Transforming growth factor-beta modulation of glycosaminoglycan production by mesenchymal cells of the developing murine secondary palate

Development of the mammalian secondary palate requires proper production of the extracellular matrix, particularly glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen. Endogenous factors that regulate the metabolism of these molecules are largely undefined. A candidate for a locally derived molecule would be transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) by virtue of its potency as a modulator of extracellular matrix metabolism by several cell lines. We have thus attempted to assign a regulatory role for TGF beta 1 in modulation of GAG production and degradation by mesenchymal cells of the murine embryonic palate (MEPM). Treatment with TGF beta 1 or TGF beta 2, but not IGF-II, resulted in a stimulation of total GAG synthesis. Furthermore, cells treated with both TGF beta 1 and TGF alpha showed a synergistic increase in GAG synthesis if pretreated with TGF beta 1 but not TGF alpha. Simultaneous stimulation with TGF beta 1 and TGF beta 2 did not elicit a synergistic response. These studies demonstrate the ability of TGF beta, synthesized by embryonic palatal cells, to specifically stimulate GAG synthesis by MEPM cells. Other growth factors present in the developing craniofacial region may also modulate TGF beta-induced GAG synthesis, a biosynthetic process critical to normal development of the embryonic palate.     

Transforming growth factor beta type 1 binds to collagen IV of basement membrane matrix: implications for development

The interaction of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) with extracellular matrix macromolecules was examined by using radiolabeled TGF beta and various matrix macromolecules immobilized on nitrocellulose. TGF beta bound to collagen IV with greater affinity than to other extracellular matrix macromolecules tested. Neither laminin nor fibronectin, both of which bind type IV collagen, interfered with the binding of TGF beta to type IV collagen. TGF beta 2 competed effectively with TGF beta 1 for binding to type IV collagen. The biological effect of TGF beta was tested by an assay based on inhibition of proliferation of an osteoblast cell line, MC3T3-E1. The results demonstrated that the effect of TGF beta 1 was sustained when cells were grown on type IV collagen compared to cells grown on laminin, collagen type I, and plastic. These results demonstrate that extracellular matrix components may function as an affinity matrix for binding and immobilizing soluble growth and differentiation factors. In view of the demonstrated role of basement membranes in development the present results imply an important function for transforming growth factor beta bound to collagen IV in local regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation.     

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.     

Down-regulation of Id-1 expression is associated with TGF beta 1-induced growth arrest in prostate epithelial cells

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF beta 1) plays important roles in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation in both normal and malignant prostate epithelial cells. Although certain pathways have been suggested, the mechanisms responsible for the action of TGF beta 1 are not well understood. In the present study, using a human papilloma virus 16 E6/E7 immortalized prostate epithelial cell line, HPr-1, we report that TGF beta 1 was able to suppress the expression of Id-1, a helix-loop-helix (HLH) protein, which plays important roles in the inhibition of cell differentiation and growth arrest. In addition, a decrease at both Id-1 mRNA and protein expression levels was associated with TGF beta 1-induced growth arrest and differentiation, indicating that Id-1 may be involved in TGF beta 1 signaling pathway. The fact that up-regulation of p21(WAF1), one of the downstream effectors of Id-1, was observed after exposure to TGF beta 1 further indicates the involvement of Id-1 in the TGF beta 1-induced growth arrest in HPr-1 cells. However, increased expression of p27(KIP1) was also observed in the TGF beta 1-treated cells, suggesting that in addition to down-regulation of Id-1, other factors may be involved in the TGF beta 1-induced cell growth arrest and differentiation in prostate epithelial cells. Our results provide evidence for the first time that TGF beta 1 may be one of the upstream regulators of Id-1.     

