Differential regulation of expression of two platelet-derived growth factor receptor subunits by transforming growth factor-β

Understanding alveolarization to induce lung regeneration

Background

Gas exchange represents the key physiological function of the lung, and is dependent upon proper formation of the delicate alveolar structure. Malformation or destruction of the alveolar gas-exchange regions are key histopathological hallmarks of diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis; all of which are characterized by perturbations to the alveolo-capillary barrier structure. Impaired gas-exchange is the primary initial consequence of these perturbations, resulting in severe clinical symptoms, reduced quality of life, and death. The pronounced morbidity and mortality associated with malformation or destruction of alveoli underscores a pressing need for new therapeutic concepts. The re-induction of alveolarization in diseased lungs is a new and exciting concept in a regenerative medicine approach to manage pulmonary diseases that are characterized by an absence of alveoli.

Main text

Mechanisms of alveolarization first need to be understood, to identify pathways and mediators that may be exploited to drive the induction of alveolarization in the diseased lung. With this in mind, a variety of candidate cell-types, pathways, and molecular mediators have recently been identified. Using lineage tracing approaches and lung injury models, new progenitor cells for epithelial and mesenchymal cell types – as well as cell lineages which are able to acquire stem cell properties – have been discovered. However, the underlying mechanisms that orchestrate the complex process of lung alveolar septation remain largely unknown.

Conclusion

While important progress has been made, further characterization of the contributing cell-types, the cell type-specific molecular signatures, and the time-dependent chemical and mechanical processes in the developing, adult and diseased lung is needed in order to implement a regenerative therapeutic approach for pulmonary diseases.

Development of serum-free, chemically defined conditions for human embryonic stem cell-derived fibrochondrogenesis

This study established serum-free, chemically defined conditions to generate fibrocartilage with human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Three sequential experimental phases were performed to eliminate serum because of its variability and antigenic potential and characterize the performance of hESCs in serum-free and serum-based conditions. Each phase used a two-stage modular experiment: chondrogenic differentiation followed by scaffold-less tissue engineering, called self-assembly. Phase I studied serum effects, and showed that a 1% serum chondrogenic medium (CM) during differentiation resulted in uniform constructs, whereas a 20% serum CM did not. Furthermore, a no-serum CM during self-assembly led to a collagen content 50% to 200% greater than a 1% serum CM. Thus, a "serum standard" of 1% serum during differentiation and no serum during self-assembly was carried forward. Phase II compared this with serum-free formulations, using 5% knock-out serum replacer or 1-ng/mL transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1). The TGF-beta1 group was chosen as a "serum-free standard" because it performed similarly to the serum standard in terms of morphological, biochemical, and biomechanical properties. In Phase III, the serum-free standard had significantly more collagen (100%) and greater tensile ( approximately 150%) and compressive properties ( approximately 80%) than the serum standard with TGF-beta1 treatment during self-assembly. These advances are important to the understanding of mechanisms of chondrogenesis and creating clinically relevant stem cell therapies.

Regulation of epithelial proliferation by TGF-beta

The closely related mammalian TGF-betas (TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3) are potent inhibitors of proliferation of many cell types in vitro. TGF-beta 1 has been demonstrated to be growth inhibitory in vivo for epithelial, endothelial, myeloid and lymphoid cells. Utilizing skin keratinocytes as a model system for studying the mechanism of TGF-beta 1-induced growth inhibition, it has been demonstrated that TGF-beta 1 rapidly inhibits transcription of the c-myc gene. Antisense c-myc oligonucleotides inhibit proliferation of keratinocytes as effectively as does TGF-beta 1, indicating that TGF-beta 1 suppression of c-myc expression is an important component of this growth inhibition. Studies utilizing DNA tumour virus transforming gene constructs have shown that the retinoblastoma gene product, pRb, or a related protein, is needed for TGF-beta 1 suppression of c-myc transcription. Thus, TGF-beta 1 may act through a tumour suppressor gene product, pRb, to suppress transcription of a proto-oncogene, c-myc, and subsequently inhibit cell proliferation.

Expression of activated platelet-derived growth factor receptor in stromal cells of human colon carcinomas is associated with metastatic potential

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGF-R) expression has been reported in a variety of cancers, including colorectal, breast, lung, ovarian and pancreatic cancers, but the role of PDGF-R expression in the development and progression of colon carcinoma has not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of PDGF and PDGF-R in human colon carcinomas. The expression of PDGF, PDGF-R and phosphorylated PDGF-R (p-PDGF-R) was examined by immunofluorescence in 12 surgical specimens of colon carcinoma and in human colon carcinoma cells growing in the subcutis (ectopic site) and the cecal wall (orthotopic site) of nude mice. In most surgical specimens, tumor cells expressed PDGF-A and -B subunits, without corresponding levels of PDGF-Ralpha and PDGF-Rbeta. PDGF-Rbeta was predominantly expressed by tumor-associated stromal cells and pericytes of tumor vasculature. The expression of PDGF-Rbeta in the stroma was associated with advanced stage disease. Under culture conditions, human colon carcinoma cell lines expressed PDGF-A and -B, but not PDGF-R. In orthotopic tumors, the KM12 cells (Duke's stage B) expressed PDGF-A and -B, but PDGF-Rbeta was expressed only by stromal cells and pericytes in the tumor vasculature. This expression of PDGF-Rbeta by stromal cells and pericytes was higher in tumors growing at the orthotopic site than in those at the ectopic site. The expression of PDGF-Rbeta in the stroma was higher in highly metastatic KM12SM tumors than in low metastatic KM12C tumors. In conclusion, the expression of PDGF-Rbeta in stromal cells is influenced by the organ-specific microenvironment and is associated with metastatic potential.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoform and PDGF receptor expression in drug-induced gingival overgrowth and hereditary gingival fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate possible associations between platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), PDGF receptor expression and macrophages in drug-induced and hereditary gingival overgrowth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tissues from patients with drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) (n = 10) and hereditary gingival fibrosis (n = 10) were studied and compared with 'control' gingiva (n = 10). Expression of PDGF and its alpha and beta receptors was investigated immunohistochemically and by RT-PCR. Macrophages were identified by immunostaining for CD68.

RESULTS

PDGF isoforms and receptors were detected in most cells within all specimens. There were no differences in the numbers of macrophages, or fibroblasts expressing PDGF or receptors, between groups. The level of PDGF expression by fibroblasts, determined by absorbance measurements, was similar between groups for PDGF A. Significantly lower levels of total PDGF and the receptors were detected in drug-induced overgrowth compared to those in hereditary fibrosis (P < 0.004) and control specimens (P < 0.034). All specimens expressed mRNA for PDGF A, PDGF B and alpha and beta receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

These data do not support a pivotal role for macrophage-derived PDGF B in the pathogenesis of DIGO. They suggest that fibroblasts in drug-induced lesions have a lowered capacity to produce, and respond to, PDGF, a property not shared by fibroblasts associated with hereditary fibrosis.

