Embryonic expression pattern of TGF beta type-1 RNA suggests both paracrine and autocrine mechanisms of action

The tissue distribution of TGF beta form 1 RNA within mouse embryos of 10.5 to 15.5 days gestational age was investigated using in situ hybridization. As predicted from the prevalence of TGF beta-1 protein in adult bone and platelets, the RNA is highly abundant in fetal bone and in fetal liver megakaryocytes. Our data also reveal previously undocumented sites of synthesis for TGF beta-1, namely epithelia overlying those mesenchymal tissues that are known to contain TGF beta protein as detected by immunohistochemical methods (Heine et al. 1987) and in the mesenchymal tissues of certain internal organs. From a combined knowledge of the distribution of the TGF beta polypeptide (Heine et al. 1987) and its mRNA, and a knowledge of the reported biological activities of TGF beta-1, we invoke both paracrine and autocrine mechanisms of action for this growth factor.     

Interactions between retinoids and TGF beta s in mouse morphogenesis.

Using immunocytochemical methods we describe the distribution of different TGF beta isoforms and the effects of excess retinoic acid on their expression during early mouse embryogenesis (8 1/2 - 10 1/2 days of development). In normal embryos at 9 days, intracellular TGF beta 1 is expressed most intensely in neuroepithelium and cardiac myocardium whereas extracellular TGF beta 1 is expressed in mesenchymal cells and in the endocardium of the heart. At later stages, intracellular TGF beta 1 becomes very restricted to the myocardium and to a limited number of head mesenchymal cells; extracellular TGF beta 1 continues to be expressed widely in cells of mesenchymal origin, particularly in head and trunk mesenchyme, and also in endocardium. TGF beta 2 is widely expressed at all stages investigated while TGF beta 3 is not expressed strongly in any tissue at the stages examined. Exposure of early neural plate stage embryos to retinoic acid caused reduced expression of TGF beta 1 and TGF beta 2 proteins but had no effect on TGF beta 3. Intracellular TGF beta 1 expression was reduced in all tissues except in the myocardium, while extracellular TGF beta 1 was specifically reduced in neuroepithelium and cranial neural crest cells at early stages. TGF beta 2 was reduced in all embryonic tissues. The down-regulation of intracellular TGF beta 1 was observed up to 48 hours after initial exposure to retinoic acid while some down-regulation of TGF beta 2 was still seen up to 60 hours after initial exposure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Comparison of the biological actions of TGF beta-1 and TGF beta-2: differential activity in endothelial cells

Beta transforming growth factor (TGF beta) has multiple in vitro biological effects including stimulation or inhibition of proliferation of specific cell types. A second major form of TGF beta, TGF beta-2, has recently been isolated from porcine platelets, from bovine bone matrix, and from several other sources. The two forms of TGF beta are biologically equipotent with the exception that TGF beta-2 was much less active than TGF beta-1 for inhibition of proliferation of a rat pleuripotent hematopoietic stem cell line. During the purification of beta TGF from bone, we obtained two fraction pools that differed in their ability to inhibit 3H-thymidine incorporation into aortic endothelial cells (AEC). We therefore compared highly purified TGF beta-1 and TGF beta-2 isolated from porcine platelets for inhibition of DNA synthesis in mink lung epithelial cells (MvILu), and in AEC, and for stimulation of 3H-thymidine incorporation in calvarial bone cells (CBC) in 3 experiments. TGF beta-1 and TGF beta-2 inhibited cell proliferation in MvILu with no significant differences in the ED50 (31 +/- 8 pg/ml vs 23 +/- 7). TGF beta-2 was much less potent than TGF beta-1 in inhibiting DNA synthesis in AEC (6310 +/- 985 pg/ml vs 101 +/- 34). The reduced specific activity of TGF beta-2 was also observed in adrenal capillary endothelial cells. Both beta-1 and beta-2 stimulated proliferation of CBC (ED50 26 +/- 2 pg/ml vs 10 +/- 4). We also examined the specificity of the MvILu and AEC inhibition assays. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (FGF), skeletal growth factor (SGF)/insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II), and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) did not inhibit DNA synthesis in either assay system. However, when the growth factors were added to maximal inhibiting concentrations of TGF beta-1, both acidic and basic FGF significantly reduced TGF beta-1 inhibition in AEC. We conclude that (1) inhibition of DNA synthesis in endothelial cells is relatively specific for TGF beta-1, (2) inhibition of DNA synthesis in MvILu is a sensitive and specific assay for generic TGF beta activity but does not distinguish beta-1 from beta-2, (3) the relative inhibition of DNA synthesis in MvILu and AEC may provide a means to quantitatively estimate TGF beta-1 and TGF beta-2, and (4) both TGF beta-1 and TGF beta-2 are potent mitogens for chicken embryonic calvarial bone cells.     

