An active site of transforming growth factor-beta(1) for growth inhibition and stimulation

IGFBP-3 and TGF-β inhibit growth in epithelial cells by stimulating type V TGF-β receptor (TβR-V)-mediated tumor suppressor signaling

The TGF-β type V receptor (TβR-V) mediates growth inhibition by IGFBP-3 and TGF-β in epithelial cells and loss of TβR-V expression in these cells leads to development of carcinoma. The mechanisms by which TβR-V mediates growth inhibition (tumor suppressor) signaling remain elusive. Previous studies revealed that IGFBP-3 and TGF-β inhibit growth in epithelial cells by stimulating TβR-V-mediated IRS-1/2-dependent activation and cytoplasm-to-nucleus translocation of IGFBP-3- or TGF-β-stimulated protein phosphatase (PPase), resulting in dephosphorylation of pRb-related proteins (p107, p130) or pRb, and growth arrest. To define the signaling, we characterized/identified the IGFBP-3- and TGF-β-stimulated PPases in cell lysates and nucleus fractions in Mv1Lu cells treated with IGFBP-3 and TGF-β, using a cell-free assay with 32P-labeled casein as a substrate. Both IGFBP-3- and TGF-β-stimulated PPase activities in cell lysates are abolished when cells are co-treated with TGF-β/IGFBP-3 antagonist or RAP (LRP-1/TβR-V antagonist). However, the IGFBP-3-stimulated PPase activity, but not TGF-β-stimulated PPase activity, is sensitive to inhibition by okadaic acid (OA). In addition, OA or PP2Ac siRNA reverses IGFBP-3 growth inhibition, but not TGF-β growth inhibition, in Mv1Lu and 32D cells. These suggest that IGFBP-3- and TGF-β-stimulated PPases are identical to PP2A and PP1, respectively. By Western blot/phosphorimager/immunofluorescence-microscopy analyses, IGFBP-3 and TGF-β stimulate TβR-V-mediated IRS-2-dependent activation and cytoplasm-to-nucleus translocation of PP2Ac and PP1c, resulting in dephosphorylation of p130/p107 and pRb, respectively, and growth arrest. Small molecule TGF-β enhancers, which potentiate TGF-β growth inhibition by enhancing TβR-I-TβR-II-mediated canonical signaling and thus activating TβR-V-mediated tumor suppressor signaling cascade (TβR-V/IRS-2/PP1/pRb), could be used to prevent and treat carcinoma.

Structural and functional characterization of a TGFβ molecule from amphioxus reveals an ancient origin of both immune-enhancing and -inhibitory functions

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is a pleiotropic cytokine with important roles in mediating inflammatory response. TGFβ has been shown to be widely present in invertebrates, but little is known about its functions in immune and inflammatory responses. Moreover, structural and functional insights into TGFβ molecules in invertebrates remain completely lacking. Here we demonstrate the presence of a single TGFβ-like gene in the amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum, Bjtgfβ, which represents the archetype of vertebrate TGFβ proteins, and displays a higher expression in the hind-gut, hepatic caecum, ovary, and gill. We also show that amphioxus TGFβ exerts both enhancing and suppressing effects on the migration of macrophages like RAW264.7, and the motif WSTD is important for TGFβ in inducing or inhibiting the migration of macrophages. Altogether, these data suggest that amphioxus TGFβ is phylogenetically and functionally similar to vertebrate TGFβ, suggesting an ancient origin of bipolar function of TGFβ proteins.