TGF-beta, c-Cbl, and PDGFR-alpha the in mammary stroma

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is thought to regulate ductal and lobuloalveolar development as well as involution in the mammary gland. In an attempt to understand the role TGF-beta plays during normal mammary gland development, and ultimately cancer, we previously generated transgenic mice that express a dominant-negative TGF-beta type II receptor under control of the metallothionine promoter (MT-DNIIR). Upon stimulation with zinc sulfate, the transgene was expressed in the mammary stroma and resulted in an increase in ductal side branching. In this study, mammary gland transplantation experiments confirm that the increase in side branching observed was due to DNIIR activity in the stroma. Development during puberty through the end buds was also accelerated. Cbl is a multifunctional intracellular adaptor protein that regulates receptor tyrosine kinase ubiquitination and downregulation. Mice with a targeted disruption of the c-Cbl gene displayed increased side branching similar to that observed in MT-DNIIR mice; however, end bud development during puberty was normal. Transplantation experiments showed that the mammary stroma was responsible for the increased side branching observed in Cbl-null mice. Cbl expression was reduced in mammary glands from DNIIR mice compared to controls and TGF-beta stimulated expression of Cbl in cultures of primary mammary fibroblasts. In addition, both TGF-beta and Cbl regulated platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFR alpha) expression in vivo and in isolated mammary fibroblasts. The hypothesis that TGF-beta mediates the levels of PDGFR alpha protein via regulation of c-Cbl was tested. We conclude that TGF-beta regulates PDGFR alpha in the mammary stroma via a c-Cbl-independent mechanism. Finally, the effects of PDGF-AA on branching were determined. Treatment in vivo with PDGF-AA did not affect branching making a functional interaction between TGF-beta and PDGF unlikely.

Growth-promoting effect of platelet-derived growth factor on rat cardiac myocytes

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a dimeric molecule consisting of disulfide-bonded A- and B-polypeptide chains. Homodimeric (PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB) as well as heterodimeric (PDGF-AB) isoforms exert their effects on target cells by binding with different specificities to two structurally related protein tyrosine kinase receptors, denoted alpha- and beta-receptors. PDGF stimulates growth in various cell types, but little is known about its effect on mammalian cardiomyocytes. Therefore, growth-promoting effect of PDGF on rat cardiomyocytes was investigated. Primary culture of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes was prepared and cellular growth was estimated by [3H]-leucine incorporation assay. Tyrosine-phosphorylated PDGF-beta receptor of cardiomyocytes was determined by immunoblotting analysis after immunoprecipitation. PDGF-beta receptor, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 of cardiomyocytes were measured by immunoblotting analysis. [3H]-leucine incorporation into the cultured myocytes was increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner after PDGF-BB stimulation. Phosphorylation of PDGF-beta receptor and ERK1/2 in cardiomyocytes was increased after short-term stimulation of PDGF-BB. Protein expression of PDGF-beta receptor and ERK1/2 was increased after long-term stimulation of PDGF-BB. [(3)H]-leucine incorporation into the cultured myocytes induced by PDGF-BB was partly blocked by mitogen-activated ERK-activating kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059, phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122, and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor staurosporin aglycone, respectively. Therefore, PDGF beta receptor, ERK1/2, PLC and PKC are involved in the signal transduction of PDGF-induced growth response of rat cardiac myocytes.

Calcitriol inhibits growth response to Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB in human prostate cells

Calcitriol, a hormonal form of Vitamin D, regulates growth of normal and cancer cells of various origins by modulation of peptide growth factors signaling. Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) signaling pathway is involved in prostate cancer progression. We studied the expression of PDGF receptors in human prostate primary stromal cells and cancer epithelial cell lines and growth response to PDGF-BB isoform. We found that the expression of PDGF receptors and PDGF-BB-mediated cell growth are regulated by calcitriol in prostate cells. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed a lower level of mRNA for PDGF receptors in LNCaP and PC-3 cells than in primary stromal cells. Western blotting showed a high amount of PDGFRalpha and beta proteins in primary stromal cells that could not be detected in LNCaP, which may explain the resistance of LNCaP cells to growth-promoting effect of PDGF-BB. Addition of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) to the culture medium induces the expression of PDGFRbeta and restores responsiveness of LNCaP to PDGF-BB to some extent. Calcitriol down-regulates PDGFRbeta expression and negatively regulates PDGF-mediated cell growth. Calcitriol does not affect PDGFRalpha and PDGF-B mRNA expression. We suggest that inhibition of PDGFRbeta expression by calcitriol might reduce responsiveness of prostate cells to mitogenic action of PDGF-BB.

C/EBP is an essential component of PDGFRA transcription in MG-63 cells

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is a potent inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor alpha receptor (PDGFRalpha) expression in MG-63 cells. Its effect is mediated at the transcriptional level, but the transcription factors involved in this process are unknown. In the current study, we found that IL-1beta could inhibit the PDGFRalpha gene promoter activity, and this effect was strongly correlated with increased binding of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) to the responsive promoter region. In addition, forced expression of C/EBPbeta could mimic the IL-1beta effect on the promoter activity, but subsequent mutation analysis of the C/EBP binding sites indicated that direct C/EBP binding to the promoter is not required for the IL-1beta response. However, our data clearly demonstrated that the C/EBP binding site at position-162 relative to the transcriptional start site is essential for high basal level PDGFRalpha promoter activity.

Differential effects of transforming growth factor-beta2 on corneal endothelial cell proliferation-A role of serum factors

PURPOSE

To determine the influence of serum on transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta2 mediated effects on the proliferation of corneal endothelial cells (CE).

METHODS

Rat CE were grown in explant culture and the proliferation of CE was measured by [(3)H]thymidine bioassay. Subconfluent cells were synchronized in the G0 (quiescent) phase of the cell cycle by serum starvation for 24hr. Serum and [(3)H]thymidine were then added to the cells in the presence or absence of a physiological concentration (5ngml(-1)) of exogenous active TGF-beta2. Radioactivity was measured at various time points to detect DNA synthesis. These experiments were repeated without adding serum after serum starvation. Preincubation of exogenous TGF-beta2 with neutralizing antibody was used to test the cytokine specificity.

RESULTS

Without TGF-beta2, a linear increase in [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, indicating S-phase, began approximately 16hr after serum addition, then plateaued at approximately 24hr. Serum promoted DNA synthesis of CE in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations of 0.5-10%. In cultures with 10% serum, TGF-beta2 (0.5, 1, 5, and 20ngml(-1)) suppressed CE growth dose-dependently. The growth amplitude decreased and the time before S-phase entry, G1 phase, was prolonged to 24hr. In culture with 1% serum, TGF-beta2 (5ngml(-1)) suppressed the CE proliferation by delaying S-phase entry without suppressing growth amplitude. In cultures without serum, TGF-beta2 promoted CE growth to a level similar to that of cultures supplemented with 0.5% serum.

CONCLUSIONS

Responses of cultured CE to exogenous TGF-beta2 depended on the concentration of serum in the medium. This result implies a possibility that in vivo serum influx through a compromised blood-ocular barrier could influence the CE growth by changing the responses of these cells to TGF-beta2 in aqueous humor.

Vascular smooth muscle growth: autocrine growth mechanisms

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) exhibit several growth responses to agonists that regulate their function including proliferation (hyperplasia with an increase in cell number), hypertrophy (an increase in cell size without change in DNA content), endoreduplication (an increase in DNA content and usually size), and apoptosis. Both autocrine growth mechanisms (in which the individual cell synthesizes and/or secretes a substance that stimulates that same cell type to undergo a growth response) and paracrine growth mechanisms (in which the individual cells responding to the growth factor synthesize and/or secrete a substance that stimulates neighboring cells of another cell type) are important in VSMC growth. In this review I discuss the autocrine and paracrine growth factors important for VSMC growth in culture and in vessels. Four mechanisms by which individual agonists signal are described: direct effects of agonists on their receptors, transactivation of tyrosine kinase-coupled receptors, generation of reactive oxygen species, and induction/secretion of other growth and survival factors. Additional growth effects mediated by changes in cell matrix are discussed. The temporal and spatial coordination of these events are shown to modulate the environment in which other growth factors initiate cell cycle events. Finally, the heterogeneous nature of VSMC developmental origin provides another level of complexity in VSMC growth mechanisms.