Expression of activins and TGF beta 1 and beta 2 RNAs in early postimplantation mouse embryos and uterine decidua.

The expression of the mesoderm inducing factors, activins and TGF beta s, was characterized in 5 1/2-9 1/2 day mouse embryos and implantation sites by in situ hybridization. Activin beta A RNA was not detected within the embryo, but is expressed in nearby decidual cells from 5 to 7 days. Thus activin A could play a role within the embyro during gastrulation. Activin beta A is also expressed in more mesometrially located decidual cells from 6 to 9 1/2 days. Activin beta B and inhibin alpha RNAs were not detected, while a control tissue was highly positive. TGF beta 1 is expressed in the secondary decidual zone and in developing endothelial cells in the decidua and embryo. TGF beta 2 is expressed in the mesometrial decidua at 6 1/2 days and in the midline of the cranial neural plate.     

Transforming growth factors α and β–1 are co-expressed in the uterine epithelium during early pregnancy

Semi-quantitative immunoperoxidase light microscopy on unfixed frozen sections of rat uterus was used to examine the expression of transforming growth factors (TGF) alpha and beta before, during and after implantation. TGF beta-1 labelling was present in the lateral plasma membranes and basement membrane from day 3, steadily increased until the time of implantation on day 6 when it formed a dense apical band, but had disappeared by day 7. TGF alpha appeared in the apical epithelium, 3 days prior to TGF beta-1. Ultrastructural immunogold labelling showed the intense TGF beta-1 signal observed at the time of implantation to be present on the apical epithelial surface and microvilli and in the luminal secretions. We suggest that TGF alpha stimulates the expression of TGF beta-1 in rats, as in implanting transgenic mice, and that it is involved in extracellular matrix remodelling in the lateral plasma membranes and basal lamina to inhibit invasion and implantation and to stimulate the production of basement membrane.     

Immunodetection of the transforming growth factors beta 1 and beta 2 in the developing murine palate.

The expression of some members of the TGF beta family of genes in embryonic craniofacial tissue suggests a functional role for these molecules in orofacial development. In other systems, TGF beta 1 and TGF beta 2 have been shown to regulate cell proliferation and extracellular matrix metabolism, processes critical to normal development of the secondary palate. We have thus determined the amount and tissue distribution of both TGF beta 1 and TGF beta 2 in embryonic palatal tissue. Cellular extracts of murine embryonic palatal tissue from days 12, 13 and 14 of gestation were assayed for the presence of TGF beta 1 and TGF beta 2 by immunoprecipitation. Physiological levels, ranging from 0.05-20 ng/micrograms protein, of both growth factors were detected in all tissues examined. Immunostaining with antibodies directed against either TGF beta 1 or TGF beta 2 demonstrated the presence of these growth factors in palatal epithelium and mesenchyme early during palatal development (gestational day [GD] 12) a period characterized by tissue growth. On GDs 13 and 14, characterized by palate epithelial differentiation, immunostaining for both growth factors predominated in epithelial tissue. Immunostaining for TGF beta 1 and TGF beta 2 was also intense in mesenchyme surrounding tooth germs and in perichondrium. Chondrocytes and cartilage extracellular matrix did not stain for either TGF beta 1 or beta 2. Combined with existing evidence for the presence of functional receptors for the transforming growth factor-beta s in the developing palate, these results provide rationale for studies designed to clarify a specific role for these signalling molecules in palate epithelial differentiation and/or epithelial-mesenchymal interactions.     

Hypoxic conditions restore lost sensitivity to the growth inhibitory effect of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta-1) in proliferating rat hepatocytes in vitro

TGF beta-1 is known to be a growth inhibitor of regenerating liver, and an inducer of hepatocyte apoptosis in primary culture. However, hepatocytes can proliferate after partial hepatectomy even at high serum TGF beta-1 concentrations. In this study we used the primary cultures of rat hepatocytes for 10 days to investigate how TGF beta-1 affects proliferating hepatocytes. DNA synthesis peaked on day 8 of culture, and TGF beta-1-induced apoptosis was significantly suppressed on day 8 compared to days 2, 5, and 10. Flow-cytometric analysis revealed that hepatocytes that had incorporated BrdU were resistant to the apoptotic effect of TGF beta-1, and Northern blot analysis showed that TGF beta receptor mRNA was down-regulated on day 8. Hypoxic conditions restores TGF beta receptor mRNA expression and the lost sensitivity of proliferating hepatocyte to TGF beta-1.     