Attenuation of CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice by vaccinating against TGF-β1

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is the pivotal pro-fibrogenic cytokine in hepatic fibrosis. Reducing the over-produced expression of TGF-β1 or blocking its signaling pathways is considered to be a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of attenuating hepatic fibrosis by vaccination against TGF-β1 with TGF-β1 kinoids. Two TGF-β1 kinoid vaccines were prepared by cross-linking TGF-β1-derived polypeptides (TGF-β1(25)-[41-65] and TGF-β1(30)-[83-112]) to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Immunization with the two TGF-β1 kinoids efficiently elicited the production of high-levels of TGF-β1-specific antibodies against in BALB/c mice as tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. The antisera neutralized TGF-β1-induced growth-inhibition on mink lung epithelial cells (Mv1Lu) and attenuated TGF-β1-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation, α-SMA, collagen type 1 alpha 2 (COL1A2), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) expression in the rat hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line, HSC-T6. Vaccination against TGF-β1 with the kinoids significantly suppressed CCl4-induced collagen deposition and the expression of α-SMA and desmin, attenuated hepatocyte apoptosis and accelerated hepatocyte proliferation in BALB/c mice. These results demonstrated that immunization with the TGF-β1 kinoids efficiently attenuated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis and liver injury. Our study suggests that vaccination against TGF-β1 might be developed into a feasible therapeutic approach for the treatment of chronic fibrotic liver diseases.

TGF-beta-like transcriptional effects of thyroglobulin (Tg) in mouse mesangial cells

TGF-beta-like activities of proteins unrelated to the cytokine could mimic its actions in fibrosis and cell proliferation. Thyroglobulin (Tg) has been identified as having a TGF-beta receptor (TGFbetaR)-binding activity and is deposited in the glomerulus in certain immune-complex diseases. The aim of the present study is to determine whether Tg can reproduce the transcriptional activity of TGF-beta1 in the mouse glomerular mesangial cell (MC), and to examine whether such activity is manifested through TGFbetaR. Real-time RT-PCR was employed to examine the effects of TGF-beta1 and bovine Tg on the expression of three genes (TGF-beta1, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 [PAI-1], and Pax-8) regulated by TGF-beta1 in other cell types. In addition, a pentacosapeptide TGF-beta1 antagonist, beta(1)(25) (41-65) was employed to determine whether the transcriptional activity of Tg was mediated through the TGF-beta binding site on the TGFbetaR. A 6h exposure to TGF-beta1 resulted in increased TGF-beta1 and PAI-1 transcript, and a decrease in Pax-8. Similarly, a 6h exposure to Tg resulted in increases of about 5-fold in TGF-beta1 and PAI-1 mRNA and a decrease of 53% in Pax-8. In comparison with other proteins, Tg had the greatest positive effect on TGF-beta1 transcript levels. beta(1)(25) (41-65) significantly reduced the TGF-beta1-, but not the Tg-induced changes in TGF-beta1, PAI-1 and Pax-8 transcript levels. We conclude from these studies that Tg possesses a TGF-beta-mimetic transcriptional activity in the MC that is not mediated by its binding to TGFbetaR. These results suggest that Tg and other proteins could initiate glomerular injury by reproducing the actions of TGF-beta1 in the mesangial cell.

A single residue of GDF-5 defines binding specificity to BMP receptor IB

Growth and differentiation factor 5 (GDF-5), a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, is involved in many developmental processes, like chondrogenesis and joint formation. Mutations in GDF-5 lead to diseases, e.g. chondrodysplasias like Hunter-Thompson, Grebe and DuPan syndromes and brachydactyly. Similar to other TGF-beta superfamily members, GDF-5 transmits signals through binding to two different types of membrane-bound serine-/threonine-kinase receptors termed type I and type II. In contrast to the large number of ligands, only seven type I and five type II receptors have been identified to date, implicating a limited promiscuity in ligand-receptor interaction. However, in contrast to other members of the TGF-beta superfamily, GDF-5 shows a pronounced specificity in type I receptor interaction in cross-link experiments binding only to BMP receptor IB (BMPR-IB). In mice, deletion of either GDF-5 or BMPR-IB results in a similar phenotype, indicating that GDF-5 signaling is highly dependent on BMPR-IB. Here, we demonstrate by biosensor analysis that GDF-5 also binds to BMP receptor IA (BMPR-IA) but with approximately 12-fold lower affinity. Structural and mutational analyses revealed a single residue of GDF-5, Arg57 located in the pre-helix loop, being solely responsible for the high binding specificity to BMPR-IB. In contrast to wild-type GDF-5, variant GDF-5R57A interacts with BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB with a comparable high binding affinity. These results provide important insights into how receptor-binding specificity is generated at the molecular level and might be useful for the generation of receptor subtype specific activators or inhibitors.

