE2 or PGF2 alpha and stimulates PI hydrolysis resulting in proliferation of osteoblast-like cells.

Protein kinase C activation amplifies prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced prostaglandin E2 synthesis in osteoblast-like cells

In cloned osteoblast-like cells, MC3T3-E1, prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) stimulated arachidonic acid (AA) release in a dose-dependent manner in the range between 1 nM and 10 microM. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, which by itself had little effect on AA release, markedly amplified the release of AA stimulated by PGF2 alpha in a dose-dependent manner. 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, a phorbol ester which is inactive for PKC, showed little effect on the PGF2 alpha-induced AA release. 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG), a specific activator for PKC, mimicked TPA by enhancement of the AA release induced by PGF2 alpha. H-7, a PKC inhibitor, markedly suppressed the effect of OAG on PGF2 alpha-induced AA release. Quinacrine, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor, showed partial inhibitory effect on PGF2 alpha-induced AA release, while it suppressed the amplification by OAG of PGF2 alpha-induced AA release almost to the control level. Furthermore, TPA enhanced the AA release induced by melittin, known as a phospholipase A2 activator. On the other hand, TPA inhibited the formation of inositol trisphosphate stimulated by PGF2 alpha. Under the same condition, PGF2 alpha indeed stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis and TPA markedly amplified the PGF2 alpha-induced PGE2 synthesis as well as AA release. These results indicate that the activation of PKC amplifies PGF2 alpha-induced both AA release and PGE2 synthesis through the potentiation of phospholipase A2 activity in osteoblast-like cells.

Inhibitory effect of 17 beta -estradiol on prostaglandin E2-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis in osteoblast-like cells

We examined the effect of estradiol on PGE2-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis and cAMP production in cloned osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. 17 beta -Estradiol pretreatment significantly inhibited the formation of inositol phosphates induced by 10 microM PGE2 in a dose-dependent manner between 1 pM and 10 nM. This effect of 17 beta -estradiol was dependent on the time of pretreatment and submaximum inhibition was observed at 4 h. However, 17 beta -estradiol had little effect on the formation of inositol phosphates induced by 20 mM NaF, a GTP-binding protein activator. The cAMP production induced by PGE2 was not influenced by 17 beta -estradiol. These results suggest that 17 beta -estradiol modulates the signal transduction by PGE2 and that the effect seems to be exerted between PGE2 receptor and the GTP-binding protein coupled to phospholipase C in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells.

Modified kinetics of platelet-derived growth factor-induced Ca2+ increases in NIH-3T3 cells overexpressing phospholipase C gamma 1

The effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and inositol phosphates were studied in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts transfected with cDNA for phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLC gamma 1) to yield a 7-fold overexpression of this enzyme, compared with cells containing normal levels of PLC gamma 1. In a study published recently [Margolis, Zilberstein, Franks, Felder, Kremer, Ullrich, Rhee, Skorecki & Schlessinger (1990) Science 248, 607-610] it was reported that this overexpression of PLC gamma 1 caused a specific potentiation of the inositol phosphate response to PDGF, but this was not associated with an enhancement of the [Ca2+]i response. In the present study, measurements of the time course and isomeric profile of PDGF-induced inositol phosphate formation demonstrated that the initial rate of Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation was also enhanced in the PLC gamma 1-overexpressing cells, yielding a 10-fold greater increase at 1 min compared with the parental NIH-3T3 cells. By contrast, bradykinin-induced phosphoinositide metabolism was unchanged in PLC gamma 1-transfected cells. Measurements of [Ca2+]i in cell populations and single cells showed a significant latent period following PDGF addition prior to the [Ca2+]i increases in both cell lines, which decreased in a dose-dependent manner with increasing PDGF concentration. The duration of the latent period was decreased and the maximal rate of [Ca2+]i rise was increased in the PLC gamma 1-overexpressing cells at all doses of PDGF examined. In single-cell measurements these cells also responded to PDGF with a greater peak amplitude of [Ca2+]i. Both intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane were enhanced in the PLC gamma 1-overexpressing cells. There was no difference between the two cell lines in either the latency or the magnitude of the [Ca2+]i increases induced by bradykinin. These data provide further evidence that PLC gamma 1 is responsible for the PDGF-induced stimulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation. Moreover, in contrast to earlier conclusions, the modified kinetics of the [Ca2+]i changes in PLC gamma 1-overexpressing cells suggest that Ins(1,4,5)P3 does play a predominant second messenger role in the PDGF-induced [Ca2+]i increases. The data also indicate that the latent period may be a function of the time required to reach a threshold level of Ins(1,4,5)P3, rather than an intrinsic property of the PDGF receptor.

Cross-talk regulation between cyclic AMP production and phosphoinositide hydrolysis induced by prostaglandin E2 in osteoblast-like cells

In cloned osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, PGE2 stimulated both cAMP accumulation and the formation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) dose dependently. The cAMP accumulation showed the peak value at 5 min and decreased thereafter, whereas the IP3 formation reached a plateau almost within 10 min and sustained it up to 30 min. The effect of PGE2 on cAMP accumulation (EC50 was 80 nM) was more potent than that on IP3 formation (EC50 was 0.8 microM). 12-O-Tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a protein kinase C (PKC)-activating phorbol ester, reduced the PGE2-induced cAMP accumulation, whereas 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, a PKC-nonactivating phorbol ester, had little effect on the cAMP accumulation. 1-Oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol, a specific activator for PKC, inhibited PGE2-induced cAMP accumulation. TPA had little effect on cAMP accumulation induced by forskolin or NaF, a GTP-binding protein activator. So, the effect of TPA is presumed to be exerted at the point between the PGE2 receptor and Gs. On the other hand, forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP had little effect on the IP3 formation stimulated by PGE2. H-7, a PKC inhibitor, enhanced the PGE2-induced cAMP accumulation in comparison with HA1004, a control for H-7. Our data suggest that PGE2 regulates cAMP production through self-induced activation of PKC. These results strongly suggest that there is an autoregulatory mechanism in PGE2 signaling, and PGE2 modulates osteoblast functions through a cross-talk interaction between cAMP production and phosphoinositide hydrolysis in osteoblast-like cells.