Transforming growth factor beta 1-specific binding proteins on human vascular endothelial cells.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) regulates the growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) differently depending on the isoform of TGF beta and the culture conditions. The cells are resistant to growth inhibition by TGF beta when the cells are cultured on substratum coated with gelatin. However, the proliferation of HUVEC cultured on substratum without a gelatin coating is inhibited by TGF beta, depending on the isoform and concentration of TGF beta. Binding assays with 125I-TGF beta 1 reveal that HUVEC contain a single class of high-affinity (Kd = 4.4 pM) TGF beta 1 binding sites with 8500 sites per cell. Affinity cross-linking studies demonstrate that HUVEC express 180 and 80 kDa TGF beta 1 binding sites that do not bind TGF beta 2. The reduction and the removal of glycosaminoglycans does not affect the electrophoretic mobility of the 180-kDa binding protein cross-linked with 125I-TGF beta 1. Therefore, the 180-kDa TGF beta 1 binding protein is not related to the type III TGF beta receptor, but might be a novel TGF beta 1-specific receptor/binding protein expressed on vascular endothelial cells. The expression of TGF beta 1 binding sites is not affected by the presence or absence of the gelatin coating on the culture substratum. The data suggest that a gelatin coating does not regulate the susceptibility of HUVEC to TGF beta 1 at the level of the receptor/binding proteins, and that growth inhibition of HUVEC by TGF beta 1 is linked to the regulation of extracellular matrices required for the interaction between the cells and the substratum.     

Effect of transforming growth factor beta on proliferation of L6 and embryonic porcine myogenic cells

We have examined the effect of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) beta on proliferation of L6 and embryonic porcine myogenic cells. Proliferation of L6 cells was suppressed by both TGF beta-1 and TGF beta-2 in a dose-dependent manner. Half-maximal suppression of proliferation occurred at .036 ng TGF beta-1/ml and .06 ng TGF beta-2/ml. Maximal inhibition (60% suppression of proliferation for TGF beta-1 and 52% for TGF beta-2) occurred between .1 and .3 ng/ml for each growth factor. Suppression of proliferation was completely abolished in the presence of an anti-TGF beta antibody that inhibited the biological activity of TGF beta-1 and TGF beta-2. When we evaluated the effect of TGF beta-1 on proliferation of embryonic porcine myogenic cells we obtained results which were very similar to those obtained for L6 cells. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I stimulated proliferation of L6 cells in a dose-dependent manner in serum-free, defined medium. However as little as .02 ng TGF beta-1/ml detectably suppressed this stimulation and .3 ng TGF beta-1/ml caused a 60% reduction in cell number in cultures treated with 30 ng IGF-l/ml. Thus TGF beta-1 significantly suppressed IGF-I-stimulated proliferation of L6 cells.     

Enhancement of vitronectin expression in human HepG2 hepatoma cells by transforming growth factor-beta 1.

Liver cells are considered the principal source of plasma vitronectin. The human hepatoma cell line HepG2 produces vitronectin into its culture medium. In the current work we have analyzed the regulation of vitronectin by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta 1) in this hepatoma cell line by Northern hybridization, polypeptide and immunoprecipitation analyses and compared the response to another TGF beta-regulated gene, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1). Rabbit antibodies raised against human plasma-derived vitronectin were used in immunodetection. Polypeptide and immunoprecipitation analyses of the medium and cells, as well as immunoblotting analysis of the cells and their extracellular matrices, indicated enhanced TGF beta 1-induced production and extracellular deposition of vitronectin. Accordingly, TGF beta 1 enhanced the expression of vitronectin mRNA at picomolar concentrations (2-20 ng/ml) as shown by Northern hybridization analysis. Comparison of the temporal TGF beta induction profiles of vitronectin and PAI-1 mRNAs showed that vitronectin was induced more slowly but the vitronectin mRNAs persisted longer. In addition, platelet-derived and epidermal growth factors had an effect on vitronectin expression, but it was of lower magnitude. TGF beta 1 enhanced the expression of PAI-1 but, unlike previous reports, epidermal growth factor did not have any notable effect on PAI-1 in these cells. The results indicate that TGF beta 1 is an efficient regulator of the production of vitronectin by HepG2 cells and that PAI-1 and vitronectin are not coordinately regulated. In addition, with affinity purified antibodies to vitronectin receptor, we observed strong enhancement of the alpha subunit of the receptor in response to TGF beta 1. These effects of TGF beta are probably involved in various processes of the liver where matrix induction and controlled pericellular proteolysis is needed, as in tissue repair.     