Genome of deerpox virus

Deerpox virus (DPV), an uncharacterized and unclassified member of the Poxviridae, has been isolated from North American free-ranging mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) exhibiting mucocutaneous disease. Here we report the genomic sequence and comparative analysis of two pathogenic DPV isolates, W-848-83 (W83) and W-1170-84 (W84). The W83 and W84 genomes are 166 and 170 kbp, containing 169 and 170 putative genes, respectively. Nucleotide identity between DPVs is 95% over the central 157 kbp. W83 and W84 share similar gene orders and code for similar replicative, structural, virulence, and host range functions. DPV open reading frames (ORFs) with putative virulence and host range functions include those similar to cytokine receptors (R), including gamma interferon receptor (IFN-gammaR), interleukin 1 receptor (IL-1R), and type 8 CC-chemokine receptors; cytokine binding proteins (BP), including IL-18BP, IFN-alpha/betaBP, and tumor necrosis factor binding protein (TNFBP); serpins; and homologues of vaccinia virus (VACV) E3L, K3L, and A52R proteins. DPVs also encode distinct forms of major histocompatibility complex class I, C-type lectin-like protein, and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), a protein not previously described in a mammalian chordopoxvirus. Notably, DPV encodes homologues of cellular endothelin 2 and IL-1R antagonist, novel poxviral genes also likely involved in the manipulation of host responses. W83 and W84 differ from each other by the presence or absence of five ORFs. Specifically, homologues of a CD30 TNFR family protein, swinepox virus SPV019, and VACV E11L core protein are absent in W83, and homologues of TGF-beta1 and lumpy skin disease virus LSDV023 are absent in W84. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that DPVs are genetically distinct from viruses of other characterized poxviral genera and that they likely comprise a new genus within the subfamily Chordopoxvirinae.

A molecular recognition paradigm: promiscuity associated with the ligand-receptor interactions of the activin members of the TGF-β superfamily

The structure-function properties of the pleiotropic activins and their relationship to other members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily of proteins are described. In order to highlight the molecular promiscuity of these growth factors, emphasis has been placed on molecular features associated with the recognition by activin A and the bone morphogenic proteins of the corresponding extracellular domains of the ActRI and ActRII receptors. The available evidence suggests that the homodimeric activin A in its various functional roles has the propensity to fulfill key tasks in the regulation of mammalian cell behaviour, through coordination of numerous transcriptional and translational processes. Because of these profound effects, under physiologically normal conditions, activin A levels are closely controlled by a variety of binding partners, such as follistatin-288 and follistatin-315, alpha(2)-macroglobulin and other proteins. Moreover, the subunits of other members of the activin subfamily, such as activin B or activin C, are able to form heterodimers with the activin A subunit, thus providing a further avenue to positively or negatively control the physiological concentrations of activin A that are available for interaction with specific receptors and induction of cell signaling events. Based on data from X-ray crystallographic studies and homology modeling experiments, the molecular architecture of the ternary receptor-activin ligand complexes has been dissected, permitting rationalization in structural terms of the pattern of interactions that are the hallmark of this protein family.

Ursolic acid, an antagonist for transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a multifunctional cytokine which is involved in extracellular matrix modulation, has a major role in the pathogenesis and progression of fibrotic diseases. We now report the effects of ursolic acid on TGF-beta1 receptor binding and TGF-beta1-induced cellular functions in vitro. Ursolic acid inhibited [(125)I]-TGF-beta1 receptor binding to Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblasts with an IC(50) value of 6.9+/-0.8 microM. Ursolic acid dose-dependently recovered reduced proliferation of Minc Mv1Lu cells in the presence of 5 nM of TGF-beta1 and attenuated TGF-beta1-induced collagen synthesis and production in human fibroblasts. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that ursolic acid may interact with the hydrophobic region of the dimeric interface and thereby inhibit the binding of TGF-beta1 to its receptor. All these findings taken together show that ursolic acid functions as an antagonist for TGF-beta1. This is the first report to show that a small molecule can inhibit TGF-beta1 receptor binding and influence functions of TGF-beta1.

