Glucose starvation reduces IGF-I mRNA in tumor cells: evidence for an effect on mRNA stability

The purpose of this study was to characterize the mechanisms by which glucose regulates IGF-I gene expression in rat C6 glioma cells and in rat GH3 pituitary adenoma cells. Glucose starvation for periods of 12 to 48 h decreased IGF-I mRNA levels. In contrast, there was no stimulation of IGF-I mRNA by medium glucose between 1 and 25 mM over a 24-h period. Studies with hexoses and glycolytic metabolites suggested that glucose metabolism was required to maintain IGF-I mRNA. Glucose starvation lowered IGF-I mRNA half-life in both C6 and GH3 cells. Protein synthesis inhibition lowered IGF-I mRNA by about 20% in glucose-fed C6 and GH3 cells, while potently increasing IGF-I mRNA in glucose-starved C6 cells and not altering IGF-I mRNA in glucose-starved GH3 cells. Our results suggest that in these tumor cells, IGF-I mRNA stability is reduced by glucose starvation, secondary to a deficiency in intracellular glucose metabolism. Ongoing protein synthesis is not required for this mRNA de-stabilizing effect in GH3 cells. Rather, in glucose-starved C6 cells, decreased IGF-I mRNA stability may result from the action of a labile protein.     

Distribution of IGF-I mRNA and IGF-I binding sites in the rat kidney

Summary In the present study we have investigated the distribution of IGF-I mRNA and IGF-I binding sites in the rat kidney. The distribution of IGF-I mRNA was investigated using a simple and sensitive non-radioactive in situ hybridisation technique based on probe labelling with digoxigenin labelled-UTP followed by detection with conventional immunocytochemical techniques. IGF-I mRNA was found predominantly in medullary collecting ducts and sparsely in cortical collecting duct cells. In addition IGF-I mRNA was expressed in scattered proximal tubular cells in the cortex and in cells confined to the glomerular tuft. IGF-I binding sites were studied using radiolabelled IGF-I and conventional autoradiographical techniques on tissue sections. It was found that IGF-I binding sites were widely distributed throughout the entire kidney and that the specific binding was highest in the inner medulla. These findings add further complexity to the understanding of IGF-I production and action on renal structures.     

Distribution of IGF-I mRNA and IGF-I binding sites in the rat kidney.

In the present study we have investigated the distribution of IGF-I mRNA and IGF-I binding sites in the rat kidney. The distribution of IGF-I mRNA was investigated using a simple and sensitive non-radioactive in situ hybridisation technique based on probe labelling with digoxigenin labelled-UTP followed by detection with conventional immunocytochemical techniques. IGF-I mRNA was found predominantly in medullary collecting ducts and sparsely in cortical collecting duct cells. In addition IGF-I mRNA was expressed in scattered proximal tubular cells in the cortex and in cells confined to the glomerular tuft. IGF-I binding sites were studied using radiolabelled IGF-I and conventional autoradiographical techniques on tissue sections. It was found that IGF-I binding sites were widely distributed throughout the entire kidney and that the specific binding was highest in the inner medulla. These findings add further complexity to the understanding of IGF-I production and action on renal structures.     

Local and systemic expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNAs in rat after bone marrow ablation

Local and systemic expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) during bone formation was studied using the rat bone marrow ablation model. The temporal expression pattern of IGF-I mRNA in rat femurs was examined. The IGF-I mRNA level was enhanced rapidly after ablation reaching a level threefold greater than basal by day 3 (P < 0.01) and declined to basal or below basal level by day 5. Histological analysis showed that IGF- I immunoreactivity was predominantly associated with the mesenchymal cells at the bone/connective tissue interface and osteoblastic cells at active sites of bone formation. Serum level of IGF-I increased 50 and 130%, respectively (P < 0.005), over the basal level at days 3 and 6. We also investigated the systemic expression of IGF-I in liver and kidney. In contrast, hepatic IGF-I gene expression decreased 37 and 48%, respectively, at days 3 and 6 after marrow ablation (P < 0.001). Kidney IGF-I mRNA levels also fell 13 and 27%, respectively, at days 3 and 6 (P < 0.005). The present findings suggest that locally produced IGF-I during bone formation may not only serve as an autocrine/paracrine factor but also influence systemic expression of IGF-I in other organs.     