Mechanism of action and in vivo role of platelet-derived growth factor

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a major mitogen for connective tissue cells and certain other cell types. It is a dimeric molecule consisting of disulfide-bonded, structurally similar A- and B-polypeptide chains, which combine to homo- and heterodimers. The PDGF isoforms exert their cellular effects by binding to and activating two structurally related protein tyrosine kinase receptors, denoted the alpha-receptor and the beta-receptor. Activation of PDGF receptors leads to stimulation of cell growth, but also to changes in cell shape and motility; PDGF induces reorganization of the actin filament system and stimulates chemotaxis, i.e., a directed cell movement toward a gradient of PDGF. In vivo, PDGF has important roles during the embryonic development as well as during wound healing. Moreover, overactivity of PDGF has been implicated in several pathological conditions. The sis oncogene of simian sarcoma virus (SSV) is related to the B-chain of PDGF, and SSV transformation involves autocrine stimulation by a PDGF-like molecule. Similarly, overproduction of PDGF may be involved in autocrine and paracrine growth stimulation of human tumors. Overactivity of PDGF has, in addition, been implicated in nonmalignant conditions characterized by an increased cell proliferation, such as atherosclerosis and fibrotic conditions. This review discusses structural and functional properties of PDGF and PDGF receptors, the mechanism whereby PDGF exerts its cellular effects, and the role of PDGF in normal and diseased tissues.

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

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

Signal transduction via platelet-derived growth factor receptors

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) exerts its stimulatory effects on cell growth and motility by binding to two related protein tyrosine kinase receptors. Ligand binding induces receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation, allowing binding and activation of cytoplasmic SH2-domain containing signal transduction molecules. Thereby, a number of different signaling pathways are initiated leading to cell growth, actin reorganization migration and differentiation. Recent observations suggest that extensive cross-talk occurs between different signaling pathways, and that stimulatory signals are modulated by inhibitory signals arising in parallel.

Specific expression in mouse mesoderm- and neural crest-derived tissues of a human PDGFRA promoter/lacZ transgene

The platelet-derived growth factor alpha-receptor (PDGFR-alpha) displays a lineage-specific expression pattern in the mouse embryo and is required for normal development of mesoderm and cephalic neural crest derivatives. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the in vivo promoter function of genomic DNA fragments representing the 5'-flanking part of the human PDGFRA gene. 2.2, 0.9 and 0.4 kb PDGFRA promoter fragments, ligated to a lacZ reporter gene, were microinjected into fertilized mouse eggs and transgenic mouse lines were established. The expression patterns were basically similar in the 2.2 and 0.9 kb lines and overlapped grossly the endogenous Pdgfra gene expression pattern. The transgenic line with the highest expression level was chosen for detailed analysis. Expression was, as expected, mainly confined to tissues of mesodermal and neural crest origin. No expression was found in epithelial tissues of endo- or ectodermal origin. The promoter fragments were also active in neuroepithelium and in certain neuronal cell types that did not faithfully express PDGFR-alpha mRNA, while they failed to specify reporter expression in PDGFR-alpha expressing O-2A progenitor cells and other glial elements of the central nervous system. Thus, the isolated human PDGFRA promoter contains most but not all of the regulatory elements that are necessary to establish tissue specific gene expression during development.

Quantitation of platelet-derived growth factor receptors in human arterial smooth muscle cells in vitro

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is suggested to play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis as a migratory and mitogenic stimulus to arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Stimulated and unstimulated ASMCs were studied with respect to PDGF receptor (PDGF-R) mRNA and protein expression. Quantitative RT-PCR was developed for simultaneous evaluation of both PDGF-R alpha and -R beta mRNA expression and a quantitative ELISA for estimation of corresponding PDGF-R subunits. On the mRNA level, the overall PDGF-R beta expression was approximately 100 times lower than that of PDGF-R alpha. Furthermore, although PDGF-R alpha mRNA levels were high irrespective of hASMC phenotype, PDGF-R beta mRNA was influenced by serum stimulation with lower copy numbers in proliferating and confluent cells compared with quiescent cells. On the protein level, quiescent hASMCs expressed 10 times more PDGF-R beta than PDGF-R alpha. Serum stimulation decreased cell surface PDGF-Rs, with most prominent loss of PDGF-R alpha (ELISA and immunohistochemistry). Our results suggest a differential regulatory pattern for PDGF-R alpha and -R beta and are compatible with the usage of alternative promoters for regulation of -R alpha expression. Further, it seems that the number of available receptor subunits is not the only determinant of variations in cell stimulation with different PDGF isoforms.

PDGF receptor protein tyrosine kinase expression in the balloon-injured rat carotid artery

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor gene expression has previously been demonstrated in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries to be regulated during repair of carotid injury. In the present study we showed that PDGF receptor protein expression and phosphorylation are changed over time after carotid artery injury. In control and 2-day-postinjury vessels, expression of PDGF alpha receptor protein was readily detectable, whereas PDGF beta receptor expression appeared very low. Between 2 and 7 days postinjury, a time interval previously shown to correspond with smooth muscle cell migration followed by the appearance of a neointima, PDGF alpha receptor expression had increased only slightly, to roughly 35% above control levels, and was maximal by day 7 postinjury, whereas PDGF beta receptor expression had doubled. From 7 to 14 days after carotid injury, intimal area was greatly increased and was associated with a further increase in PDGF beta receptor protein expression and receptor phosphorylation to a maximum between days 10 and 12. In contrast, PDGF alpha receptor expression had decreased slightly during this time interval. Moreover, phosphorylation of PDGF alpha receptors was barely detectable and did not change over the time course of injury. From 14 to 28 days after injury, intimal area was increased only slightly, whereas PDGF beta receptor protein and phosphorylation levels had diminished to roughly half of the 10-day injury values. In addition, the increase in PDGF beta receptor protein expression and tyrosine phosphorylation observed over the time of injury were also associated with a corresponding increase in the association of phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase (PI-3 kinase) with phosphorylated PDGF beta receptors. These findings show that balloon injury to rat carotid arteries results in temporally related changes in the expression of PDGF receptors and their state of tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, tyrosine phosphorylation of PDGF beta receptors in the balloon-injured rat carotid artery in vivo resulted in the association of PI-3 kinase. These are important new findings, which add to our knowledge concerning the role and activity of PDGF receptors in the formation of a neointima.

Nuclear factor Y controls the basal transcription activity of the mouse platelet-derived-growth-factor beta-receptor gene

To determine the regulatory mechanism of the expression of the mouse platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta-receptor gene, a 1.9-kb 5' flanking genomic fragment was cloned and analyzed. Site-directed mutagenesis of a CCAAT motif, located 60 bp upstream of the transcriptional-start site, completely abolished the promoter activity [Ballagi, A. E., Ishisaki, A., Nelin, J.-O. & Funa, K. (1995) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 210, 165-1751. The sequence around the intact CCAAT motif was protected by in vitro DNase-I-footprinting analysis. Electrophoresis-mobility-shift assays with anti-[nuclear factor Y(NF-Y)]Ig revealed binding of the NF-Y complex to the CCAAT box. Furthermore, the double-stranded oligonucleotides corresponding to the sequence around the CCAAT motif were conjugated with DNA-affinity magnetic beads. The binding proteins were affinity purified and identified as the NF-Y transcription factor by western blotting. Our results indicate that NF-Y controls the basal transcription activity of the mouse PDGF beta-receptor gene.