The effects of low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein on phosphoinositide hydrolysis in bovine aortic endothelial cells

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL3) were tested for their ability to induce inositol phospholipid turnover and inositol phosphate production in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). The production of inositol phosphates following hydrolysis of the phosphoinositides was demonstrated by two methods; release of [3H]inositol phosphates after labelling with [3H]myo-inositol and by a direct binding assay for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3). Acute exposure to LDL induced InsP3 release at low concentrations of the lipoprotein within the physiological range of LDL in tissues. HDL3 did not cause any release of the inositol phosphates. Pre-incubation of BAEC with HDL3 suppressed bradykinin- and LDL-induced inositol phosphate production in BAEC in a concentration-dependent manner. It is concluded that LDL acutely stimulates phosphoinositide breakdown and that pre-incubation of cells with HDL3 inhibits this effect. The mechanism responsible for these effects remains to be elucidated.

PDGF: a multifunctional growth factor

hPDGF is the major growth factor of human blood serum. In vivo, it is apparently synthesized by megakaryocytes and is transported in blood stored in the alpha granules of platelets. hPDGF is a heterodimer of two homologous polypeptide chains (PDGF-1(A) and PDGF-2(B] linked together by disulphide bonds. The PDGF-1(A) chain is encoded by a gene localized in chromosome 7 and the PDGF-2(B) chain is encoded by the c-sis proto-oncogene localized in chromosome 22. The hPDGF heterodimer and its two isoforms, the PDGF-1(A) and PDGF-2(B) homodimers, are potent mitogens and chemoattractants for target cells such as diploid fibroblasts, osteoblasts, arterial smooth muscle cells and brain glial cells. The PDGF-1(A) homodimer binds only to its specific receptor alpha, and the hPDGF heterodimer and PDGF-2(B) homodimer bind to both receptors a and b. In addition to their mitogenic action, PDGF stimulates important cellular metabolic activities, including protein, lipid and prostaglandin synthesis. It appears to be an important factor in early development and in vivo appears to modulate tissue regeneration and remodelling during wound healing and osteogenesis. The inappropriate expression of PDGF genes and their mitogenic products has been linked to several proliferative disorders such as fibrosis, atherosclerosis and neoplasia.

Compartmental analysis of 45Ca2+ efflux in perfused rat liver: effects of hormonal stimulation

The kinetics of calcium movements in the isolated perfused rat liver were examined using compartmental analysis of the efflux profiles of 45Ca2+ from 45Ca(2+)-equilibrated livers under a variety of calcium concentrations and hormonal treatments. From the 45Ca2+ efflux profiles, we determined that a three compartment model was appropriate to describe the movements of calcium in the liver on the time scale of the experiments. Hormonal treatment with the alpha-adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine, or the vasoactive peptide, vasopressin, during the efflux period lowered significantly the rate of transfer of Ca2+ between the internal compartments at all of the calcium concentrations employed. Also, phenylephrine treatment leads to increased transfer of Ca2+ into the liver from the perfusate. The temporal characteristics of the phenylephrine and vasopressin sensitive Ca2+ pools were examined by pulsing livers, loaded for variable periods of time with 45Ca2+, with the two hormones during the efflux of 45Ca2+ to measure the kinetics of Ca2+ exchange in the hormone-sensitive pools. Results from these experiments indicate that the rate of unstimulated Ca2+ efflux, k2, for the phenylephrine and vasopressin sensitive Ca2+ pools, modeled as a one compartment system, are the same, 0.074 and 0.078 min-1 for phenylephrine and vasopressin respectively, corresponding to half times for turnover of the pool(s) of 9.3 and 8.9 min, respectively.

Muscarinic receptor subtypes coupled to generation of different second messengers in isolated tracheal smooth muscle cells

1. Activation of muscarinic receptor subtypes leads to contraction, an increase in the accumulation of inositol phosphates (IPs) and a decrease in adenosine 3': 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) synthesis in tracheal smooth muscle. The concentrations of carbachol that produced a half-maximal effect (EC50) in inhibition of cyclic AMP generation, stimulation of IPs formation and contraction were 15 nM, 2.0 microM and 0.17 microM, respectively. 2. Pirenzepine, a selective M1 antagonist, displayed a low affinity for antagonizing cyclic AMP inhibition, IPs formation and contraction induced by carbachol (pKB = 6.8, 7.0, and 7.1, respectively). 3. Methoctramine, a cardioselective M2 antagonist, blocked cyclic AMP inhibition with a high affinity (pKB = 7.5), while it antagonized IPs formation and contraction with a low affinity (pKB = 6.2 and 6.1, respectively). 4. 4-Diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine (4-DAMP), a selective smooth muscle M3 antagonist, possessed a high affinity in blocking IPs formation (pKB = 8.8) and contraction (pKB = 9.2) as well as a low affinity for antagonism of cyclic AMP inhibition (pKB = 8.1). 5. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that M2 and M3 receptor subtypes are coupled to different effector systems in tracheal smooth muscle. An M1 receptor subtype is not involved in the generation of the second messengers examined. Inhibition of cyclic AMP formation may be coupled to the M2 receptor subtype. The accumulation of IPs and presumably IP-induced Ca2+ release may function as the transducing mechanism for cholinergic contraction of tracheal smooth muscle through the activation of M3 receptors.