Differential Expression and Localization of IGF-I and IGF Binding Proteins in Inflamed Rat Colon

Abstract

Recent studies indicate increased insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) expression and altered expression of IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) in the bowel during experimental colitis. This study analyzes the cellular sites of altered IGF-I and IGFBP-expression in large bowel of rats with experimental colitis. Colitis was induced by colonic instillation of 2, 4, 6- trinitrobenzenesulfonic (TNB) acid in ethanol. Animals were sacrificed at 7 days after induction of colitis. Cryostat sections of colon from TNB-treated and control rats were hybridized with ³⁵S-labeled antisense probes for IGF-I, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-5. IGF-I mRNA was up-regulated in lamina propria cells, submucosa and smooth muscle of inflamed colon. IGFBP-3 mRNA was localized to lamina propria and was down-regulated in inflamed colon. IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-5 mRNAs were both up-regulated in inflamed colon. IGFBP-4 mRNA was increased in lamina propria, submucosa and smooth muscle, whereas IGFBP-5 mRNA was increased in smooth muscle. Increased IGF-I expression in mesenchymal layers of colon during experimental colitis supports the hypothesis that IGF-I contributes to hyperplasia and fibrosis in response to inflammation. Altered expression of IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-5 in specific bowel layers during colitis suggests that they play a role in modulating IGF-I action.     

Increased IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA and IGF-I peptide in fusing rat cranial sutures suggest evidence for a paracrine role of insulin-like growth factors in suture fusion

Premature cranial suture fusion, or craniosynostosis, can result in gross aberrations of craniofacial growth. The biology underlying cranial suture fusion remains poorly understood. Previous studies of the Sprague-Dawley rat posterior frontal suture, which fuses at between 12 and 20 days, have suggested that the regional dura mater beneath the cranial suture directs the overlying suture's fusion. To address the dura-suture paracrine signaling that results in osteogenic differentiation and suture fusion, the authors investigated the possible role of insulin-like growth factors (IGF) I and II. The authors studied the temporal and spatial patterns of the expression of IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA and IGF-I peptide and osteocalcin (bone morphogenetic protein-4) protein in fusing posterior frontal rat sutures, and they compared them with patent coronal (control) sutures. Ten Sprague-Dawley rats were studied at the following time points: 16, 18, and 20 days of gestation and 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, and 80 days after birth (n = 110). Posterior frontal and coronal (patent, control) sutures were analyzed for IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA expression by in situ hybridization by using 35S-labeled IGF-I and IGF-II antisense riboprobes. Levels of IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA were quantified by counting the number of autoradiograph signals per cell. IGF-I and osteocalcin immunoreactivity were identified by avidin-biotin peroxidase immunohistochemistry. IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA were expressed in dural cells beneath fusing sutures, and the relative mRNA abundance increased between 2 and 10 days before initiation of fusion. Subsequently, IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA were detected in the suture connective tissue cells at 15 and 20 days during the time of active fusion. In contrast, within large osteoblasts of the osteogenic front, the expression of IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA was minimal. However, IGF-I peptide and osteocalcin protein were intensely immunoreactive within these osteoblasts at 15 days (during the period of suture fusion). These data suggest that the dura-suture interaction may be signaled in a paracrine fashion by dura-derived growth factors, such as IGF-I and IGF-II. These peptides, in turn, stimulate nearby osteoblasts to produce bone-promoting growth factors, such as osteocalcin.     

Tissue concentration, mRNA expression and stimulation of IGF-I in luteal tissue during the oestrous cycle and pregnancy of cows

The expression of IGF-I in bovine luteal tissue was demonstrated by parallel measurement of IGF-I tissue concentration and its mRNA; highest synthesis was observed during Days 12-17 of the cycle and the first months of pregnancy. Tissue levels of IGF-I increased from Days 1-5 to Days 12-17 of the cycle followed by a rapid decrease at luteolysis; there was a continuous decline from early pregnancy until Months 6-9. Microdialysis perfusion experiments with corpora lutea in vitro at Days 8-11 of the cycle revealed a major effect: release of progesterone and oxytocin were highly stimulated in a dose-dependent manner. We suggest that IGF-I could be important in regulating the function of the bovine corpus luteum and may act in an autocrine/paracrine way.     