Molecular recognition of BMP-2 and BMP receptor IA

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and other members of the TGF-beta superfamily regulate the development, maintenance and regeneration of tissues and organs. Binding epitopes for these extracellular signaling proteins have been defined, but hot spots specifying binding affinity and specificity have so far not been identified. In this study, mutational and structural analyses show that epitopes of BMP-2 and the BRIA receptor form a new type of protein-protein interface. The main chain atoms of Leu 51 and Asp53 of BMP-2 represent a hot spot of binding to BRIA. The BMP-2 variant L51P was deficient in type I receptor binding only, whereas its overall structure and its binding to type II receptors and modulator proteins, such as noggin, were unchanged. Thus, the L51P substitution converts BMP-2 into a receptor-inactive inhibitor of noggin. These results are relevant for other proteins of the TGF-beta superfamily and provide useful clues for structure-based drug design.

Latent adenoviral infection induces production of growth factors relevant to airway remodeling in COPD

Previous studies showed an association between latent adenoviral infection with expression of the adenoviral E1A gene and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present study focuses on how the adenoviral E1A gene could alter expression of growth factors by human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. The data show that connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 mRNA and protein expression were upregulated in E1A-positive HBE cells. Upregulation of CTGF in this in vitro model was independent of TGF-β secreted into the growth medium. Comparison of E1A-positive with E1A-negative HBE cells showed that both expressed cytokeratin but only E1A-positive cells expressed the mesenchymal markers vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin. We conclude that latent infection of epithelial cells by adenovirus E1A could contribute to airway remodeling in COPD by the viral E1A gene, inducing TGF-β1 and CTGF expression and shifting cells to a more mesenchymal phenotype.

Bombesin-like peptide receptor gene expression, regulation, and function in fetal murine lung

Bombesin-peptide (BLP) immunoreactivity occurs at high levels in fetal lung. Previous studies showed that bombesin promotes fetal lung development. To test the hypothesis that such effects are mediated by known mammalian bombesin receptors [gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)/bombesin-preferring receptor (GRPR), neuromedin B (NMB) receptor (NMBR), and the orphan bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS-3)], we analyzed the ontogeny of GRPR, NMBR, and BRS-3 gene expression in mouse lung. We examined the regulation of these three genes by dexamethasone and bombesin, which modulate lung development. Using incorporation of [3H]thymidine and [3H]choline, we then assessed whether GRP, NMB, and Leu8-phyllolitorin modulate lung growth and maturation in fetal lung explants. GRPR gene expression was detected predominantly in utero, whereas NMBR and BRS-3 genes were expressed from embryonic days 13-16 and on multiple postnatal days. All three mRNAs are present in airway epithelium and mesenchymal cells but occur in different relative patterns. These genes were regulated differently. Dexamethasone and bombesin increased GRPR mRNA, bombesin downregulated NMBR, and neither agent affected BRS-3. GRP increased incorporation of [3H]thymidine and [3H]choline in explants, whereas NMB induced cell proliferation and Leu8-phyllolitorin yielded variable results. Cumulative data suggest the involvement of multiple BLP receptors, including novel molecules, and argue against simple functional redundancy within this gene family during lung development.