Multiple sources of sn-1,2-diacylglycerol in platelet-derived-growth-factor-stimulated Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. Evidence for activation of phosphoinositidase C and phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulated sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) mass formation in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts with a lag time of some 30 s. The response was biphasic, with the second phase being sustained over time. PDGF also stimulated the formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 with a similar lag time to the DAG response, suggesting that DAG is derived from PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis at this time point. PDGF-stimulated phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) hydrolysis in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts, as measured by the formation of water-soluble choline metabolites and phosphatidylbutanol (PtdBut) accumulation, was by a phospholipase D (PLD)-catalysed pathway which was kinetically downstream of initial PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis. Accumulation of PtdBut increased up to 15 min, suggesting that PLD activity is not rapidly densitized in response to PDGF. The kinetics of PtdCho hydrolysis closely paralleled the second phase of DAG formation, strongly suggesting that during prolonged stimulation periods PtdCho is a major source of DAG in these cells. However, since PtdIns(4,5)P2 breakdown was also prolonged, PDGF-stimulated DAG may be derived from both phospholipids. Down-regulation of protein kinase C (PKC), by pre-treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, abolished both [3H]choline and [3H]PtdBut formation, suggesting that PLD-catalysed PtdCho hydrolysis may be dependent on PKC activation, supporting its dependence on prior PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis.

Phosphoinositide kinase, diacylglycerol kinase, and phospholipase C activities associated to the cytoskeleton: effect of epidermal growth factor

In this paper we demonstrate that cytoskeletons isolated from A431 cells have associated with them high activities of several kinases involved in inositol lipid metabolism, such as phosphatidylinositol kinase, phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase, and diacylglycerol kinase. In addition also phospholipase C activity was detected on isolated cytoskeletons. Controlled extraction of the cytoskeletons followed by in vitro polymerization of actin demonstrated an association of the kinases to the actin filament system consisting of actin and a number of actin-binding proteins. The cytoskeleton-associated lipid kinase activities were significantly increased upon treatment of intact cells with EGF. These data suggest that the association of the phosphoinositide kinases, diacylglycerol kinase, phospholipase C, and also the EGF receptor to the cytoskeleton may play a role in the efficient signal transduction induced by EGF, by providing a matrix for the various components involved in signal transduction.

Characterization of the tyrosine phosphorylation of calpactin I (annexin II) induced by platelet-derived growth factor

Stimulation in vivo of Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in the presence of orthovanadate induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of a 39 kDa protein, identified as the phosphorylated slow-migrating form of calpactin I (annexin II) heavy chain, p36. In fact, in PDGF-stimulated cells, anti-(calpactin I) antibodies recognize a doublet of bands, p36 and p39, and the latter disappears upon treatment with phosphatase. In many regards phosphorylation of p39 differs from the rapid and transient phosphorylation of the PDGF receptor and of other substrates: (a) it has slower kinetics but is then stable for longer periods of time; (b) it occurs at 37 degrees C but not at 4 degrees C; and (c) whereas most of the tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins are associated with membrane-enriched preparations, membrane association of p39 only occurs in the presence of Ca2+. Moreover, calpactin I leaks out of permeabilized cells at 0.1 microM free Ca2+, whereas it remains associated with the cells at concentrations of Ca2+ greater than or equal to 1 microM. PDGF does not stimulate phosphoinositide turnover (and thus Ca2+ mobilization) at 4 degrees C; thus it can be suggested that the Ca(2+)-dependent translocation of the protein to membrane/cytoskeletal structures is a necessary condition for its phosphorylation. In addition, calpactin I may not be a direct substrate for the PDGF receptor kinase, but rather the substrate of another tyrosine kinase activated by the receptor.

Evidence for a functional link between profilin and CAP in the yeast S. cerevisiae

CAP is a component of the S. cerevisiae adenylyl cyclase complex. The N-terminal domain is required for cellular RAS responsiveness. Loss of the C-terminal domain is associated with morphological and nutritional defects. Here we report that cap- cells bud randomly and are defective in actin distribution. The morphological and nutritional defects associated with loss of the CAP C-terminal domain are suppressed by over-expression of PFY, the gene encoding profilin, an actin- and polyphosphoinositide-binding protein. The phenotype of cells lacking PFY resembles that of cells lacking the CAP C-terminal domain. Study of mutated yeast profilins and profilins from Acanthamoeba suggests that the ability of profilin to suppress cap- cells is dependent upon a property other than, or in addition to, its ability to bind actin. This property may be its ability to bind polyphosphoinositides. We propose that CAP and profilin provide a link between growth signals and remodeling of the cellular cytoskeleton.

Oxidized low density lipoprotein inhibits bradykinin-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells

Vascular endothelial cells, in response to various neurohumoral and physical stimuli, produce an endothelium-derived relaxing factor, a substance which regulates vascular tone. We have demonstrated that oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) inhibits endothelium-dependent relaxation. We studied the effect of oxidized LDL on inositol phosphates formation stimulated with bradykinin (BK) in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. BK elicited a rapid generation of inositol phosphates from inositol phospholipids. Accumulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) stimulated with BK (0.1 microM) was markedly inhibited by oxidized LDL. However, native LDL had little effect on BK-induced accumulation of IP3. From these results, oxidized LDL inhibits receptor-mediated phosphoinositides hydrolysis and modulates the endothelial function.

Phenytoin-induced DNA synthesis and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation in L-929 fibroblasts

Culture of L-929 fibroblasts in the presence of phenytoin (2.5-5.0 micrograms/ml) increased DNA synthesis, as indicated by increased [3H]thymidine uptake, while a higher dose (20 micrograms/ml) inhibited DNA synthesis. In like manner, a low dose of phenytoin (5.0 micrograms/ml) was effective in increasing inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation while a higher dose (10 micrograms/ml) tended to inhibit this activity. These data suggest that the formation of inositol phosphate second messengers may play a role in phenytoin-induced fibroblast proliferation and connective tissue growth.