Transforming growth factor-beta induction of type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor. Pericellular deposition and sensitivity to exogenous urokinase

The human tumor cell line HT-1080 was used as a model system to study the effects of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) on polypeptide synthesis and proteolytic activity of malignant cells. Confluent cultures were exposed to TGF beta under serum-free conditions, and alterations in the production of proteins were examined by metabolic labeling and polypeptide analysis. TGF beta induced the synthesis and secretion of the Mr 47,000 endothelial type plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) as shown by reverse zymography, immunblotting, and immunoprecipitation analyses. TGF beta-induced PAI-1 was rapidly deposited in the growth substratum of the cells as shown by metabolic labeling and extraction of the cultures with sodium deoxycholate. Using pulse-chase experiments, we found a relatively fast turnover of substratum-associated PAI-1. Exogenously added urokinase released PAI-1 from the substratum even in the presence of the plasmin inhibitor aprotinin, suggesting a direct effect of urokinase. Immunoreactive complexes of higher molecular weight were subsequently detected in the medium. Epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha, platelet-derived growth factor, and insulin did not elicit similar effects on the amount of PAI-1. TGF beta also inhibited the anchorage-independent growth of HT-1080 cells at the same concentrations at which it induced PAI-1. These results indicate that TGF beta can modulate the extracellular proteolytic activity of cultured cells by enhancing the secretion and deposition of PAI-1 into their microenvironment. It remains to be established whether TGF beta inhibition of anchorage-independent growth of these cells is associated with the induction of PAI-1.     

Regulation of the synthesis and activity of urokinase plasminogen activator in A549 human lung carcinoma cells by transforming growth factor-beta

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) is a regulator of cellular proliferation which can alter the proteolytic activity of cultured cells by enhancing the secretion of endothelial type plasminogen activator inhibitor and affecting the secretion of plasminogen activators (PAs) in cultured fibroblastic cells. We used the TGF beta- responsive malignant human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 to study the relationships between the known TGF beta-induced growth inhibition and the effects of TGF beta on the secretion of PA activity by A549 cells. PA activity was quantitated by caseinolysis assays, and characterized by urokinase mRNA analysis, immunoprecipitation, and zymography assays. PA-inhibitor production was observed in autoradiograms of SDS-polyacrylamide gels and reverse zymography assays. It was found that TGF beta enhanced the production of PA activity by these cells, in accordance with an enhancement of urokinase mRNA levels. A concomitant stimulation of type 1 PA-inhibitor production was also observed in A549 cells in response to TGF beta. In contrast to the observations of A549 cells, TGF beta caused a decrease in the expression of both urokinase and the tissue-type PA mRNA in human embryonic WI-38 lung fibroblasts indicating opposite regulation of the expression of PAs in these cells. The results suggest that TGF beta may play a role in the regulation of the invasive, proteolytically active phenotype of certain lung carcinoma cells.     

Differential expression of TGF beta isoforms in murine palatogenesis

We have studied the expression of genes encoding transforming growth factors (TGFs) beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3 during development of the secondary palate in the mouse from 11.5 to 15.5 days postcoitum using in situ hybridisation. The RNA detected at the earliest developmental stage is TGF beta 3, which is localised in the epithelial component of the vertical palatal shelf. This expression continues in the horizontal palatal shelf, predominantly in the medial edge epithelium, and is lost as the epithelial seam disrupts, soon after palatal shelf fusion. TGF beta 1 RNA is expressed with the same epithelial pattern as TGF beta 3, but is not detectable until the horizontal palatal shelf stage. TGF beta 2 RNA is localised to the palatal mesenchyme underlying the medial edge epithelia in the horizontal shelves and in the early postfusion palate. The temporal and spatial distribution of TGF beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3 RNAs in the developing palate, together with a knowledge of in vitro TGF beta biological activities, suggests an important role for TGF beta isoforms in this developmental process.     