The antiproliferative effect of type beta transforming growth factor occurs at a level distal from receptors for growth-activating factors

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) from human platelets blocks the ability of Mv1Lu mink lung epithelial cells to grow in response to serum mitogens, epidermal growth factor (EGF), or insulin. The phenotypic response of Mv1Lu cells to TGF beta is characterized by a flat, very enlarged cell morphology and a markedly increased production and accumulation of extracellular matrix fibronectin. The ability of TGF beta to alter the ligand binding or signal transducing activity of mitogen receptors in Mv1Lu cells has been examined. In contrast to NRK-49F rat fibroblasts, Mv1Lu cells do not respond to TGF beta with a decrease in the affinity or a change in the number of cell surface receptors for EGF. Soluble extracts from Mv1Lu cells contain a protein kinase activity which selectively phosphorylates ribosomal protein S6; this S6 kinase activity is elevated severalfold minutes after exposure of cells to mitogens. This kinase activity has been used as the parameter to measure the signaling ability of EGF receptors and insulin receptors in cells treated with TGF beta. We find that TGF beta does not alter the basal level of S6 kinase activity or its elevation by EGF or insulin. In TGF beta-treated cells rendered insensitive to the growth-promoting action of EGF, the parameters of elevation of S6 kinase activity by EGF are similar to those of control, growth-competent cells. The results suggest that TGF beta inhibits cell proliferation by acting at a level distal from the receptors for growth-activating factors.     

Stimulation of plasma membrane and matrix vesicle enzyme activity by transforming growth factor-beta in osteosarcoma cell cultures

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) serves an important role in extracellular matrix formation by stimulating the production of numerous extracellular matrix proteins by connective tissue cells and by osteoblasts or bone-forming cells. TGF beta has been shown to stimulate alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity in the rat osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cell line ROS 17/2.8. Previous studies have shown that this enzyme is elevated during calcification of bone and that it is enriched in matrix vesicles, an extracellular organelle associated with initial hydroxyapatite formation. To test the hypothesis that TGF beta plays a role in regulating mineral deposition in the matrix, the effects of TGF beta on ALPase and phospholipase A2, two enzymes associated with mineralization, were examined. ROS 17/2.8 cells were cultured at high and low density with recombinant human TGF beta (0.1-10 ng/ml) to examine the influence of cell maturation on response to TGF beta. Maximal stimulation of ALPase activity in the low density cultures was seen at 5 ng/ml; in high-density cultures, there was further stimulation at 10 ng/ml. There was a dose-dependent increase in ALPase activity seen in the matrix vesicles and plasma membranes in both types of cultures. Matrix vesicle ALPase exhibited a greater response to factor than did the plasma membrane enzyme. However, in low-density cultures, the two membrane fractions exhibited a parallel response with greatest activity consistently in the matrix vesicles. There was a dose-dependent increase in phospholipase A2-specific activity in the plasma membranes and matrix vesicles of both high- and low-density cultures. In agreement with previous studies, TGF beta inhibited cellular proliferation 50%. The results show that addition of TGF beta stimulates the activity of enzymes associated with calcification. The effect of TGF beta is dependent on the stage of maturation of the cell. This study indicates that TGF beta may play an important role in induced bone formation, calcification, and fracture repair in addition to its role in promoting chondrogenesis.     

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.     

Transforming growth factor-beta does not alter interleukin-1 expression in cultured human macrophages

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) is a growth modulator that stimulates the growth of fibroblastic cells but inhibits the growth of cells of epithelial origin. TGF beta also influences the production of extracellular matrix proteins, and of proteases and the type 1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) by cultured cells. TGF beta appears also to have various immunoregulatory effects, suppressing both T- and B-cell activities. It has been proposed that it might increase the expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) mRNA in cultured human monocytes, thus potentiating immune functions. To analyze the role of TGF beta in IL-1 production we have now quantitated the effect of this factor on the production of biologically active IL-1 as well as IL-1 beta mRNA expression. The effect of TGF beta on IL-1 production optimally activated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was also studied. It was found that IL-1 activity and mRNA levels were rapidly elevated by LPS but not by TGF beta. Culture fluids from monocytes treated with TGF beta alone or with TGF beta plus LPS inhibited the proliferation of the test thymocytes. After gel filtration, the media from TGF beta-treated cultures showed no activity in the molecular weight area of IL-1 (approx. 15 kD), while the supernatants from TGF beta plus LPS-induced cells contained IL-1 activity in these fractions, the magnitude of which was, however, at the same level as in the culture fluids derived from cells stimulated with LPS alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The novel primary response gene MyD118 and the proto-oncogenes myb, myc, and bcl-2 modulate transforming growth factor beta 1-induced apoptosis of myeloid leukemia cells.