Fatty acids modulate transforming growth factor-beta activity and plasma clearance

The activity and plasma clearance of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta are known to be regulated by activated alpha2-macroglobulin (alpha2M*). This has been implicated in pathophysiological processes, but no small molecule compounds have been reported to modulate TGF-beta activity by affecting the interaction of TGF-beta and alpha2M*. Here, we demonstrate that fatty acids are capable of inhibiting complex formation of TGF-beta isoforms and alpha2M* as demonstrated by nondenaturing and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This is dependent on carbon chain length (C20, C18, C16, C14 > C12 > C10), degree of unsaturation (polyunsaturated > saturated), and TGF-beta isoforms (TGF-beta1 > TGF-beta2 > TGF-beta3). Arachidonic acid, which is one of the most potent inhibitors, is also capable of dissociating TGF-beta-alpha2M* complexes, but higher concentrations are required. Arachidonic acid appears to inhibit TGF-beta-alpha2M* complex formation by binding specifically to alpha2M* as demonstrated by gel filtration chromatography. Arachidonic acid reverses the inhibitory effect of alpha2M* on TGF-beta binding, TGF-beta-induced growth inhibition, and TGF-beta-induced transcriptional activation in mink lung epithelial cells and affects plasma clearance of TGF-beta-alpha2M* complexes in mice. These results show that fatty acids are effective modulators of TGF-beta activity and plasma clearance and may be useful in treating human diseases through their effects on the interaction of TGF-beta and alpha2M*.

Dynamics-modulated biological activity of transforming growth factor beta3

Transforming growth factor beta3 (TGF-beta3) is an important mediator of growth, maintenance, and repair processes in human cells. Internal dynamic properties have been derived from (15)N NMR relaxation data and mapped onto the spatial structure of TGF-beta3. The pattern of internal dynamics in the structure identifies potential "hot spots" of binding free energy and reveals the importance of conformational entropy in the interaction of TGF-beta3 with the receptors. The observed internal dynamics set TGF-beta3 apart from other TGF-beta isoforms, with which it shares the same fold. These findings may explain functional differences among the various TGF-beta isoforms and thus prove essential in the search for related therapeutic agents.

The effect of TGF-beta receptor binding peptides on smooth muscle cells

TGF-beta1 is a potent regulator of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. In this study, we selected two peptides, IM-1 and IM-2, that bind to the TGF-beta type II receptor (TGF-beta RII) using phage display. IM-1 and IM-2 bind to the TGF-beta RII, with a K(d) of 1 microM. Like TGF-beta, IM-1 induced VSMC chemotaxis and PAI-1 mRNA expression, as determined using Boyden chambers and real time quantitative PCR. In contrast, IM-2 had no effect on VSMC chemotaxis or PAI-1 induction. Induction of ECM synthesis, involving proteins such as osteopontin and alpha-smooth muscle actin, was determined by ELISA. Osteopontin expression was inhibited by both peptides, but TGF-beta-induced alpha-smooth muscle actin expression could only be inhibited by IM-1. In conclusion, IM-1 activity on VSMC is agonistic with TGF-beta, except for ECM synthesis, whereas the IM-2 peptide is antagonistic for some examined TGF-beta functions.

Identification of the high affinity binding site in transforming growth factor-beta involved in complex formation with alpha 2-macroglobulin. Implications regarding the molecular mechanisms of complex formation between alpha 2-macroglobulin and growth factors, cytokines, and hormones

The biological activities of transforming growth factor-beta isoforms (TGF-beta(1,2)) are known to be modulated by alpha(2)-macroglobulin (alpha(2)M). alpha(2)M forms complexes with numerous growth factors, cytokines, and hormones, including TGF-beta. Identification of the binding sites in TGF-beta isoforms responsible for high affinity interaction with alpha(2)M many unravel the molecular basis of the complex formation. Here we demonstrate that among nine synthetic pentacosapeptides with overlapping amino acid sequences spanning the entire TGF-beta(1) molecule, the peptide (residues 41-65) containing Trp-52 exhibited the most potent activity in inhibiting the formation of complexes between (125)I-TGF-beta(1) and activated alpha(2)M (alpha(2)M*) as determined by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by plasma clearance in mice. TGF-beta(2) peptide containing the homologous sequence and Trp-52 was as active as the TGF-beta(1) peptide, whereas the corresponding TGF-beta(3) peptide lacking Trp-52, was inactive. The replacement of the Trp-52 with alanine abolished the inhibitory activities of these peptides. (125)I-TGF-beta(3), which lacks Trp-52, bound to alpha(2)M* with an affinity lower than that of (125)I-TGF-beta(1). Furthermore, unlabeled TGF-beta(3) and the mutant TGF-beta(1)W52A, in which Trp-52 was replaced with alanine, were less potent than unlabeled TGF-beta(1) in blocking I(125)-TGF-beta(1) binding to alpha(2)M*. TGF-beta(1) and TGF-beta(2) peptides containing Trp-52 were also effective in inhibiting I(125)-nerve growth factor binding to alpha(2)M*. Tauhese results suggest that Trp-52 is involved in high affinity binding of TGF-beta to alpha(2)M*. They also imply that TGF-beta and other growth factors/cytokines/hormones may form complexes with alpha(2)M* via a common mechanism involving the interactions between topologically exposed Trp and/or other hydrophobic residues and a hydrophobic region in alpha(2)M*.