Localization of PDGF alpha-receptor in the developing and mature human kidney

Using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry we describe the renal localization of the PDGF alpha-receptor. PDGF alpha-receptor mRNA was uniformly present in human metanephric kidney in interstitial cells and vascular arcades that course through the blastema. PDGF alpha-receptor mRNA was present in some mesangial structures in early glomeruli, but was largely lost as glomeruli matured. It was present in adventitial fibroblasts, but usually not in vascular smooth muscle cells or endothelial cells of the fetal vasculature. This pattern persisted in adult kidneys, with extensive expression of mRNA by interstitial cells and only occasional expression by mesangial cells. All in situ hybridization findings were corroborated by immunocytochemistry. Double immunolabeling confirmed the rare expression of the PDGF alpha-receptor protein by vascular smooth muscle cells and the absence of its expression by endothelial cells. Given that both PDGF A- and B-chain can promote smooth muscle cell and fibroblast migration and proliferation and that both signal through the PDGF alpha-receptor, these data suggest that PDGF alpha-receptor may play important roles in the early vasculogenesis of the fetal kidney as well as in the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis.

Transforming growth factor-beta: vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and vessel wall integrity

Genetic studies have recently revealed a role for transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-beta 1) and its receptors (TGF-beta Rs I and II as well as endoglin) in embryonic vascular assembly and in the establishment and maintenance of vessel wall integrity. The purpose of this review is threefold: first, to reassess previous studies on TGF-beta and endothelium in the light of these recent findings; second, to describe some of the well-established as well as controversial issues concerning TGF-beta and its regulatory role in angiogenesis; and third, to explore the notion of "context' with respect to TGF-beta and endothelial cell function. Although the focus of this review will be on the endothelium, other vascular wall cells are also likely to be important in the pathogenesis of the vascular lesions revealed by genetic studies.

Expression of connective tissue growth factor mRNA in the fibrous stroma of mammary tumors

Desmoplasia, the formation of highly cellular, excessive connective tissue stroma associated with some cancers, shares many features with the wound healing response. Since connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has previously been demonstrated to play a role in wound repair, we wanted to determine if it might be involved in the pathogenesis of stromal demoplasia in mammary cancer. We assayed 11 human invasive mammary ductal carcinomas by Northern blot and 7 out of 11 were positive for both CTGF expression and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1, a principal CTGF inducer). One specimen was positive only for TGF-beta 1. The remaining 3 tumors lacked significant stromal involvement and were negative for either factor. In every case we assayed, in which there was marked connective tissue involvement, both CTGF and TGF-beta 1 messages were found. We also assayed 3 murine mammary tumor models. The GI-101 xenograft model had marked stroma and was positive for both factors in-vivo, but positive for only TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression in culture where fibroblasts were absent. The DMBA murine tumor lacked significant stroma and was negative for CTGF and TGF-beta 1 expression by Northern blot, while the stromal rich DMBA-MMTV tumor contained multifocal desmoplasia and was positive for both factors. We performed in-situ hybridization for CTGF and TGF-beta 1 on the GI-101 and DMBA-MMTV tumors. CTGF message was observed only in the fibroblasts of the stroma, while TGF-beta 1 mRNA hybridization was present in tumor epithelial cells and leukocytes. These results suggest that cancer stroma formation involves induction of similar fibroproliferative growth factors (TGF-beta 1 and CTGF) as wound repair.

Regulation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor expression by cell context overrides regulation by cytokines

Immunocytochemical data has indicated that platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta-subunit (PDGFR beta) expression by connective tissue cells is up-regulated in many disease states. To investigate potential causes of this up-regulation, we have evaluated conditions that regulate PDGF receptor transcript levels in cultured diploid human fibroblast model systems. We found combinations of soluble mediators and cell "context," which can regulate receptor transcripts (and receptor protein) over a 50-fold range, with cell context factors being far more potent regulators than soluble mediators. For cells grown under standard monolayer conditions on plastic, levels of both PDGFR beta and PDGFR alpha increase 10-fold as culture density increases. Cells grown in suspension or in three-dimensional gels express 10- to 20-fold higher transcript levels than cells plated on plastic at comparable density and serum concentration. The soluble mediators tested, including 14 cytokines and conditioned medium from activated lymphocytes, have only modest effects on transcript levels. Lymph decreases PDGFR beta transcript expression 4-fold, suggesting that a component of interstitial fluid contributes to maintenance of the low basal level of expression in normal tissues. The mitogenic responsiveness of cells cultured at different densities parallels the level of PDGFR beta expression. Blocking anti-PDGF receptor antibodies decrease receptor availability and mitogenic responsiveness in parallel. In both cases, the striking overlap between the PDGF-BB binding and mitogenesis dose-response curves suggests that the level of PDGF receptor expression can limit responsiveness to PDGF. Overall, these results suggest that the up-regulation of PDGF receptor expression seen under pathological conditions may be due to disruption of the cell's normal environment/context/cell shape/cell attachment and that this could serve to ensure that a proliferative response to PDGF would occur only under conditions in which there had been significant tissue damage.

Effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on the in vitro production of bovine embryos in protein-free media

The purpose of our experiments was to explore the effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-supplementation at the various steps of in vitro production of bovine embryos using protein-free media. Cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COC) were collected by slicing abattoir ovaries and then dividing the COC into 2 morphological categories. After maturation for 24 h in TCM-199 supplemented with hormones and either 20% estrous cow serum (ECS) or 1 mg/ml polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA), oocytes were co-incubated for 19 h with frozen/thawed spermatozoa from bull of proven fertility. The semen was diluted in Fert-Talp supplemented with heparin, hypotaurine and epinephrine and either 6 mg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA) or 1 mg/ml PVA. Presumptive zygotes were transferred into embryo culture medium containing either 20% ECS or 1 mg/ml PVA for a total of 10 d. The PDGF was added at concentrations of 1, 10 or 100 ng/ml to the maturation medium (Experiment 1), fertilization medium (Experiment 2) or culture medium from Day 1 on (Experiment 3), respectively, or at 1 ng/ml PDGF to both the fertilization and culture medium from Day 3 on (Experiment 4), with each medium supplemented with PVA. Oocytes/embryos incubated in the absence of PDGF in media supplemented with either ECS or PVA served as controls. An average of 20 COC was incubated in 1 droplet under silicone oil, and each experiment contained 4 to 6 replicates. No significant differences were found among the various concentrations of PDGF, nor did PDGF-supplementation during maturation (Experiment 1) or embryo culture on Day 1 (Experiment 3) significantly affect development of oocytes/embryos (34.7 +/- 3.5 to 40.4 +/- 2.5% morulae, 11.9 +/- 2.4 to 18.8 +/- 2.5% blastocysts; and 23.2 +/- 2.3 to 27.5 +/- 3.4% morulae, 11.5 +/- 2.6 to 12.7 +/- 2.3% blastocysts, respectively; x +/- SEM). In the presence of 10 ng/ml PDGF in the fertilization medium development to morulae and blastocysts was similar to that of the ECS-group, and was higher (P < 0.05) than that of the PVA-control (ECS: 32.1 +/- 4.6 and 13.8 +/- 2.7%; PVA: 17.5 +/- 0.8 and 6.1 +/- 1.3%; PDGF: 30.6 +/- 3.0 and 14.0 +/- 2.2%, respectively). Development to morulae/blastocysts was increased, and was at the same level as in the ECS-group when the fertilization and/or embryo culture medium on Day 3 contained PDGF compared with the PVA-control group (morulae: ECS 25.3 +/- 4.4%, PVA 13.9 +/- 2.2% [P < 0.05], PDGF 16.7 +/- 3.2 to 19.1 +/- 1.1%; blastocysts: ECS 5.3 +/- 2.1%, PVA 5.0 +/- 1.7%, PDGF 7.1 +/- 1.6 to 9.1 +/- 1.7%, respectively). These results indicate that under our laboratory conditions PDGF can elevate low rates of development and the addition of PDGF to the fertilization medium enhances bovine preimplantation embryonic development. Thus, PDGF can be potentially an important factor in a completely defined medium to substitute the effects of serum.

