Three-dimensional Model Structure for the Extracellular Domains of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor - 1 (FGFR-1)

We have developed a model for the two immunoglobulin-like extracellular domains DII and DIII of the FGF receptor 1 (FGFR-1), giving a special attention to the determination of the appropriate Ig set. The DII domain was aligned with the C-terminal domain of myosin light chain kinase (telokin) of the I set, and the DIII domain with the variable domain of the Bence-Jones immunoglobulin of the V set. Two assemblies, corresponding to different propositions for the domains relative orientation, have been refined and compared.Electronic Supplementary Material available.     

缺氧诱导因子1α、血管内皮生长因子和成纤维细胞生长因子在胰腺癌中的表达及意义

目的：研究胰腺癌组织中缺氧诱导因子1alpha（Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha,HIF-1α）、血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF）和成纤维细胞生长因子（fibroblast growth factor,FGF）的表达并探讨其意义。方法：Western blot法检测22例胰腺癌及癌旁组织中HIF-1α、VEGF和FGF蛋白的表达,分析HIF-1α与VEGF、FGF之间的相关性以及与性别、年龄、肿瘤大小、淋巴结转移和TNM分期之间的关系。结果：HIF-1α、VEGF和FGF在胰腺癌组织中的蛋白表达水平明显高于胰腺癌周组织（P〈0.01）,HIF-1α与VEGF、FGF之间的表达具有显著相关性（P〈0.01）。HIF-1α的表达与胰腺癌的TNM分期、肿瘤大小和淋巴结转移有关（P〈0.01）,VEGF和FGF的表达与胰腺癌的肿瘤大小和淋巴结转移有关（P〈0.05）。结论：HIF-1α可以上调VEGF和FGF的表达,在胰腺癌的发生、发展中起着重要作用。     

Involvement of Nerve Growth Factor and Its Receptor in the Regulation of the Cholinergic Function in Aged Rats

The role of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptor (NGFR) in the regulation of cholinergic activity has been studied during the aging process. NGFRs were quantified in cortical membranes using a radioactive binding assay. NGF levels and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity were determined in cortex, hippocampus, neostriatum, and septum. These assays were performed in both adult (6-month-old) and aged (36-month-old) rats. High- and low-affinity 125I-NGF binding sites were present in cortex of adult and aged rats. Furthermore, we observed a decrease in number and affinity of both NGFRs in aged rats. ChAT activity in these rats was lower (approximately 30%) than in adult rats in all the brain regions examined. NGF levels were not modified in cortex and hippocampus and were decreased in neostriatum (55%) and septum (35%). In conclusion, our results suggest that, during the aging process, the cholinergic impairment is related to a decrease in NGF levels in neostriatum but not in cortex and hippocampus. The reduction in level of NGF protein in septum could be due to a decrease in number of high-affinity 125I-NGF binding sites.     

血清骨桥蛋白、胸苷激酶1、成纤维细胞生长因子受体4与局部晚期宫颈癌患者新辅助化疗疗效的关系研究

摘要 目的：探讨血清骨桥蛋白（OPN）、胸苷激酶1（TK1）、成纤维细胞生长因子受体4（FGFR4）与局部晚期宫颈癌（LACC）患者新辅助化疗疗效的关系。方法：选择2011年8月至2019年7月贵州医科大学附属肿瘤医院收治的160例LACC患者,均接受3个周期的紫杉醇和卡铂新辅助化疗,根据疗效将患者分为有效组和无效组。化疗前检测血清OPN、TK1、FGFR4水平,比较两组上述指标差异。收集相关资料,以多因素Logistic回归分析LACC患者新辅助化疗疗效的影响因素。采用受试者工作特征（ROC）曲线分析OPN、TK1、FGFR4对新辅助化疗疗效的预测价值。结果：160例患者均顺利完成新辅助化疗,治疗有效129例（有效组）,无效31例（无效组）。无效组血清OPN、TK1、FGFR4水平均高于有效组（P＜0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,FIGO分期为Ⅲ期、IVA期以及血清OPN、TK1、FGFR4水平较高是影响LACC患者新辅助化疗疗效的危险因素（P＜0.05）。血清OPN、TK1、FGFR4预测LACC患者新辅助化疗疗效的ROC曲线下面积分别为0.831、0.695、0.767,三项联合预测的曲线下面积为0.893,高于各指标单独检测。结论：LACC患者新辅助化疗疗效受到FIGO分期和血清OPN、TK1、FGFR4水平影响,联合检测血清OPN、TK1、FGFR4水平对LACC患者新辅助化疗疗效具有一定的预测价值。     