Transforming growth factor beta signalling in vitro and in vivo: activin ligand-receptor interaction, Smad5 in vasculogenesis, and repression of target genes by the deltaEF1/ZEB-related SIP1 in the vertebrate embryo

The identification and characterization of components of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) signalling pathway are proceeding at a very fast pace. To illustrate a number of our activities in this field, we first summarize our work aiming at the selection from a large collection of single residue substitution mutants of two activin A polypeptides in which D27 and K102, respectively, have been modified. This work has highlighted the importance of K102 and its positive charge for binding to activin type II receptors. Activin K102E, which did not bind to high-affinity receptor complexes, may be a valuable beta chain, when incorporated in recombinant inhibin to unambiguously detect novel inhibin binding sites at the cell surface. We then illustrate how Smad5 knockout mice and an overexpression approach with a truncated TGFbeta type II receptor in the mouse embryo can contribute to the identification of a novel TGFbeta-->TbetaRII/ALK1-->Smad5 pathway in endothelial cells in the embryo proper and the yolk sac vasculature. We conclude with a summary of our results with a Smad-interacting transcriptional repressor but focus on its biological significance in the vertebrate embryo.

BMP-2 antagonists emerge from alterations in the low-affinity binding epitope for receptor BMPR-II

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) induces bone formation and regeneration in adult vertebrates and regulates important developmental processes in all animals. BMP-2 is a homodimeric cysteine knot protein that, as a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, signals by oligomerizing type I and type II receptor serine-kinases in the cell membrane. The binding epitopes of BMP-2 for BMPR-IA (type I) and BMPR-II or ActR-II (type II) were characterized using BMP-2 mutant proteins for analysis of interactions with receptor ectodomains. A large epitope 1 for high-affinity BMPR-IA binding was detected spanning the interface of the BMP-2 dimer. A smaller epitope 2 for the low-affinity binding of BMPR-II was found to be assembled by determinants of a single monomer. Symmetry-related pairs of the two juxtaposed epitopes occur near the BMP-2 poles. Mutations in both epitopes yielded variants with reduced biological activity in C2C12 cells; however, only epitope 2 variants behaved as antagonists partially or completely inhibiting BMP-2 activity. These findings provide a framework for the molecular description of receptor recognition and activation in the BMP/TGF-beta superfamily.

Crystal structure of the BMP-2-BRIA ectodomain complex

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) belong to the large transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily of multifunctional cytokines. BMP-2 can induce ectopic bone and cartilage formation in adult vertebrates and is involved in central steps in early embryonal development in animals. Signaling by these cytokines requires binding of two types of transmembrane serine/threonine receptor kinase chains classified as type I and type II. Here we report the crystal structure of human dimeric BMP-2 in complex with two high affinity BMP receptor IA extracellular domains (BRIAec). The receptor chains bind to the 'wrist' epitopes of the BMP-2 dimer and contact both BMP-2 monomers. No contacts exist between the receptor domains. The model reveals the structural basis for discrimination between type I and type II receptors and the variability of receptor-ligand interactions that is seen in BMP-TGF-beta systems.