Activation of signal transduction pathways protects quiescent Balb/c-3T3 fibroblasts against death due to serum deprivation

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and insulin protect density-inhibited murine Balb/c-3T3 fibroblasts against death by distinctive mechanisms. Determination of the cell survival-enhancing activity of growth factors by cell enumeration and neutral red uptake measurement gives equivalent results. PDGF displays a steep dose-response relationship in the 1-5 ng/ml range. The other factors display shallow log-linear relationships in the following ranges: EGF: 0.2-5 ng/ml; IGF-1: 2-80 ng/ml; and insulin: 57-4,500 ng/ml. Agonists that lead to the activation of protein kinase A, including forskolin, 8-bromoadenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (Br-cAMP) and N6,2'-O-dibutyryladenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (db-cAMP), markedly increase both short-term (5-h) and long-term (20-h) survival of cells. 2-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) markedly enhances short-term survival, but its effect decays with time. The protein kinase C agonist 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) has a moderate protective effect at concentrations of 16-32 nM, and 64 nM TPA is highly effective. The synthetic diaclglycerols 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (DiC8) and 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG) and the calcium ionophore ionomycin show low activity. Supplementation of EGF with a protein kinase A or C agonist results in a varying additive increase in short-term (5-h) cell survival and supplementation of EGF + insulin or PDGF + EGF + insulin increases further the already high level of protection given by the growth factor combinations. Combining a protein kinase A and a protein kinase C agonist in the absence of growth factors gives an approximately additive increase in cell survival. Results obtained with kinase, RNA, and protein synthesis inhibitors suggest that: 1) activated protein kinase C catalyzes one or more phosphorylation events in quiescent Balb/c-3T3 cells that lead to gene expression with the protein product(s) mediating protection of quiescent cells against death, and 2) phosphorylation events catalyzed by protein kinase A largely serve to protect cells by a mechanism not requiring de novo RNA and protein biosynthesis.

Platelet-derived growth factor and its role in atherogenesis: a brief review

A number of locally acting growth factors are now widely understood to be important in the regulation of cellular activity. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is one of the best known and is an important mitogenic stimulant of vascular tissues. PDGF is stored primarily by platelets but other cells, including endothelium and smooth muscle, can act as sources. The mitogenic properties of PDGF may be influential in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. PDGF has access to the vascular intima and may act upon smooth muscle cells to produce proliferation, a primary feature of atherosclerosis. In this brief review we examine the structure, function and influences of PDGF with special emphasis on its potential role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Calcium channels in PDGF-stimulated A172 cells open after intracellular calcium release and are not voltage-dependent

Using laser image cytometry and Indo-1 fluorescence, we investigated the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of confluent A172 human glioblastoma cells stimulated by the BB homodimer of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB). The shape of the calcium transients and the delay time between stimulation and the beginning of the transient varied considerably. The percentage of responsive cells, the peak [Ca2+]i and the duration of the response were directly related to PDGF-BB dose, while the delay time was inversely related; the maximal response occurred at a PDGF-BB concentration of 20 ng/ml. Studies with EGTA and inorganic calcium-channel blockers (Ni2+, La3+) showed that the increase of [Ca2+]i resulted from initial release of intracellular stores and subsequent calcium influx across the plasma membrane. Opening of calcium channels in the plasma membrane, monitored directly by studying Mn2+ quenching of Indo-1 fluorescence, was stimulated by PDGF-BB and blocked by La3+; the opening occurred 55 +/- 10 s after the initial increase in [Ca2+]i. Therefore, in these tumor cells, intracellular release always occurs before channel opening in the plasma membrane. Depolarization of cells with high extracellular [K+] did not generally induce calcium transients but did decrease calcium influx. L-type calcium-channel blockers (verapamil, nifedipine, and diltiazem) had little or no effect on the calcium influx induced by PDGF-BB. These results indicate that PDGF-BB induces calcium influx by a mechanism independent of voltage-sensitive calcium channels in A172 human glioblastoma cells.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate, a novel lipid, involved in cellular proliferation

Sphingosine, a metabolite of membrane sphingolipids, regulates proliferation of quiescent Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts (Zhang, H., N. E. Buckley, K. Gibson. and S. Spiegel. 1990. J. Biol. Chem. 265:76-81). The present study provides new insights into the formation and function of a unique phospholipid, a metabolite of sphingosine, which was unequivocally identified as sphingosine-1-phosphate. The rapid increase in 32P-labeled sphingosine-1-phosphate levels induced by sphingosine was concentration dependent and correlated with its effect on DNA synthesis. Similar to the mitogenic effects of sphingosine, low concentrations of sphingosine-1-phosphate stimulated DNA synthesis and induced pronounced morphological alterations. Both sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate stimulated DNA synthesis in cells made protein kinase C deficient by prolonged treatment with phorbol ester and sphingosine still elicited similar increases in sphingosine-1-phosphate levels in these cells. Although both sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate acted synergistically with a wide variety of growth factors, there was no additive or synergistic effect in response to a combination of sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate. Using a digital imaging system for measurement of calcium changes, we observed that both sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate are potent calcium-mobilizing agonists in viable 3T3 fibroblasts. The rapid rise in cytosolic free calcium was independent of the presence of calcium in the external medium, indicating that the response is due to the mobilization of calcium from internal store. Our results suggest that sphingosine-1-phosphate may be a component of the intracellular second messenger system that is involved in calcium release and the regulation of cell growth induced by sphingosine.