Cell numbers are regulated by a balance among proliferation, growth arrest, and programmed cell death. A profound example of cell homeostasis, controlled throughout life, is the complex process of blood cell development, yet little is understood about the intracellular mechanisms that regulate blood cell growth arrest and programmed cell death. In this work, using transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1)-treated M1 myeloid leukemia cells and genetically engineered M1 cell variants, the regulation of growth arrest and apoptosis was dissected. Blocking of early expression of MyD118, a novel differentiation primary response gene also shown to be a primary response gene induced by TGF beta 1, delayed TGF beta 1-induced apoptosis, demonstrating that MyD118 is a positive modulator of TGF beta 1-mediated cell death. Elevated expression of bcl-2 blocked the TGF beta 1-induced apoptotic pathway but not growth arrest induced by TGF beta 1. Deregulated expression of either c-myc or c-myb inhibited growth arrest and accelerated apoptosis, demonstrating for the first time that c-myb plays a role in regulating apoptosis. In all cases, the apoptotic response was correlated with the level of MyD118 expression. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the primary response gene MyD118 and the c-myc, c-myb, and bcl-2 proto-oncogenes interact to modulate growth arrest and apoptosis of myeloid cells.     

TGF beta-induced growth inhibition in primary fibroblasts requires the retinoblastoma protein.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) inhibits cell proliferation by inducing a G1 cell-cycle arrest. Cyclin/CDK complexes have been implicated in this arrest, because TGF beta treatment leads to inhibition of cyclin/CDK activity. We have investigated the role of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) in TGF beta-induced growth arrest by using RB+/+ and RB-/- primary mouse embryo fibroblasts. In both of these cell types, TGF beta inhibits CDK4-associated kinase activity. However, whereas CDK2-associated kinase activity was completely inhibited by TGF beta in the wild-type cells, it was reduced only slightly in the RB mutant cells. In addition, at high-cell density the growth-inhibitory effects of TGF beta are no longer observed in the RB-/- cells; on the contrary, TGF beta treatment promotes the growth of these mutant fibroblasts. Thus, under certain cellular growth conditions, elimination of pRb transforms the growth-inhibitory effects of TGF beta into growth-stimulatory effects. These observations could help to explain why TGF beta is often found to enhance tumorigenicity in vivo and why inactivation of the RB gene leads to tumorigenesis.     

Type beta transforming growth factor (TGF beta) regulation of alkaline phosphatase expression and other phenotype-related mRNAs in osteoblastic rat osteosarcoma cells

TGF beta 1 from porcine platelets increased alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity in the rat osteoblastic cell line ROS 17/2.8 about three-fold. This effect was dose-dependent with an ED50 of about approximately 0.2 ng/ml and was larger during logarithmic growth than at confluence. TGF beta 1 inhibited cell growth by about 30% with similar dose dependence. Thirty min exposure to TGF beta 1 was sufficient to increase AP activity 3 days later by about two-fold but did not affect cell growth, suggesting dissociation between effects on proliferation and differentiation. The rise in AP activity started 6 h after TGF beta 1 addition and was blocked by cycloheximide and actinomycin D. TGF beta 1 also increased AP mRNA by two- to three-fold and this effect was not blocked by cycloheximide. The half-life of AP mRNA, estimated following the addition of 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole was about ten h in both control and TGF beta 1-treated cells. The mRNAs for type I procollagen and osteonectin were also increased by TGF beta 1 but fibronectin mRNA was decreased. TGF beta 2 effects on AP and cell growth were similar to those of TGF beta 1, except for lack of activity following transient exposure. At saturating concentrations, TGF beta 2 (2 ng/ml) or dexamethasone (10(-7) M), which has similar effects on these cells, did not further augment the effects of TGF beta 1 (at 2 ng/ml). Above findings suggest that TGF beta promotes osteoblastic differentiation in rat osteosarcoma cells at least in part by acting at the pretranslational level.     