Expression of platelet derived growth factor B chain and beta receptor in human coronary arteries after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: an immunohistochemical study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether expression of platelet derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) protein is associated with expression of its receptor protein in human coronary arteries after angioplasty and to identify cells involved.

BACKGROUND

PDGF is considered an important growth factor in the repair process of the vessel wall after angioplasty. In situ hybridisation has revealed expression of PDGF-A and -B chain messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in human coronary arteries at sites of postangioplasty injury.

METHODS

Target and non-target sites of eight coronary arteries were studied immunohistochemically for PDGF-B and PDGF-beta receptor proteins in relation to macrophages, T lymphocytes, smooth muscle cells, and HLA-DR positive cells.

RESULTS

The PDGF-B and PDGF-beta receptor proteins were expressed in areas with distinct repair, containing alpha actin negative spindle cells, macrophages and, at later stages, alpha actin positive smooth muscle cells as well. When the neointima was composed mainly of alpha actin smooth muscle cells, PDGF-B expression was rare and PDGF-beta receptor expression was negative.

CONCLUSIONS

There is expression of PDGF-B and PDGF-beta receptor proteins at sites of postangioplasty repair in human coronary arteries. The associated cells are mainly macrophages and alpha actin negative spindle cells; the latter may be dedifferentiated smooth muscle cells. A link between PDGF expression and the postangioplasty time interval suggests a relation with cell differentiation as part of the maturation of the repair tissue. Mutual expression of both the growth factor and its receptor protein strongly suggests that in humans a PDGF mediated repair process occurs, with involvement of smooth muscle cells and macrophages.

Mediation of glucocorticoid receptor function by transforming growth factor beta I expression in human PC-3 prostate cancer cells

We investigated the role of glucocorticoids in controlling the proliferation of androgen-independent PC-3 human prostate cancer cells via the action of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1). The presence of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in PC-3 cells was detected by immunoblotting analysis using a rabbit anti-GR polyclonal antibody against the synthetic human GR peptide (hGR383-393). In PC-3 cells, GR bound radiolabeled dexamethasone with an affinity similar to wild-type GR. In addition, GR-ligand complex bound radiolabeled DNA as detected by DNA band-shift analysis on gel electrophoresis and trans-activated the mouse mammary tumor virus-thymidine kinase-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase chimeric gene in transiently transfected PC-3 cells. Dexamethasone (0.1 up to 100 nM) and TGF beta 1 (0.5 up to 50 ng/ml) inhibited PC-3 cell proliferation. TGF beta 1 and dexamethasone both increased the distribution of PC-3 cells into the G1/G0 phase of the cell cycle. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulated the proliferation of PC-3 cells and overcame dexamethasone's inhibition of PC-3 cell growth. Dexamethasone's inhibition (10(-7) M) of PC-3 cell growth was completely neutralized by RU 486 (10(-6)M) and partly neutralized by anti-TGF beta 1 polyclonal antibody. Furthermore, dexamethasone up modulated the expression of TGF beta 1 mRNA in PC-3 cells. Because dexamethasone's inhibition was neutralized at least in part by an anti-TGF beta 1 polyclonal antibody and dexamethasone up modulated the expression of TGF beta 1 mRNA in PC-3 cells, we conclude that GR function in human PC-3 prostate cancer cells is mediated at least in part by TGF beta 1 expression.

Isoform-specific induction of the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene by platelet-derived growth factor

We investigated the effect of recombinant platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isomers on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene expression and compared this with two indexes of cell growth response: expression of the immediate early gene c-myc and the rate of DNA synthesis. In human skin fibroblasts and NIH 3T3 cells, the PDGF-BB homodimer was more effective in inducing the LDL receptor gene and cell growth response compared with the PDGF-AA homodimer. The second messenger pathways utilized by PDGF receptors for enhancing LDL receptor gene response could, however, be dissociated from those utilized for enhancing c-myc gene response and were insensitive to inhibitors of tyrosine phosphorylation. Inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity inhibited c-myc gene response to PDGF-BB at 10(-8) M but had little effect on LDL receptor gene response. Such inhibition increased expression of the LDL receptor gene in the presence of the PDGF-AA isomer. Our results indicate that the response of the LDL receptor gene to PDGF isoforms reflects cellular growth response. However, different transduction pathways are utilized for PDGF activation of the c-myc and LDL receptor genes in mesenchymal cells.

Receptor binding of PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB, and the modulation of PDGF receptors by TGF-beta, in human periodontal ligament cells

The growth factors PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB have previously been shown to be potent mitogens for human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells in vitro. Additionally, the mitogenic response to PDGF-AA has been shown to be specifically inhibited by TGF-beta. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the binding of PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB, and the modulation of PDGF binding by TGF-beta, in hPDL cells. Scatchard analysis identified an average of 32,000 PDGF-AA high-affinity binding sites per cell with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 0.66 nM and an average of 36,000 PDGF-BB binding sites per cell with a dissociation constant (kd) of 0.44 nM. After treatment with TGF-beta, the receptor number for PDGF-AA was found to specifically decrease by approximately 50%, with no change in binding affinity. This reduced number of binding sites was shown to correlate with both a decrease in levels of receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and a decreased number of alpha receptor subunits. Northern blot analysis identified the TGF-beta-mediated decrease in PDGF alpha receptor subunit mRNA levels. PDGF-BB showed little change in the number of binding sites or in the binding affinity with TGF-beta treatment, and the data were consistent with an increase in the number of beta receptor subunits. These results demonstrate nearly equivalent numbers of receptors for both PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB in hPDL cells. Also, modulation of PDGF binding, by TGF-beta, was shown to result in a reduced number of alpha receptor subunits with an increase in the number of beta receptor subunits.

Axotomy of rat facial nerve induces TGF-beta and latent TGF-beta binding protein

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been found to be abundantly and specifically expressed in the nervous system. However, the function of TGF-beta during nerve regeneration is still unknown. We have examined the expression of TGF-beta isoforms and the latent TGF-beta binding protein (LTBP) by immunohistochemistry in the rat facial nuclei after unilateral axotomy. An increased immunoreactivity for all the TGF-beta isoforms and the LTBP was observed in the facial nuclei of the injured side during the regeneration period examined until Day 24. These differences were tested statistically by nominal logistic regression analysis. When the intensity of the immunoreactivity in the injured side was compared to that of the contralateral side, significantly increasing differences were found for TGF-beta 2 (p < 0.003) and LTBP (p < 0.002). Strong immunostaining was detected in the neuronal perikarya and their axons. No clear immunoreactivity was seen in either microglia or astrocytes. The enhanced immunoreactivity was seen in the operated side already at Day 3, remaining at high level with some fluctuations until Day 12 or 24 after axotomy. These findings suggest that TGF-beta might play a functional role in the regeneration of motor neurons.

Growth factor and procollagen type I gene expression in human liver disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Growth factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, a major determinant of the clinical course of chronic liver disease. The aim of this study was to study the relationship of growth factor expression to inflammation and fibrosis in a variety of human liver diseases.

METHODS

We studied by in situ hybridization the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 1, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) A and PDGF-B, and procollagen type I (pro-I) messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in liver diseases of various etiologies.