表皮生长因子和胰岛素对大熊猫体外培养皮肤成纤维细胞生物学特性的影响

用DME:Ham's F12(1∶1)培养液,添加3个水平的表皮生长因子和2个水平的胰岛素,组合成6种 培养体系(CS)分别培养大熊猫皮肤成纤维细胞。通过对细胞生长速度和染色体数目变异率进行测定,测得在 添加10μg／mL的胰岛素和40 ng／mL的表皮生长因子的培养体系(CS-5)中:以(1．673±0．185)×105／mL密 度接种细胞,经3．5 d,密度达到6．890×105／mL,其生长速度最快;染色体数目为二倍体细胞的比率75．77％; 核型分析显示,培养的细胞是大熊猫体细胞。综合衡量,CS-5更适合大熊猫皮肤成纤维细胞的培养。     

Dynamic Changes of p27<Superscript>kip1</Superscript> and Skp2 Expression in Injured Rat Sciatic Nerve

S phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2), an F-box protein, is required for the ubiquitination and consequent degradation of p27^kip1. Previous reports have showed that p27^kip1 played important roles in cell cycle regulation and neurogenesis in the developing central nervous system. But the distribution and function of p27^kip1 and Skp2 in nervous system lesion and regeneration remains unclear. In this study, we observed that they were expressed mainly in both Schwann cells and axons in adult rat sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve crush and transection resulted in a significant up-regulation of Skp2 and a down-regulation of p27^kip1. By immunochemistry, we found that in the distal stumps of transected nerve from the end to the edge, the appearance of Skp2 in the edge is coincided with the decrease in p27^kip1 levels. Changes of them were inversely correlated. Results obtained by coimmunoprecipitation and double labeling further showed their interaction in the regenerating process. Thus, these results indicate that p27^kip1 and Skp2 likely play an important role in peripheral nerve injury and regeneration. Ai-Guo Shen and Shu-Xian Shi contributed equally to this work.     

人表皮生长因子受体在大肠杆菌菌膜上功能性表达

为将人表皮生长因子(EGF)受体膜外第Ⅲ功能区(hEGF-RⅢ)表达于大肠杆菌菌膜上,重组构建了EGF-RⅢ表达载体,并转化获得大肠杆菌表达株.放射性受体分析发现¹²⁵I-EGF可与表达菌特异性结合,其特异性结合量随反应的时间和温度而变化,Scatchard分析显示表达菌表达单一亲和性受体,其解离常数为3.0×10^-11 mol/L,每个细菌约有738个结合位点.免疫电镜显示EGF-RⅢ多分布于细菌菌膜上.     

Effects of Nerve Growth Factor and Phorbol Derivative on Reactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 in Cultured Cells of Latently Infected Adult Mouse Trigeminal Ganglia

Reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) occurred rapidly in cells of latently infected adult mouse trigeminal ganglia which were cultured in serum-free medium in the presence of sufficient nerve growth factor (NGF). However, HSV-1 reactivation was delayed significantly in ganglionic cultures in the absence of exogenous NGF or in cultures treated with 2-aminopurine in the presence of NGF. The delayed viral reactivation in ganglionic cultures without NGF was accelerated by treatment with phorbol myristate acetate or dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Culture conditions which affected HSV-1 reactivation did not affect replication of HSV-1 in normal ganglionic cultures.     

Deletion of the PH-domain and Leucine-rich Repeat Protein Phosphatase 1 (Phlpp1) Increases Fibroblast Growth Factor (Fgf) 18 Expression and Promotes Chondrocyte Proliferation

Endochondral ossification orchestrates formation of the vertebrate skeleton and is often induced during disease and repair processes of the musculoskeletal system. Here we show that the protein phosphatase Phlpp1 regulates endochondral ossification. Phlpp1 null mice exhibit decreased bone mass and notable changes in the growth plate, including increased BrdU incorporation and matrix production. Phosphorylation of known Phlpp1 substrates, Akt2, PKC, and p70 S6 kinase, were enhanced in ex vivo cultured Phlpp1^−/− chondrocytes. Furthermore, Phlpp1 deficiency diminished FoxO1 levels leading to increased expression of Fgf18, Mek/Erk activity, and chondrocyte metabolic activity. Phlpp inhibitors also increased matrix content, Fgf18 production and Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Chemical inhibition of Fgfr-signaling abrogated elevated Erk1/2 phosphorylation and metabolic activity in Phlpp1-null cultures. These results demonstrate that Phlpp1 controls chondrogenesis via multiple mechanisms and that Phlpp1 inhibition could be a strategy to promote cartilage regeneration and repair.     