Establishment of a mammalian cell line suitable for industrial production of recombinant protein using mutations induced by high-energy beam radiation

Mammalian cells are extensively used for production of biopharmaceuticals. Most cells used in industry have infinite proliferative capacity, which provides a high number of cells and corresponding productivity. However, infinite cells will continue to multiply even after cell density reaches sufficient levels. This excess proliferation aggravates the culture environment and induces low productivity. Therefore, after cell density reaches sufficient levels, downregulation of proliferation would prevent such aggravation and extend the culture period and improve productivity. To realize such suitable proliferation, we aimed to establish a novel cell line whose proliferation was spontaneously downregulated after reaching a sufficient population level. Mutagenesis using high-energy beam irradiation was used. CHO-DP12 cells were irradiated with 2.5 Gy X-rays and screened with hydroxyurea and 5-fluorouracil to eliminate any cells multiplying after confluence and to concentrate desired mutants. One clone was established and named CHO-M1. Cell cycle analysis indicated that CHO-M1 cells had a similar cell cycle profile in the exponential growth phase, but cells rapidly accumulated in G1 phase just before confluence and did not progress through the cell cycle. This suggested that until confluence, proliferation of CHO-M1 was similar to parental CHO, but after confluence, it was inhibited and under G1 arrest. The specific antibody production rate of CHO-M1 was kept high, even after confluence, while that of parental CHO was drastically decreased in stationary phase. These results suggest that the desired cell line was successfully established and that high-energy beam irradiation could be an efficient mutagenic technique for breeding industrial cells.     

Modulation of vitamin A metabolism during hepatic and intestinal cell culture

Vitamin A metabolism was studied in vitro, contrasting primary cultures of hepatocytes, passaged cultures of Ito cells (non-parenchymal fat-storing hepatic cells) and IEC-6 intestinal crypt cells. The regulation of the retinyl esterification process, the central process in vitamin A storage, was evaluated. The potential influence of variations in the cell's surrounding extracellular collagen millieu was considered by growing the cells on either a type I collagen matrix, a type IV collagen matrix or a basement membrane-like matrix. The various matrices were used to stimulate changes in the extracellular collagen millieu which may occur during various fibrogenic states. In addition, the co-modulating influence of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) was considered since this ubiquitous peptide may be prominently involved in tissue fibrosis, a process which may be associated with alterations in intracellular vitamin A. It was found that each cell type had its own characteristic response to the various collagen surfaces and TGF beta. There was a reduction in retinyl esterification when the hepatic cells were grown on a type I collagen matrix in the presence of TGF beta which might simulate a 'fibrogenic' environment. This did not appear to be due to changes in retinyl ester stability. The TGF beta response may be somewhat cell specific, since TGF beta exposure increased the amount of retinyl esterification in the intestinal cell line. These studies suggest that vitamin A storage may be affected by changes in the surrounding extracellular matrix and by soluble cytokine mediators.     

Transforming growth factor beta gene expression and action in the seminiferous tubule: peritubular cell-Sertoli cell interactions