RESULTS

Pro-I mRNA was expressed by mesenchymal cells at sites of inflammation and scarring, where TGF-beta 1 immunoreactivity was often found, and by perisinusoidal cells. TGF-beta 1 and PDGF-A mRNAs were expressed mainly by mononuclear cells and proliferating ductular cells. TGF-beta 1 mRNA was also expressed by perisinusoidal cells. PDGF-A gene expression was more common than that of PDGF-B. Pro-I and TGF-beta 1 expression correlated with both ductular proliferation and tissue inflammation, whereas PDGF-A and PDGF-B only correlated with ductular proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that TGF-beta 1 and PDGF are involved in human liver inflammation and fibrosis. The expression of growth factor mRNAs in proliferating ductular cells may indicate a role for these cells in liver fibrogenesis and may help explain the pathophysiology of conditions such as biliary atresia progressing to fibrosis despite the absence of marked inflammation.

Different effects of basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta on the two platelet-derived growth factor receptors' expression in scleroderma and healthy human dermal fibroblasts

Previous studies have demonstrated that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) alpha receptor expression is up-regulated by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in scleroderma dermal fibroblasts, but not in healthy control fibroblasts. We asked whether this selective effect in scleroderma cells was TGF-beta 1-specific or a general response by studying responses to other growth factors. In this study, we compared the expression of alpha and beta PDGF receptor subunits (mRNA and protein levels) in these two cell types in response to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and TGF-beta 1. bFGF coordinately stimulated mRNA levels of alpha and beta receptor subunits in healthy fibroblasts, but did not change PDGF receptor expression in scleroderma fibroblasts. Conversely, and in agreement with previous observations, TGF-beta 1 induced PDGF alpha receptor expression in scleroderma fibroblasts, but not in healthy fibroblasts. PDGF beta receptor mRNA levels were induced to similar degrees by TGF-beta 1 in both cell types. PDGF alpha receptor protein levels correlated directly with mRNA levels, induced by bFGF only in healthy fibroblasts and by TGF-beta 1 only in scleroderma fibroblasts. However, PDGF beta receptor protein levels were not altered by either growth factor in either cell type. Thus, the activated state of scleroderma fibroblasts does not include receptor-signaling pathways to bFGF. This distinct pattern of expression of PDGF alpha receptors in scleroderma fibroblasts suggests a possible role for the coordinately expressed PDGF AA ligand/alpha receptor system in the development of fibrosis.

Differential activation by platelet-derived growth factor-BB of mitogen activated protein kinases in starved or nonstarved AKR-2B fibroblasts

More than 90% of serum-deprived (starved) AKR-2B mouse fibroblasts are stimulated to divided by the addition of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB. In density-arrested (nonstarved) cells, PDGF-BB affords protection from cell death without stimulation of cell division. In both cultivation conditions the cells express similar amounts of PDGF beta-receptors and the receptor kinase activity was identical as judged by its autophosphorylation capacity. Three signaling pathways were studied in detail: 1) Phospholipase C-gamma (PLC-gamma) and [Ca2+]i increase, 2) activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3 kinase), and 3) activation of mitogen activated kinases I and II (MAP kinases I and II). There was no difference in starved or nonstarved cells regarding PLC-gamma activation, increase of [Ca2+]i, and stimulation of PI-3 kinase activity. But most remarkably the activation of MAP-I was largely suppressed in nonstarved cells. The implications of these signaling pathways in cell protection or cell division are discussed.

Different functions of the platelet-derived growth factor-alpha and -beta receptors for the migration and proliferation of cultured baboon smooth muscle cells

Migration of medial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and their proliferation in the intima contribute to thickening of injured and atherosclerotic vessels. These events have been proposed to be regulated in part by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Two separate PDGF receptors have been identified, PDGF-R alpha and PDGF-R beta. To study the functions of PDGF-R alpha and PDGF-R beta in vascular SMCs, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for each of the two receptors were used. These antibodies allowed us to evaluate the role of each receptor for PDGF-induced proliferation and migration of cultured baboon SMCs. Both PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB stimulated SMC growth, with PDGF-BB being more potent than PDGF-AA. Studies with anti-PDGF-R alpha and anti-PDGF-R beta mAbs revealed that both PDGF receptors promoted the stimulatory signals for proliferation. In contrast, PDGF-BB stimulated SMC migration, whereas PDGF-AA had no stimulatory activity on its own. Additionally, PDGF-AA was able to suppress migration induced by PDGF-BB or fibronectin in modified Boyden's chamber assay. When PDGF-BB-induced migration was separated into chemotactic and chemokinetic activities, only the chemotactic component was inhibited by PDGF-AA. The suppression of SMC migration by PDGF-AA was eliminated by anti-PDGF-R alpha mAb. In addition, PDGF-BB, in the presence of anti-PDGF-R beta, bound only to PDGF-R alpha and caused suppression of SMC migration induced by fibronectin. These results suggest that when activated by ligand binding, both PDGF-R alpha and PDGF-R beta stimulate proliferation. In contrast, only activation of PDGF-R beta stimulates migration, whereas ligand binding to PDGF-R alpha leads to inhibition of cell migration. These observations provide support for the conclusion that PDGF-R alpha and PDGF-R beta may play different roles in SMC function and may be involved in different regulatory mechanisms during vascular remodeling.

Prostaglandin E suppression of platelet-derived-growth-factor-induced Ito cell mitogenesis occurs independent of raf perinuclear translocation and nuclear proto-oncogene expression

Ito cell mitogenesis occurs during liver injury and fibrogenesis in vivo coincident with the de novo expression of Ito cell PDGF beta receptor messenger RNA. PDGF-induced mitogenesis was studied in cultured rat hepatic Ito cells which resemble the myofibroblast associated with liver injury. Pretreatment with prostaglandin E markedly suppressed the PDGF response in a dose-dependent fashion. The PDGF-induced cascade was studied with or without PGE to determine the level of regulation which induced the observed suppression. PGE caused no apparent diminution in the abundance of the surface PDGF beta receptor nor its subsequent activation and tyrosine phosphorylation following PDGF stimulation. The cytoplasmic 'secondary messengers' mitogen-activated protein kinase pp42-44 and raf kinase, appeared to be comparably induced and therefore unaffected by PGE. Raf perinuclear translocation was also intact and comparable degrees of nuclear egr, fos, and jun expression occurred. Since other studies have suggested that many of these features of the PDGF cascade may be causally and sequentially linked, the data collectively suggests that the dominant PGE mitogenic suppressive effect resides at a raf-MAP parallel pathway or at a nuclear level distal to the induction of these early growth response genes.

NIH 3T3 cells transfected with a yeast H(+)-ATPase have altered sensitivity to insulin, insulin growth factor-I, and platelet-derived growth factor-AA

The role of intracellular pH (pHin) in the regulation of cell growth in both normal and transformed cells is a topic of considerable controversy. In an effort to study this relationship NIH 3T3 cells were stably transfected with the gene for the yeast H(+)-ATPase, constitutively elevating their pHin. The resulting cell line, RN1a, has a transformed phenotype: The cells are serum independent for growth, clone in soft agar, and form tumors in nude mice. In the present study, we further characterize this system in order to understand how transfection with this proton pump leads to serum-independent growth, using defined media to investigate the effects of specific growth factors on the transfected and parental NIH 3T3 cells. While both cell lines show similar growth increases in response to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and epidermal growth factor (EGF), they respond differently to insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and PDGF-AA. RN1a cells exhibit increased growth at nanomolar concentrations of insulin but the parental cells had only a relatively minor response to insulin at 10 microM. Both cell lines showed some response to IGF-I in the nanomolar range but the response of RN1a cells was much larger. Differences in insulin and IGF-I receptor number alone could not explain these results. The two cell lines also respond differently to PDGF-AA. RN1a cells are relatively insensitive to stimulation by PDGF-AA and express fewer PDGF alpha receptors as shown by Northern blots and receptor-binding studies. We propose a unifying hypothesis in which the H(+)-ATPase activates a downstream element in the PDGF-AA signal transduction pathway that complements insulin and IGF-I signals, while leading to downregulation of the PDGF alpha receptor.