Bradykinin stimulates DNA synthesis in competent Balb/c 3T3 cells and enhances inositol phosphate formation induced by platelet-derived growth factor

Both platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and bradykinin were found to induce a growth response in Balb/c 3T3 cells. However, whereas PDGF brought about a five-fold increase in the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA, the response to bradykinin was never more than 50%. When bradykinin was present simultaneously with sub-optimal concentrations of PDGF the response was about 15% greater than with PDGF alone. In contrast, if the cells were made competent by a 5 hr preincubation with PDGF which was then washed away, subsequent addition of bradykinin induced a more than two-fold increase in incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA compared with competent cells subsequently incubated with serum-free medium alone. Bradykinin also acted synergistically with insulin when the two agents were added simultaneously to competent cells. PDGF induced marked increases in the concentration of inositol phosphates at 30 min after stimulation, but by this time point any effect of bradykinin had disappeared. However, the simultaneous presence of PDGF and bradykinin induced increases at 30 min that were 50-100% greater than with PDGF alone. It is concluded that the pathways by which PDGF and bradykinin initiate a growth response in BALB/c 3T3 cells only partly overlap. Their actions on the synthesis of inositol phosphates exhibit distinctive temporal characteristics, but can be co-operative at 30 min and at earlier time intervals. This effect was found to be time-dependent, and developed over the first 5 min.

Formation and removal of 8-MOP-DNA photoadducts in keratinocytes: effects of calcium concentration and retinoids

8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP)-DNA photoadducts were quantified in freshly isolated human and murine keratinocytes and cultured keratinocyte cell lines after in vitro treatment with 8-MOP (1-200 ng/ml) and ultraviolet A (UVA; 0.2-24.0 J/cm2). Greater doses of 8-MOP and UVA led to proportionately greater numbers of photoadducts, with a dose reciprocity relationship between the amounts of 8-MOP and UVA. No significant difference in photoadduct formation was observed between basal and differentiated cells. However, the transformed keratinocyte cell lines showed fewer photoadducts than did normal keratinocytes, which appeared to be correlated with the finding that the adduct formation was inhibited in normal keratinocytes cultured with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, because this agent leads to epidermal hyperproliferation. In viable keratinocytes that were treated with a sublethal dose of 8-MOP and UVA (15 ng/ml and 1 J/cm2, respectively), 54% of photoadducts formed were removed over a 20-h period. Adduct removal depended on the calcium concentration in the media; cells cultured in standard high calcium levels showed a higher removal rate than those cultured in low-calcium media. The addition of retinoids (etretinate, acitretin, and 13-cis retinoic acid) to the culture induced 55 to 80% of suppression of the adduct removal. The calcium ionophore A23187 partially restored the suppression of photoadduct removal induced by retinoids. The present studies suggest that calcium performs an important role in the photoadduct removal and raise the possibility that the synergism of systemic retinoids and psoralen plus UVA photochemotherapy relates to the former's inhibition of repair of 8-MOP photoadducts in DNA.

Inhibition of PDGF beta receptor signal transduction by coexpression of a truncated receptor

A mutated form of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta receptor lacking most of its cytoplasmic domain was tested for its ability to block wild-type PDGF receptor function. PDGF induced the formation of complexes consisting of wild-type and truncated receptors. Such complexes were defective in autophosphorylation. When truncated receptors were expressed in excess compared to wild-type receptors, stimulation by PDGF of receptor autophosphorylation, association of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase with the receptor, and calcium mobilization were blocked. Thus, a truncated receptor can inactivate wild-type receptor function by forming ligand-dependent receptor complexes (probably heterodimers) that are incapable of mediating the early steps of signal transduction.

PDGF stimulation of inositol phospholipid hydrolysis requires PLC-gamma 1 phosphorylation on tyrosine residues 783 and 1254

PDGF binding to its receptor promotes the association with and stimulates the phosphorylation of PLC-gamma 1 at tyrosine and serine residues. Also, PDGF induces an increase in the hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids by PLC. How PDGF activates PLC was investigated by substituting phenylalanine for tyrosine at PLC-gamma 1 phosphorylation sites 771, 783, and 1254 and expressing the mutant enzymes in NIH 3T3 cells. Phenylalanine substitution at Tyr-783 completely blocked the activation of PLC by PDGF, whereas mutation at Try-1254 inhibited and mutation at Tyr-771 enhanced the response. Like the wild type, PLC-gamma 1 substituted with phenylalanine at Tyr-783 became associated with the PDGF receptor and underwent phosphorylation at serine residues in response to PDGF. These results suggest that PLC-gamma 1 is the PLC isozyme that mediates PDGF-induced inositol phospholipid hydrolysis, that phosphorylation on Tyr-783 is essential for PLC-gamma 1 activation. These results provide direct evidence that growth factor receptors activate the function of intracellular protein by tyrosine phosphorylation.

Altered levels of phosphoinositide metabolites and activation of guanine-nucleotide dependent phospholipase C in rat hepatic tumors

The metabolism of phosphatidylinositol was studied in normal quiescent hepatocytes, hepatocellular carcinomas induced by single dose of diethylnitrosamine, followed by 2-acetylaminofluorene and partial hepatectomy (Solt-Farber model), and in an established hepatoma cell line, JB1. The JB1 hepatoma cell line and hepatocellular carcinomas demonstrated a 4- to 5-fold higher rate of turnover of [3H]-inositol and [3H]-glycerol than the control hepatocytes. Significantly, elevated levels of second messengers inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and sn-1,2-diacylglycerol were noted in hepatic tumor cells within 4 hr of labeling with precursor molecules, whereas no detectable level of 3H-labeled inositol trisphosphate was noted in quiescent hepatocytes, even after incubation with 10 mM LiCl for 30 min. Approximately 2.5-fold higher specific activities of a guanine nucleotide and Ca+2 dependent phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate specific phospholipase C were detected in the hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The cellular location of the phospholipase C activity was also different, being membrane bound in hepatocytes and equally distributed between cytosolic and membrane factions in the hepatomas. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the enhanced production of diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in hepatocellular carcinomas may be due to the activation of a guanine nucleotide dependent phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate specific phospholipase C. These data are the first to compare phosphoinositide turnover in normal liver and hepatic tumor cells and suggest that the sustained levels of second messengers is closely associated with the transformation and enhanced growth rate in hepatic tumor cells.