The potential role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) as a mediator of cell-cell interactions within the seminiferous tubule was investigated through an examination of the local production and action of TGF beta. Sertoli cells and peritubular (myoid) cells were isolated and cultured under serum-free conditions. Secreted proteins from Sertoli cells and peritubular cells were found to contain a component that bound to TGF beta receptors in RRA. Reverse-phase chromatography of Sertoli cell and peritubular cell secreted proteins fractionated a protein with similar biochemical properties as TGF beta 1. This fractionated protein also contained TGF beta bioactivity in its ability to inhibit growth of an epidermal growth factor-dependent cell line. Both peritubular cells and Sertoli cells contained a 2.4 kilobase mRNA species that hybridized in a Northern blot analysis with a TGF beta 1 cDNA probe. TGF beta 1 gene expression was not detected in freshly isolated germ cells. TGF beta 1 alone was not found to influence Sertoli cell nor peritubular cell proliferation with cells isolated from a midpubertal stage of development. The effects of hormones and TGF beta on Sertoli cell differentiation and function were assessed through an examination of transferrin production by Sertoli cells. TGF beta 1 had no effect on transferrin production nor the ability of hormones to influence transferrin production. The presence of peritubular cells in a coculture with Sertoli cells also did not affect the inability of TGF beta 1 to act on Sertoli cells. Although Sertoli cell function did not appear to be influenced by TGF beta 1, peritubular cells responded to TGF beta 1 through an increase in the production of a number of radiolabeled secreted proteins. TGF beta 1 also had relatively rapid effects on peritubular cell migration and the promotion of colony formation in culture. Cocultures of Sertoli cells and peritubular cells responded to TGF beta 1 by the formation of large cell clusters with ball-like structures. Data indicate that TGF beta may have an important role in influencing the differentiation and migration of peritubular cells. Observations demonstrate the local production of TGF beta within the seminiferous tubule by Sertoli cells and peritubular cells and suggest that TGF beta may have a role as a paracrine-autocrine factor involved in the maintenance of testicular function.     

Trans-differentiation of alveolar epithelial type II cells to type I cells involves autocrine signaling by transforming growth factor beta 1 through the Smad pathway

Type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC II) proliferate and transdifferentiate into type I alveolar epithelial cells (AEC I) when the normal AEC I population is damaged in the lung alveoli. We hypothesized that signaling by transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF beta1), through its downstream Smad proteins, is involved in keeping AEC II quiescent in normal cells and its altered signaling may be involved in the trans-differentiation of AEC II to AEC I. In the normal lung, TGF beta1 and Smad4 were highly expressed in AEC II. Using an in vitro cell culture model, we demonstrated that the trans-differentiation of AEC II into AEC I-like cells began with a proliferative phase, followed by a differentiation phase. The expression of TGF beta1, Smad2, and Samd3 and their phosphorylated protein forms, and cell cycle inhibitors, p15(Ink4b) and p21(Cip1), was lower during the proliferative phase but higher during the differentiation phase. Furthermore, cyclin-dependent kinases 2, 4, and 6 showed an opposite trend of expression. TGF beta1 secretion into the media increased during the differentiation phase, indicating an autocrine regulation. The addition of TGF beta1 neutralizing antibody after the proliferative phase and silencing of Smad4 by RNA interference inhibited the trans-differentiation process. In summary, our results suggest that the trans-differentiation of AEC II to AEC I is modulated by signaling through the Smad-dependent TGF beta1 pathway by altering the expression of proteins that control the G1 to S phase entry in the cell cycle.     

Phenotypic transformation of normal rat kidney cells by transforming growth factor beta is not paralleled by enhanced production of a platelet-derived growth factor.

Phenotypic transformation of normal rat kidney (NRK) cells requires the concerted action of multiple polypeptide growth factors. Serum-deprived NRK cells cultured in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) become density-inhibited at confluence, but they can be restimulated by a number of defined polypeptide growth factors, resulting in phenotypic cellular transformation. Kinetic data show that restimulation by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and retinoic acid is delayed when compared to induction by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), indicating that both TGF beta and retinoic acid may exert their growth-stimulating action by an indirect mechanism. Northern blot analysis shows that NRK cells express the genes for various polypeptide growth factors, including TGF beta 1, PDGF A-chain and basic fibroblast growth factor, but that the levels of expression are not affected by TGF beta or retinoic acid treatment. NRK cells also secrete low amounts of a PDGF-like growth factor into their extracellular medium, but the levels of secretion are insufficient to induce mitogenic stimulation and are unaffected by agents inducing phenotypic transformation. In combination with studies on the effects of anti-PDGF antibodies, it is concluded that phenotypic transformation of NRK cells by TGF beta and retinoic acid is not the result of enhanced production of a PDGF-like growth factor.     

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.