Growth factor responsiveness of human articular chondrocytes: distinct profiles in primary chondrocytes, subcultured chondrocytes, and fibroblasts

The objectives of this study were to establish a growth factor response profile for adult human articular chondrocytes, to determine whether this is unique for chondrocytes or influenced by the differentiation status of the cells, and to characterize growth factor interactions. It is shown that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is the most potent mitogen among a variety of factors tested. All three isoforms of TGF-beta caused similar dose-dependent increases in chondrocyte proliferation. Other members of the TGF-beta family, including bone morphogenetic protein 2B (BMP2B), activin, and inhibin, did not detectably increase chondrocyte proliferation. Platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) also stimulated proliferation but were less effective than TGF-beta. In contrast to findings with other cell types, the effects of TGF-beta on chondrocyte proliferation were not dependent on the endogenous production of PDGF. The cytokines Interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) gave no stimulation, but IL-1 inhibited chondrocyte proliferation induced by TGF-beta or serum. This response profile was characteristic for primary chondrocytes from human adults and distinct from subcultured (dedifferentiated) chondrocytes or skin fibroblasts. The latter preferentially responded to PDGF, and IL-1 caused greater increases in proliferation than TGF-beta. In summary, these results describe growth factor responses that are characteristic for chondrocytes and provide a basis for the analysis of changes in chondrocyte growth proliferation that occur in aging and tissue injury.

Restoration of down-regulated PDGF receptors by TGF-beta in human embryonic fibroblasts. Enhanced response during cellular in vitro aging

The study of [125I]PDGF-BB binding to normal human embryonic lung fibroblasts, quiescent when cultured at sparsity in the presence of minute concentrations of homologous PDS, reveals approximately 2 x 10(5) binding sites for PDGF per cell; this number significantly increases during prolonged quiescence of the culture. As late as 48 h after down-regulation of PDGF receptors, the cells restore only partially their capacity to bind PDGF, with aged cells (above CPD 45) responding more rapidly and efficiently than younger ones. TGF-beta significantly enhances restoration of PDGF receptors and, in aged cells in particular, its presence results in total receptor recovery within 24 h, suggesting a concerted action of PDGF and TGF-beta regulating the proliferation of human fibroblasts in tissue regeneration.

Actions of platelet-derived growth factor isoforms in mesangial cells

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) occurs as homodimers or heterodimers of related polypeptide chains PDGF-BB, -AA, and -AB. There are two receptors that bind PDGF, termed alpha and beta. The beta receptor recognizes PDGF B chain and is dimerized in response to PDGF BB. The alpha receptor recognizes PDGF B as well as A chains and can be dimerized by the three dimeric forms of PDGF AA, AB, and BB. To characterize PDGF receptor signaling mechanisms and biologic activities in human mesangial cells (MC), we explored the effects of the three PDGF isoforms on DNA synthesis, phospholipase C activation, and PDGF protooncogene induction. PDGF-BB homodimer and AB heterodimer induced a marked increase in DNA synthesis, activation of phospholipase C, and autoinduction of PDGF A and B chain mRNAs, whereas PDGF-AA homodimer was without effect. The lack of response to PDGF AA could be accounted for by down-regulation of the PDGF-alpha receptor since preincubation of MC with suramin restored PDGF AA-induced DNA synthesis. Ligand binding studies demonstrate specific binding of labeled PDGF BB and AB and to a lower extent PDGF AA isoforms to mesangial cells. These results are consistent with predominant expression of PDGF beta receptor in MC, which is linked to phospholipase-C activation. The potent biologic effects of PDGF-AB heterodimer in cells that express very few alpha receptors and do not respond to PDGF AA are somewhat inconsistent with the currently accepted model of PDGF receptor interaction and suggest the presence of additional mechanisms for PDGF isoform binding and activation.

Gamma-linolenic acid suppression of hepatic Ito cell mitogenesis: post-PDGF receptor prostaglandin-independent mechanism

Ito cell mitogenesis occurs during liver injury and fibrogenesis in vivo. Platelet-derived-growth factor (PDGF)-induced mitogenesis was studied in cultured rat hepatic Ito cells, which resemble the myofibroblast associated with liver injury. Pretreatment with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid prostanoid precursor, markedly suppressed the PDGF response in a dose-dependent reversible fashion. Prostaglandins E1 and E2 were found to be the predominant prostanoids formed by cultured Ito cells. GLA depressed endogenous PG production, suggesting that the antimitogenic effect was independent of GLA conversion to a prostanoid metabolite. The PDGF-induced cascade was studied with and without GLA to determine the level of regulation that induced the observed suppression. GLA caused no apparent diminution in the abundance of the surface PDGF-beta receptor nor its subsequent activation and tyrosine phosphorylation after PDGF stimulation. Raf kinase activation and Raf perinuclear translocation were also intact despite the presence of GLA. PDGF induction of nuclear Egr and Fos also occurred with or without GLA. Activation of the serine threonine kinase c-Raf has previously been found to be sufficient to activate egr and fos and to induce mitogenesis. Therefore, the GLA suppressive effect is likely to be operative at a parallel non-Raf pathway or distal to Raf-induced early gene expression.

Transforming growth factor-beta, basic fibroblast growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor-BB interact to affect proliferation of clonally derived porcine satellite cells

Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta) stimulated porcine satellite cell proliferation in basal serum-free medium by 25%, but inhibited growth in serum-containing medium by 58%. The effect of TGF-beta on cell proliferation in serum-free medium was examined in combination with the following human recombinant growth factors: platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). TGF-beta inhibited PDGF-stimulated proliferation, enhanced FGF-stimulated proliferation, and had no effect on proliferation stimulated by IGF-I. The response of satellite cells to EGF and TGF-beta in serum-free medium was not different than TGF-beta alone. TGF-beta depressed proliferation stimulated by the following combinations of two growth factors: PDGF and IGF-I, PDGF and EGF, PDGF and FGF, and IGF-I and EGF. In combination with IGF-I and FGF, TGF-beta did not affect proliferation. TGF-beta inhibited proliferation stimulated by the combination of PDGF, EGF, and IGF-I, but had no effect on proliferation stimulated by combinations of three growth factors that included FGF. FGF stimulated proliferation in Minimum Essential Medium containing 10% porcine serum (MEM-10% PS) by 13% above control. When the combination of TGF-beta and FGF was added to MEM-10% PS, a 78% increase in proliferation was observed. Polyclonal antihuman PDGF-AB (this form neutralizes PDGF-AA, AB, and BB) reduced proliferation in MEM-10% PS by 44%. The combination of TGF-beta and anti-PDGF-AB reduced proliferation by 59%, indicating the effects were not additive. These data indicate that: (1) FGF and TGF-beta interact to increase proliferation of clonally derived porcine satellite cells, and (2) the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta on proliferation of clonally derived porcine satellite cells can be primarily attributed to a reduction in the mitogenic effects of PDGF.

Density-dependent inhibitory effect of transforming growth factor-beta 1 on human fibroblasts involves the down-regulation of platelet-derived growth factor alpha-receptors

We have previously found that transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) inhibits the mitogenic activity of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in cultures of human neonatal fibroblasts in a density-dependent fashion. In the present investigation we determined the effect of TGF-beta 1 on the PDGF alpha-receptor, which binds all PDGF isoforms, as well as on the beta-receptor, which binds only PDGF-BB with high affinity. We found that the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta 1 on PDGF-AA-induced mitogenesis was density-dependent; when dense cell cultures were preincubated with TGF-beta 1, there was an complete inhibition of 3H-thymidine incorporation, whereas the effect was less in sparse cultures. A similar density-dependent effect of TGF-beta 1 was seen in PDGF-BB treated cells, although less pronounced. The binding of 125I-labeled PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB to the alpha-receptor was significantly reduced after treatment with TGF-beta 1 in dense cultures, whereas the sparse cultures were less affected. A decrease of alpha-receptor mRNA was also seen. The levels of beta-receptor protein and mRNA were unaffected. We conclude that the growth inhibitory effect of TGF-beta 1 is cell density-dependent and involves down-regulation of PDGF alpha-receptors.