Molecular mechanisms of tubulointerstitial hypertrophy and hyperplasia

Adult kidneys, which are principally composed of tubulointerstitium, do not normally regenerate or expand their working pool of functional cells at a very high rate. Loss of kidney tissue, however, can lead to some compensatory renal enlargement. The catalytic forces initiating such exchanges have not been fully articulated by current experimental endeavors. Increasing evidence, nevertheless, does suggest that factors other than simple changes in renal hemodynamics may be involved in this process. Different cellular elements in the tubulointerstitial microenvironment probably modulate changes in tubular enlargement or size through a complex cytokine network. Autocrine and paracrine stimulation of enlargement by different local growth factors also seem to play a pivotal role. After binding to cellular receptors, these factors activate signal transduction pathways resulting in expression of immediate early genes, which by themselves can synchronize the expression of subsequent genes through the medium of transacting factors. The renal enlargement response can also be modified by endocrine hormones that can activate such genes directly and/or stimulate other adjunctive processes, like receptor expression for the regional binding of growth factors. Furthermore, renal enlargement is under negative feedback of inhibitory factors like TGF beta. It is possible, for example, that special genes exist which are only expressed to arrest enlargement. It has been further suggested that activation of the Na+/H+ antiporter is a common denominator in renal enlargement. Recent findings, however, indicate that the activation of this antiporter is not always necessary, and might rather be a parallel event rather than a key phenomena in tubular enlargement. G0/G1 transition of tubular cells seems to involve similar factors in tubular hypertrophy and hyperplasia. The factors which are responsible for the final determination of the enlargement pattern (hypertrophy vs. proliferation) are unknown. The separation between hypertrophy and hyperplasia, although suggested by striking differences in cellular regulation, may be somewhat artificial, since responses leading to tubular enlargement also exist in circumstances where hyperplasia and hypertrophy are combined events. Recently it has been proposed that growth factors stimulate gluconeogenesis in proximal tubular cells producing hyperplasia, whereas factors inhibiting gluconeogenesis might induce hypertrophy. Whether the common pathway message of this intriguing hypothesis is correct still requires further validation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Interactions between inositol phosphates and cytosolic free calcium following bradykinin stimulation in cultured human skin fibroblasts

The inositol triphosphate (IP3) that results from hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is generally accepted to be responsible for the mobilization of intracellular calcium. However, some studies suggest that low concentrations of agonists elevate cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) without IP3 formation. Thus, in the present studies, a comparison of the temporal response of inositol phosphates (IP3, IP2 and IP) and [Ca2+]i to a wide range of bradykinin concentrations was used to examine the relation of these two signal transduction events in cultured human skin fibroblasts (GM3652). In addition, the effects of alterations in internal or external calcium on the response of these second messengers to bradykinin were determined. Bradykinin stimulated accumulation of inositol phosphates and a rise of [Ca2+]i in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Decreasing the bradykinin concentration from 1 microM to 0.1 microM increased the time until the IP3 peak, and when the bradykinin concentration was reduced to 0.01 microM IP3 was not detected. [Ca2+]i was examined under parallel conditions. As the bradykinin concentration was reduced from 1 microM to 0.01 microM, the time to reach the peak of [Ca2+]i increased progressively, but the magnitude of the peak was unaltered. These two second messengers were variably dependent on external calcium. Although the bradykinin-stimulated initial spike of [Ca2+]i did not depend on extracellular calcium, the subsequent sustained levels of [Ca2+]i were abolished in calcium free medium. The bradykinin-stimulated inositol phosphate formation was not dependent on the extracellular calcium nor on the elevation of [Ca2+]i that was produced with Br-A23187. These results demonstrate that bradykinin-induced IP3 formation can be independent of [Ca2+]i and of external calcium, whereas changes in [Ca2+]i are partially dependent on external calcium.

Protein kinase C activation by anthracyclines in Swiss 3T3 cells

The effects of the anti-cancer anthracyclines doxorubicin and daunorubicin on the activity of protein kinase C (PKC) were examined in intact Swiss 3T3 cells. The 2 drugs stimulated the phosphorylation of an 80K phosphoprotein found to be identical to that generated in response to the PKC activator 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate as indicated by gel electrophoresis and peptide mapping. The effect of doxorubicin was dose-dependent in the range 10(-5) to 10(-3) M and was not associated with a detectable translocation of PKC activity from cytosol to the cell membrane. Doxorubicin and daunorubicin were found to increase the incorporation of phosphate into phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol 4-monophosphate and phosphatidyl inositol 4,5-bisphosphate. In addition, the anthracyclines induced a rise in inositol phosphates, thus indicating a stimulation of the breakdown of phosphoinositides. These data are consistent with an indirect mechanism of PKC activation by anthracyclines. We propose that diacylglycerol, which is derived from the hydrolysis of phospholipids, (including the phosphoinositides), by activation of phospholipases, could mediate PKC activation. The described effects, involving cell-signal-transducing pathways, emphasize a new aspect of the cellular actions of these anti-tumor agents.