抗血管内皮生长因子受体2双价单链抗体的构建表达及其活性研究

为了竞争性抑制血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)与其受体(VEGFR-2)的结合,构建表达了能够与VEGFR-2胞外3区(KDR3)特异结合的双价单链抗体(bivalent single-chain Fv,BsFv),并鉴定其生物活性。以KDR3特异结合单链抗体AK404(scFv AK404)基因为模板,设计引物引入中间连接肽(G₄S)₃连接两个scFv片段,将其克隆入原核表达载体pET22b,并转化至大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中诱导表达,表达产物依次经过镍柱亲和层析纯化和透析复性;基于生物膜层表面干涉技术(Bio-Layer Interferometry,BLI)技术的体外亲和力监测实验和VEGF诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC)增殖实验鉴定表达产物与KDR结合的活性。酶切鉴定和DNA测序结果表明BsFv构建成功;SDS-PAGE显示37 ℃下1 mmol/L IPTG诱导细菌6 h获得包涵体,经镍柱亲和层析纯化和透析复性得到纯度为90%的BsFv;经Western blotting鉴定为目的蛋白;体外结合实验表明:BsFv特异性结合KDR胞外3区的亲合力约为单价抗体AK404的2倍;内皮细胞增殖抑制实验表明:BsFv可剂量依赖性地抑制HUVEC细胞增殖,且其抑制效果强于AK404。上述结果表明:BsFv在抗血管生成活性方面比其scFv具有明显优势,为进一步用于抗血管生成抗肿瘤治疗和肿瘤诊断奠定了基础。     

Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (Flk-1) Expression in Vascular Endothelial Cells

We have previously reported the existence of a synergistic interaction between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the induction of angiogenesisin vitro.Here we demonstrate that bFGF increases VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2/Flk-1) expression: mRNA levels were increased by 4.5- to 8.0-fold and total protein by 2.0- to 3.5-fold, in bovine microvascular endothelial (BME), aortic endothelial (BAE), and transformed fetal aortic (GM7373) endothelial cells. VEGF itself did not affect VEGFR-2 expression, and neither bFGF nor VEGF altered expression of FGF receptor-1. We also show that synergism occurs at the level of proliferation when this is measured in a three-dimensional but not in a conventional two-dimensional assay. Differences in the level of VEGFR-2 expression were also observed when cells were grown on or within collagen gels under different conditions: mRNA levels were lowest under sparse conditions, increased 20- to 26-fold at confluence, and increased even further (57-fold) when cells were cultured in suspension in three-dimensional collagen gels. Finally, a synergistic increase was seen in the level of expression of urokinase and urokinase receptor mRNAs when cells were exposed to bFGF and VEGF for 4 days. These findings demonstrate that the level of VEGFR-2 expression can be modulated by environmental factors including cytokines and the geometry of the culture conditions and provide some insight into the mechanisms of synergism between bFGF and VEGF in the induction of angiogenesisin vitro.     

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2)-dependent Oligomerization of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) Triggers the Formation of a Lipidic Membrane Pore Implicated in Unconventional Secretion

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a critical mitogen with a central role in specific steps of tumor-induced angiogenesis. It is known to be secreted by unconventional means bypassing the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi-dependent secretory pathway. However, the mechanism of FGF2 membrane translocation into the extracellular space has remained elusive. Here, we show that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-dependent membrane recruitment causes FGF2 to oligomerize, which in turn triggers the formation of a lipidic membrane pore with a putative toroidal structure. This process is strongly up-regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation of FGF2. Our findings explain key requirements of FGF2 secretion from living cells and suggest a novel self-sustained mechanism of protein translocation across membranes with a lipidic membrane pore being a transient translocation intermediate.     

Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) I Down-Regulates Type 1 IGF Receptor (IGF 1R) and Reduces the IGF I Response in A549 Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Saos-2/B-10 Osteoblastic Osteosarcoma Cells

The insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF 1R) mediates the acute metabolic effects of IGF I as well as IGF I-stimulated cell proliferation and protection from apoptosis. IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) can modulate these responses. We, therefore, investigated whether intrinsic IGFBPs interfere with IGF I-induced regulation of IGF 1R expression and with the biological response to IGF I in two human tumor cell lines, the non-small-cell lung cancer cell line A549 and the osteoblastic osteosarcoma cell line Saos-2/B-10. We compared the growth rates, IGFBP production, IGF I binding characteristics, IGF 1R protein and mRNA levels, and the acute IGF I response (stimulation of glycogen synthesis) after pretreatment of the cells in serum-free medium with or without added IGF I or medium supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum (FCS). In contrast to A549 cells, which produce IGF I and significant amounts of IGFBPs, survival and proliferation of Saos-2/B-10 cells, which do not produce IGF I or significant amounts of IGFBPs, depended on the addition of exogenous IGF I. IGF I increased the concentration of IGFBP-2 and -3 and decreased the concentration of IGFBP-4 in the medium of A549 cells. As compared to FCS, IGF I pretreatment in both cell lines decreased the number of specific IGF I binding sites, down-regulated total and membrane IGF 1R protein, and largely reduced or abolished the acute IGF I response without affecting IGF 1R mRNA levels. The data suggest that the IGF 1R protein of the two cell lines is translationally and/or posttranslationally down-regulated by its ligand in the presence and in the absence of locally produced IGFBPs and that the cell lines have retained this negative feedback to counteract IGF I stimulation.     

Evidence for Multiple, Local Functions of Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) in Retinal Development: Expression of CNTF and Its Receptor and In Vitro Effects on Target Cells

Abstract: There is increasing, although largely indirect, evidence that neurotrophic factors not only function as target-derived survival factors for projection neurons, but also act locally to regulate developmental processes. We studied the expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and the CNTF-specific ligand-binding α-subunit of the CNTF receptor complex (CNTFRα) in the rat retina, a well-defined CNS model system, and CNTF effects on cultured retinal neurons. Both CNTF and CNTFRα (mRNA and protein) are expressed during phases of retinal neurogenesis and differentiation. Retina-specific Müller glia are immunocytochemically identified as the site of CNTF production and CNTFRα-expressing, distinct neuronal cell types as potential CNTF targets. Biological effects on corresponding neurons in culture further support the conclusion that locally supplied CNTF plays a regulatory role in the development of various retinal cell types including ganglion cells and interneurons.     

Differential Roles of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFR) 1, 2 and 3 in the Regulation of S115 Breast Cancer Cell Growth

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) regulate the growth and progression of breast cancer. FGF signaling is transduced through FGF receptors 1–4, which have oncogenic or anti-oncogenic roles depending on the ligand and the cellular context. Our aim was to clarify the roles of FGFR1–3 in breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Pools of S115 mouse breast cancer cells expressing shRNA against FGFR1, 2 and 3 were created by lentiviral gene transfer, resulting in cells with downregulated expression of FGFR1, FGFR2 or FGFR3 (shR1, shR2 and shR3 cells, respectively) and shLacZ controls. FGFR1-silenced shR1 cells formed small, poorly vascularized tumors in nude mice. Silencing of FGFR2 in shR2 cells was associated with strong upregulation of FGFR1 expression and the formation of large, highly vascularized tumors compared to the control tumors. Silencing FGFR3 did not affect cell survival or tumor growth. Overexpressing FGFR2 in control cells did not affect FGFR1 expression, suggesting that high FGFR1 expression in shR2 cells and tumors was associated with FGFR2 silencing by indirect mechanisms. The expression of FGFR1 was, however, increased by the addition of FGF-8 to starved shLacZ or MCF-7 cells and decreased by the FGFR inhibitor PD173074 in shR2 cells with an elevated FGFR1 level. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that FGFR1 is crucial for S115 breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth and angiogenesis, whereas FGFR2 and FGFR3 are less critical for the growth of these cells. The results also suggest that the expression of FGFR1 itself is regulated by FGF-8 and FGF signaling, which may be of importance in breast tumors expressing FGFs at a high level.     

Kynurenic Acid Inhibits the Release of the Neurotrophic Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)-1 and Enhances Proliferation of Glia Cells, <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis>

1. Kynurenic (KYNA) and quinolinic (QUIN) acids are neuroactive tryptophan metabolites formed along the kynurenine pathway: the first is considered a non-competitive antagonist and the second an agonist of glutamate receptors of NMDA type. The affinity of these compounds for glutamate receptors is, however, relatively low and does not explain KYNA neuroprotective actions in models of post-ischemic brain damage. 2. We evaluated KYNA effects on the release of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1, a potent neurotrophic cytokine. Because KYNA exhibits a neuroprotective profile in vitro and in vivo, we anticipated that it could function as an autocrine/paracrine inducer of FGF-1 release. Studies were performed in several models of FGF-1 secretion (FGF-1 transfected NIH 3T3 cells exposed to heat shock, A375 melanoma cells exposed to serum starvation, growth factor deprived human endothelial cells). To our surprise, KYNA, at low concentration, inhibited FGF-1 release in all cellular models. QUIN, a compound having opposite effects on glutamate receptors, also reduced this release, but its potency was significantly lower than that of KYNA. 3. KYNA and QUIN also displayed a major stimulatory effect on the proliferation rate of mouse microglia and human glioblastoma cells, in vitro. 4. Our data suggest that minor changes of local KYNA concentration may modulate FGF-1 release, cell proliferation, and ultimately tissue damage in different pathological conditions.     