Transforming growth factor-beta in neural embryogenesis and neoplasia

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family of polypeptides includes three structurally and functionally related mammalian isoforms that influence cell proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix production. Recent identification of these isoforms in the embryonic murine central nervous system suggests that these factors may regulate proliferation and differentiation of meningeal and neuroepithelial cells during development. Predominant expression of TGF-beta 1 in the leptomeninges compared with the brain of the murine and human central nervous system implicates this isoform in regulation of that mesodermal tissue. Thus, defective TGF-beta regulation may contribute to neoplastic transformation. Failure to activate latent TGF-beta s may contribute to the loss of autocrine regulation seen in meningiomas. Expression of TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3 primarily in embryonic murine radial glia and adult human astrocytes suggests other roles for these isoforms, including glioblast differentiation and guidance of neuroblast migration. Although inhibitory to "normal" astrocyte proliferation, TGF-beta s demonstrate autocrine growth stimulation in vitro among hyperdiploid malignant gliomas, medulloblastomas, primitive neuroectodermal tumors, and anaplastic ependymomas. Hence, synthesis and release of active TGF-beta s by malignant brain tumors may create aberrant stimulatory autocrine loops. The mechanism of TGF-beta-induced growth stimulation is poorly understood. Future studies will likely clarify and identify additional roles for the TGF-beta isoforms in neuro-embryogenesis and neoplasia.

Control of fibrosis in systemic scleroderma

Scleroderma is characterized by an excessive deposition of collagen in all involved organs. This is due to an overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules following induction of gene expression, whereas there is no evidence that the composition of the connective tissue matrix is altered. Several in vivo studies and in vitro experiments suggest that a close interaction between inflammatory cells and fibroblasts is required for the initial activation of fibroblasts. TGF-beta presumably plays an important role, but other cytokines, e.g., PDGF or FGF, may also be involved. Many of the ECM molecules have been shown to interact closely with fibroblasts and provide signals that regulate fibroblast metabolism. The cellular response towards those signals is a further aspect of fibrosis that has attracted attention during recent years. The altered expression of receptor proteins on the cell surface of scleroderma fibroblasts for example might explain in part the lack of down-regulation of collagen synthesis in late phases of the disease. This review summarizes the alterations of connective tissue in scleroderma, and discusses the role of cytokines as well as the ECM for the regulation of fibroblast function and their implication for the development of fibrosis.

Differential effects of PDGF isoforms on proliferation of normal rat kidney cells

The effects of the PDGF isoforms AA, AB and BB have been studied on the proliferation of normal rat kidney cells, a non-tumorigenic fibroblast cell line which contains both type alpha and type beta PDGF receptors. On monolayer cells made quiescent by serum deprivation, PDGF-AA is a relatively poor mitogen compared to PDGF-AB and PDGF-BB. When these cells are made density-arrested following continuous incubation with epidermal growth factor, however, they can be restimulated to proliferate by all three PDGF isoforms with similar activity when added at sufficiently high concentration, resulting in phenotypic cellular transformation. Binding of radiolabelled isoforms to confluent NRK monolayers obeys the predictions of an induced receptor dimerisation model, and increases in the order AA < AB < BB. Upon preincubation of the cells with PDGF-AA, the dose-response curve for mitogenic activity of PDGF-AB is shifted to higher concentrations, indicating that PDGF-AA can partly antagonize the growth stimulating activity of PDGF-AB, as has also been observed in ligand binding studies. This observation has subsequently been confirmed using fluorescence cytometric analysis. PDGF-AB is highly active in inducing anchorage-independent proliferation of NRK cells, but in all such assays PDGF-AA is at least as potent as PDGF-BB. Intriguingly, PDGF-BB is almost devoid of activity in inducing soft agar growth of these cells, in contrast to PDGF-AA. When compared to substrate-attached cells, enhanced expression of the type alpha PDGF receptor was observed under anchorage-independent conditions. These results show that the relative potency of the three PDGF isoforms to stimulate proliferation of NRK cells is different for quiescent cells in monolayer, density-arrested cells and anchorage-independent cells. Moreover it is shown that the biological activity of PDGFs can be impaired by the additional presence of other isoforms.

Mitogenic activity of interferon gamma on growth-arrested human vascular smooth muscle cells

Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) is a multifunctional lymphokine secreted by activated T lymphocytes, which are found in atherosclerotic lesions. IFN-gamma has been reported to suppress the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). However, as we report in this paper, IFN-gamma is mitogenic for vascular SMCs under certain circumstances. Recombinant human IFN-gamma (1-100 units/ml), in a dose-dependent fashion, stimulated cell multiplication and [3H]thymidine and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation into DNA by cultured arterial SMCs that had been growth arrested by culturing in 1% plasma-derived serum for 5 days. IFN-gamma also accentuated the mitogenic activity of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB. A time-course study revealed that there was a time lag of 4-6 hours between the G1-->S transition of quiescent SMCs stimulated by IFN-gamma and that of SMCs stimulated by PDGF-BB. A synergistic effect of IFN-gamma on the mitogenicity of PDGF became apparent after a similar time lag, suggesting that the IFN-gamma-related mitogenicity is mediated by a substance(s) secreted by IFN-gamma-treated SMCs. In fact, conditioned medium of IFN-gamma-treated SMCs was mitogenic for SMCs. Mitogenic activity in the conditioned medium was also detected by an assay using Swiss 3T3 cells, which originate from mice and, therefore, are not responsive to human IFN-gamma. The production of the mitogenic factor was blocked by anti-IFN-gamma antibody. Mitogenicity of the conditioned medium was not eliminated by addition of neutralizing antibody against PDGF, indicating that any autocrine growth factor(s) secreted by IFN-gamma-treated SMCs was not PDGF.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB-induced suppression of smooth muscle cell differentiation

Previously, we demonstrated that treatment of postconfluent quiescent rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB dramatically reduced smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin synthesis. In the present studies, we focused on the expression of two other SM-specific proteins, SM myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) and SM alpha-tropomyosin (SM-alpha TM), to determine whether the actions of PDGF-BB were specific to SM alpha-actin or represented a global ability of PDGF-BB to inhibit expression of cell-specific proteins characteristic of differentiated SMCs. SM-MHC and SM-alpha TM expression were assessed by one- or two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analysis of proteins from cells labeled with [35S]methionine, as well as by Northern analysis of mRNA levels. Synthesis of both SM-specific proteins was decreased by 50-70% in PDGF-BB--treated cells as compared with cells treated with PDGF vehicle. Treatment of cells with 10% fetal bovine serum, which produced a mitogenic effect equivalent to that of PDGF-BB, decreased SM-MHC synthesis by 40% but increased SM-alpha TM synthesis. SM-MHC and SM-alpha TM mRNA expression was decreased by 80% at 24 hours in PDGF-BB--treated postconfluent SMCs, whereas treatment with 10% fetal bovine serum did not decrease the expression of SM-alpha TM mRNA but did inhibit SM-MHC mRNA expression by 36%. Consistent with the absence of detectable PDGF alpha-receptors on these cells, PDGF-AA had no effect on either mitogenesis or expression of SM-MHC or SM-alpha TM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)