Interleukin 1 stimulates phosphatidylinositol kinase activity in human fibroblasts

IL-1 mediates multiple cellular immune and inflammatory responses, but little is known of the intracellular biochemical mechanisms involved in IL-1 actions. We studied the effects of IL-1 on phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) metabolism and confirmed reports indicating that IL-1 does not stimulate increased PtdIns turnover; however, we observed the accumulation of PtdIns-4-phosphate (PtdInsP) in response to IL-1. Using a fibroblast membrane preparation, we were able to detect stimulated PtdInsP accumulation within 10 s of IL-1 addition. Increased PtdInsP accumulation was due to stimulated PtdIns kinase activity, not the inhibition of PtdInsP hydrolysis by phospholipase(s). PtdIns kinase activity was magnesium dependent, increased as a function of IL-1 concentration, and specifically phosphorylated the D4 position of inositol. Stimulated PtdIns kinase activity could be detected at 10(-12) M IL-1 in fibroblast membranes, a concentration within the physiological range for IL-1 action; half-maximal activity was reached at approximately 10(-10) M IL-1. Heat denaturation of IL-1 or treatment of IL-1 with anti-IL-1 antibody abrogated the IL-1 effect. These findings demonstrate the direct, IL-1-mediated, stimulation of PtdIns kinase. IL-1-stimulated PtdIns kinase activity represents an important physiological regulatory effect by IL-1 as it could control the synthesis and/or maintenance of phosphorylated derivatives of PtdIns which comprise only a very small pool of substrates for the generation of the second messengers inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate and diacylglycerol.

Receptor regulation of phosphoinositidase C

Numerous hormones, neurotransmitters and growth factors regulate intracellular events by acting at cell surface receptors which are coupled to the generation of inositol phospholipid-derived intracellular messengers. Receptors trigger the hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids by activating phosphoinositidase C (PIC) enzymes. At least four families of genes encode structurally distinct PIC enzymes and it is likely that distinct PIC isoenzymes participate in different pathways of signal transduction. Two different modes of receptor regulation have been identified and these involve distinct PIC isoenzymes. In the first of these, PIC-gamma is a substrate for growth factor receptor protein-tyrosine kinases. The second of these pathways involves PIC-beta plus other isoenzymes whose activities are regulated by G proteins in response to agonist binding to G protein-linked receptors. At least two types of G proteins regulate PIC activity and each may control the activity of different PIC isoenzymes.

Attachment of A172 human glioblastoma cells affects calcium signalling: a comparison of image cytometry, flow cytometry, and spectrofluorometry

The intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of indo-1 loaded A172 human glioblastoma cells stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was studied in cell suspensions by flow cytometry and spectrofluorometry and in confluent monolayers by laser image cytometry and spectrofluorometry. With all three techniques, the percentage of responsive cells, peak [Ca2+]i, and the duration of response were directly related, and the delay time was inversely related to PDGF dose. The maximum response occurred at a PDGF concentration of about 20 ng/ml. Basal and peak [Ca2+]i did not differ significantly from method to method even though different calibration procedures were used. Cells in suspension monitored by both spectrofluorometry and flow cytometry displayed significantly shorter calcium responses than attached cells. This did not appear to be a direct effect of trypsinization. Spectral analysis of indo-1 in cytoplasm, 40% glycerol, and aqueous solutions showed significant differences in the isosbestic point and quantum efficiency. Calibration of [Ca2+]i with spectrofluorometry is more accurate using the ratio of fluorescence intensities than the fluorescence intensities measured at either 405 or 485 nm.

Synthesis and application of photoaffinity analogues of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate selectively substituted at the 1-phosphate group

We have synthesized two photolabile arylazido-analogues of Ins(1,4,5)P3 selectively substituted at the 1-phosphate group for determination of Ins(1,4,5)P3-binding proteins. These two photoaffinity derivatives, namely N-(4-azidobenzoyl)aminoethanol-1-phospho-D-myo-inositol 4,5-bisphosphate (AbaIP3) and N-(4-azidosalicyl)aminoethanol-1-phospho-D-myo-inositol 4,5-bisphosphate (AsaIP3), bind to high affinity Ins(1,4,5)P3-specific binding sites at a 9-fold lower affinity (Kd = 66 and 70 nM) than Ins(1,4,5)P3 (Kd = 7.15 nM) in a fraction from rat pancreatic acinar cells enriched in endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Other inositol phosphates tested showed comparable (DL-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphothioate, Kd = 81 nM) or much lower affinities for the binding sites [Ins(1,3,4,5)P4, Kd = 4 microM; Ins(1,4)P2, Kd = 80 microM]. Binding of AbaIP3 was also tested on a microsomal preparation of rat cerebellum [Kd = 300 nM as compared with Ins(1,4,5)P3, Kd = 45 nM]. Ca2+ release activity of the inositol derivatives was tested with AbaIP3. It induced a rapid and concentration-dependent Ca2+ release from the ER fraction [EC50 (dose producing half-maximal effect) = 3.1 microM] being only 10-fold less potent than Ins(1,4,5)P3 (EC50 = 0.3 microM). From the two radioactive labelled analogues ([3H]AbaIP3 and 125I-AsIP3) synthesized, the radioiodinated derivative was used for photoaffinity labelling. It specifically labelled three proteins with apparent molecular masses of 49, 37 and 31 kDa in the ER-enriched fraction. By subfractionation of this ER-enriched fraction on a Percoll gradient the 37 kDa Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding protein was obtained in a membrane fraction which showed the highest effect in Ins(1,4,5)P3-inducible Ca2+ release (fraction P1). The other two Ins(1,4,5)P3-binding proteins, of 49 and 31 kDa, were obtained in fraction P2, in which Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+ release was half of that obtained in fraction P1. We conclude from these data that the 37 kDa and/or the 49 and 31 kDa proteins are involved in Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+ release from the ER of rat pancreatic acinar cells.