Transforming growth factor type beta (TGF beta) inhibits G1 to S transition, but not activation of human B lymphocytes

Type beta transforming growth factor (TGF beta) is a polypeptide that may influence the growth of a variety of cell types in a positive or negative fashion. In this study we show that TGF beta markedly inhibits DNA synthesis in normal and neoplastic human B lymphocytes stimulated to proliferate with anti-immunoglobulins and B-cell growth factor (BCGF). Although TGF beta was needed during the initial 12 h of the culture to promote optimal inhibition, we found that it had little or no effect on several early to intermediate parameters of cell activation [( Ca2+]i increase, c-myc mRNA increase, cellular enlargement, RNA increase, and the increase in the expression of the 4F2 activation antigen). In contrast, TGF beta almost completely blocked the induction of transferrin receptor expression, which normally occurs in the late G1 phase of the cell cycle. Therefore, we conclude that TGF beta treatment leads to arrest of the cells in the middle to late G1 phase, prior to transferrin receptor expression.     

Expression of J1/tenascin in the crypt-villus unit of adult mouse small intestine: implications for its role in epithelial cell shedding.

The localization of the extracellular matrix recognition molecule J1/tenascin was investigated in the crypt-villus unit of the adult mouse ileum by immunoelectron microscopic techniques. In the villus region, J1/tenascin was detected strongly in the extracellular matrix (ECM) between fibroblasts of the lamina propria. It was generally absent in the ECM at the interface between subepithelial fibroblasts and intestinal epithelium, except for some restricted areas along the epithelial basal lamina of villi, but not of crypts. These restricted areas corresponded approximately to the basal part of one epithelial cell. In J1/tenascin-positive areas, epithelial cells contacted the basal lamina with numerous microvillus-like processes, whereas in J1/tenascin-negative areas the basal surface membranes of epithelial cells contacted their basal lamina in a smooth and continuous apposition. In order to characterize the functional role of J1/tenascin in the interaction between epithelial cells and ECM, the intestinal epithelial cell line HT-29 was tested for its ability to adhere to different ECM components. Cells adhered to substratum-immobilized fibronectin, laminin and collagen types I to IV, but not to J1/tenascin. When laminin or collagen types I to IV were mixed with J1/tenascin, cell adhesion was as effective as without J1/tenascin. However, adhesion was completely abolished when cells were offered a mixture of fibronectin and J1/tenascin as substratum. The ability of J1/tenascin to reduce the adhesion of intestinal epithelial cells to their fibronectin-containing basal lamina suggests that J1/tenascin may be involved in the process of physiological cell shedding from the villus.     

Transforming growth factor beta-1 positively modulates the bioactivity of fibroblast growth factor on corneal endothelial cells

Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta-1), known as an inhibitor of vascular endothelial cell proliferation in vitro, stimulates bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCE) proliferation. It also positively modulates the response of BCE cells to fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). This effect is concentration dependent within a physiological range of TGF beta-1, but it is blocked if cells are cultured on extracellular-matrix-coated dishes instead of plastic. TGF beta-1 does not modify the number or the affinity of bFGF receptors on BCE cell surface but increases the bFGF content of these cells. This suggests that TGF beta-1 might act through regulation of bFGF synthesis in BCE cells.     

Extracellular matrix proteins: A positive feedback loop in lung fibrosis?

Lung fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. This not only affects tissue architecture and function, but it also influences fibroblast behavior and thus disease progression. Here we describe the expression of elastin, type V collagen and tenascin C during the development of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. We further report in vitro experiments clarifying both the effect of myofibroblast differentiation on this expression and the effect of extracellular elastin on myofibroblast differentiation.Lung fibrosis was induced in female C57Bl/6 mice by bleomycin instillation. Animals were sacrificed at zero to five weeks after fibrosis induction. Collagen synthesized during the week prior to sacrifice was labeled with deuterium. After sacrifice, lung tissue was collected for determination of new collagen formation, microarray analysis, and histology. Human lung fibroblasts were grown on tissue culture plastic or BioFlex culture plates coated with type I collagen or elastin, and stimulated to undergo myofibroblast differentiation by 0–10 ng/ml transforming growth factor (TGF)β₁. mRNA expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR.New collagen formation during bleomycin-induced fibrosis was highly correlated to gene expression of elastin, type V collagen and tenascin C. At the protein level, elastin, type V collagen and tenascin C were highly expressed in fibrotic areas as seen in histological sections of the lung. Type V collagen and tenascin C were transiently increased. Human lung fibroblasts stimulated with TGFβ₁ strongly increased gene expression of elastin, type V collagen and tenascin C. The extracellular presence of elastin increased gene expression of the myofibroblastic markers α smooth muscle actin and type I collagen.The extracellular matrix composition changes dramatically during the development of lung fibrosis. The increased levels of elastin, type V collagen and tenascin C are probably the result of increased expression by fibroblastic cells; reversely, elastin influences myofibroblast differentiation. This suggests a reciprocal interaction between fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix composition that could enhance the development of lung fibrosis.