Regulation of Ligand and Shear Stress-induced Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) Signaling by the Integrin Pathway

Mechanical loading of the skeleton, as achieved during daily movement and exercise, preserves bone mass and stimulates bone formation, whereas skeletal unloading from prolonged immobilization leads to bone loss. A functional interplay between the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), a major player in skeletal development, and integrins, mechanosensors, is thought to regulate the anabolic response of osteogenic cells to mechanical load. The mechanistic basis for this cross-talk is unclear. Here we report that integrin signaling regulates activation of IGF1R and downstream targets in response to both IGF1 and a mechanical stimulus. In addition, integrins potentiate responsiveness of IGF1R to IGF1 and mechanical forces. We demonstrate that integrin-associated kinases, Rous sarcoma oncogene (SRC) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), display distinct actions on IGF1 signaling; FAK regulates IGF1R activation and its downstream effectors, AKT and ERK, whereas SRC controls signaling downstream of IGF1R. These findings linked to our observation that IGF1 assembles the formation of a heterocomplex between IGF1R and integrin β3 subunit indicate that the regulation of IGF1 signaling by integrins proceeds by direct receptor-receptor interaction as a possible means to translate biomechanical forces into osteoanabolic signals.     

Differential tyrosine phosphorylation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor-1 and receptor proximal signal transduction in response to FGF-2 and heparin

The sulfated regions in heparan sulfate and heparin are known to affect fibroblast growth factor (FGF) function. We have studied the mechanism whereby heparin directs FGF-2-induced FGF receptor-1 (FGFR-1) signal transduction. FGF-2 alone stimulated maximal phosphorylation of Src homology domain 2 tyrosine phosphatase (SHP-2) and the adaptor molecule Crk, in heparan sulfate-deficient Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) 677 cells expressing FGFR-1. In contrast, for phospholipase Cgamma(1) (PLCgamma(1)) and the adaptor molecule Shb to be maximally tyrosine-phosphorylated, cells had to be stimulated with both FGF-2 and heparin (100 ng/ml). Tyrosine residues 463 in the juxtamembrane domain and 766 in the C-terminal tail in FGFR-1 are known to bind Crk and PLCgamma(1), respectively. Analysis of tryptic phosphopeptide maps of FGFR-1 from cells stimulated with FGF-2 alone and FGF-2 together with heparin showed that FGF-2 alone stimulated a several-fold increase in tyrosine 463 in the juxtamembrane domain. In contrast, heparin had to be included in order for tyrosine 766 to be phosphorylated to the same fold level. Our data imply that tyrosine 463 is phosphorylated and able to transduce signals in response to FGF-2 treatment alone; furthermore, we suggest that FGFR-1 dimerization/kinase activation is stabilized by heparin.     

活血化瘀方对糖尿病模型大鼠糖脂代谢、血管内皮生长因子和血管紧张素II1型受体表达的影响

目的:探讨活血化瘀方对糖尿病模型大鼠糖脂代谢、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)和血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体(AT1R)表达的影响。方法:选取健康雄性SD大鼠50只,适应性喂养7 d后以随机数字表法分成对照组10只、模型组13只、中药组14只、西药组13只。其中模型组与对照组予以纯净水灌胃,中药组予以活血化瘀通络中药配方颗粒灌胃,西药组则予以厄贝沙坦灌胃,1次/d,连续灌胃16周。分别比较各组大鼠的糖脂代谢指标水平及24 h尿蛋白定量、糖化血红蛋白、血清肌酐水平,并检测肾组织VEGF和AT1R表达情况。结果:模型组、中药组、西药组大鼠空腹血糖(FBG)、总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)水平均高于对照组,中药组、西药组大鼠LDL-C水平低于模型组,中药组大鼠FBG水平低于模型组与西药组(P0.05)。模型组、中药组、西药组大鼠24 h尿蛋白定量与糖化血红蛋白均高于对照组,中药组、西药组大鼠24 h尿蛋白定量低于模型组(P0.05)。模型组、中药组、西药组大鼠VEGF、AT1R水平均高于对照组,中药组、西药组大鼠VEGF、AT1R水平低于模型组,中药组大鼠AT1R水平低于西药组(P0.05)。结论:活血化瘀方可有效改善糖尿病大鼠糖脂代谢状态,通过抑制VEGF与AT1R的表达水平,延缓糖尿病的发生与发展。