TGF-beta inhibits the platelet-derived growth factor-induced formation of inositol trisphosphate in MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells

Epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and heparin-binding growth factor-1 (HBGF-1) stimulated the proliferation of a variant of the human osteosarcoma cell line, MG-63-LS (LS = low serum). Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) completely inhibited cell growth in basal medium supplemented with 2% fetal calf serum (FCS), blocked PDGF- and EGF-stimulated cell proliferation, and modulated that of HBGF-1. PDGF, but not EGF or HBGF-1, activated the inositol trisphosphate/diacylglycerol (IP3/DAG) second message system in a dose-dependent manner. EGF inhibited phosphoinositol lipid turnover and HBGF-1 and TGF-beta stimulated phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis to produce inositol phosphate (IP) but not IP3. Preincubation of quiescent cells with TGF-beta for 30-40 minutes prior to the addition of PDGF resulted in an inhibition of PDGF-induced production of IP3. This suggested that TGF-beta was an indirect inhibitor and blocked PDGF-stimulated cell growth in part by interfering with the generation of the second messenger, IP3.

Inhibition of EGF-induced phospholipase C activation in A431 cells by erbstatin, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor

Erbstatin, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibited epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced inositol phosphate production in cultured A431 cells. However, it did not inhibit ATP-induced inositol phosphate production. Cytosolic but not membrane-associated phospholipase C was activated by EGF, and erbstatin inhibited enhancement of the phospholipase C activity in EGF-treated cells. Thus, tyrosine kinase of A431 cells is suggested to be functionally involved in phospholipase C activation.

Growth factor-induced DNA synthesis in cells that overproduce protein kinase C

In previous studies (Housey et al.: Cell 52:343-354, 1988), our laboratory demonstrated that a cell line R6-PKC3 that stably overproduces high levels of the beta 1 isoform of PKC displayed several abnormalities in growth control, and these phenotypic changes were also markedly enhanced when the cells were exposed to TPA. The present studies indicate that these cells also display marked changes in their response to certain growth factors. A striking finding was that several agents when tested alone in serum-free medium, including EGF, PDGF, TPA, teleocidin, and OAG, stimulated DNA synthesis in quiescent R6-PKC3 cells but had a negligible effect in quiescent R6-C1 cells, a vector control cell line with normal levels of PKC. R6-PKC3 cells also show an exaggerated response to very low concentrations of serum, when compared to R6-C1 control cells. These studies provide direct genetic evidence that alterations in cellular levels of PKC can markedly influence the responses of cells to specific growth factors.

Calcium uptake and efflux during the yeast to mycelium transition in Sporothrix schenckii

A study was made of calcium metabolism during germ tube formation in Sporothrix schenckii yeast cells. A net efflux of calcium was observed very early in the transformation process and remained constant thereafter. The efflux of calcium in yeast cells induced to form germ tubes was twice that observed in yeast cells not induced to form germ tubes. Two peaks of calcium uptake were observed in germ tube forming yeast cells at 30 and 300 minutes following inoculation, while non-induced yeast cells, a continuous increase in uptake was observed which ultimately reached higher values than the ones obtained in germ tube forming cells. Substances which affect calcium metabolism in other cells such as cobalt ions, ionophore A23187 and compound R24571 were observed to inhibit germ tube formation and calcium uptake. In addition, ionophore A23187 was found to increase calcium efflux to approximately twice the control values. The inhibition of germ tube formation brought about by substances which inhibit calcium uptake or increase efflux suggests that the intracellular calcium concentration in these cells must be precisely regulated for the yeast to mycelium transition to occur.

Possible contribution of protein kinase C activation to priming for DNA synthesis induced by epidermal growth factor with insulin and its inhibition by plasma membrane in primary cultured rat hepatocytes

In primary cultured rat hepatocytes, DNA synthesis was markedly induced 48 h after plating by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin added at 24 h, but not by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). When EGF and insulin were added at 6 h, DNA synthesis at 30 h was 7% of DNA synthesis seen at 48 h, but became 27% by pretreatment with TPA. The similar pretreatment effect was also seen with vasopressin. Such induction at 30 h was inhibited by rat liver plasma membrane added at 2 h even in the presence of TPA or vasopressin, and also by 1-(5-isoquinolinyl-sulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine more extensively than N-(2-guanidinoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide. These results suggest that DNA synthesis induction by EGF and insulin may require a priming period related to protein kinase C activation in primary cultured rat hepatocytes, which is inhibited by plasma membrane.

Involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein in prostaglandin F2 alpha- induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis in osteoblast-like cells

Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) stimulated the formation of inositol phosphates in a dose-dependent manner in cloned osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. This reaction was markedly inhibited dose-dependently by pertussis toxin. In the cell membranes, pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of a 40-kDa protein was significantly attenuated by pretreatment of PGF2 alpha. These results suggest that pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein is involved in the coupling of PGF2 alpha receptor to phospholipase C in these cells.

Neomycin inhibits PDGF-induced IP3 formation and DNA synthesis but not PDGF-stimulated uptake of inorganic phosphate in C3H/10T1/2 fibroblasts

Porcine PDGF was found to increase [3H]inositol trisphosphate, [3H]thymidine incorporation and 32P-labelling of polyphosphoinositides in C3H/10T1/2 Cl 8 fibroblasts. These responses to PDGF stimulation were all inhibited by 5 mM neomycin, a polycationic aminoglycoside formerly known to inhibit polyphosphoinositide turnover. PDGF also markedly increased the cellular uptake of inorganic [32P]Pi. This response of PDGF was not inhibited by neomycin (5 mM). Thus, neomycin inhibited PDGF-induced IP3 formation, 32P-labelling of polyphosphoinositides and DNA synthesis, but not cellular uptake of inorganic phosphate. These effects of neomycin suggest a bifurcation of the initial part of the PDGF-induced signal transduction, separating at the receptor level or before phospholipase C activation.