Insulin-like growth factors (IGF) in muscle development. Expression of IGF-I, the IGF-I receptor, and an IGF binding protein during myoblast differentiation

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) I and II exert pleiotropic effects on diverse cell types through interaction with specific high affinity cell surface receptors and with locally produced binding proteins. In skeletal muscle and in myoblast cell lines, the functions of IGF-I and -II are complex. Both growth factors appear capable of stimulating cellular proliferation and differentiation, as well as exerting insulin-like effects on intermediary metabolism. We have demonstrated recently that the expression of IGF-II and its receptor is induced during the terminal differentiation of the myoblast cell line, C2, and have suggested that IGF-II may be an autocrine growth factor in these cells (Tollefsen, S.E., Sadow, J.L., and Rotwein, P. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 86, 1543-1547). We now have examined this cell line for expression of other components involved in IGF signaling. The synthesis of IGF-I is low during myoblast proliferation; IGF-I mRNA can be detected only through use of a sensitive solution hybridization assay. Typical IGF-I receptors can be measured in myoblasts, whereas IGF binding proteins cannot be detected in proliferating cells or in conditioned culture medium. During myogenic differentiation, IGF-I mRNA levels increase transiently by 6-10-fold within 48-72 h. The expression of IGF-I mRNA is accompanied by a 2.5-fold accumulation of IGF-I in the culture medium. IGF-I receptors also increase transiently, doubling by 48 h after the onset of differentiation. By contrast, secretion of a Mr 29,000 IGF binding protein is induced 30-fold to 100 ng/ml within 16 h and continues to increase throughout differentiation. These studies demonstrate that several components critical to IGF action are produced in a fusing skeletal muscle cell line in a differentiation-dependent manner and suggest that both IGF-I and IGF-II may be autocrine factors for muscle.     

Evolution of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I): structure and expression of an IGF-I precursor from Xenopus laevis

By means of a cloning strategy employing the polymerase chain reaction, we have isolated and characterized cDNAs for Xenopus laevis insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). These cDNAs encode a primary IGF-I translation product of 153 residues that demonstrates considerable amino acid sequence similarity with IGF-IA peptides from other species. Fifty-seven of 70 residues of the mature protein are identical among human, rat, chicken, and Xenopus IGF-I, while less amino acid conservation is found at the COOH-terminus (25/35 identities) or at the NH2-terminus (24/48 identities) of the precursor protein. Despite the lower degree of structural similarity at the NH2-terminus, in vitro studies of IGF-I biosynthesis and proteolytic processing support a conserved function for the atypically long 48 residue NH2-terminal signal sequence in directing the nascent IGF-I peptide through the secretory pathway. The 5'-untranslated region of Xenopus IGF-I mRNA matches the human, rat, and chicken sequences in greater than 90% of 279 nucleotides. IGF-I mRNAs from all four species encode a conserved upstream open reading frame of 14 amino acids starting 240-250 nucleotides 5' to the translation start site, suggesting a possible role for this region in modulating IGF-I gene expression. The X. laevis IGF-I gene is transcribed and processed into three mRNAs of 1.6, 2.1, and 3.0 kilobases in liver, and IGF-I mRNAs can be detected in liver, lung, heart, kidney, and peritoneal fat of adult animals. These studies demonstrate that both the IGF-I protein precursor and potential regulatory regions of IGF-I mRNA have been conserved during vertebrate evolution, and indicate that like several other polypeptide growth factors, IGF-I may be of fundamental importance in regulating specific aspects of growth and development in all vertebrates.     

Insulin and IGF-I action on insulin receptors, IGF-I receptors, and hybrid insulin/IGF-I receptors in vascular smooth muscle cells

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are known to affect cardiovascular disease. We have investigated ligand binding and the dose-response relationship for insulin and IGF-I on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) at the receptor level. VSMCs from rat thoracic aorta were serum starved, stimulated with IGF-I or insulin, lysed, immunoprecipitated, and analyzed by Western blot. d-[U-(14)C]Glucose accumulation and [6-(3)H]thymidine incorporation into DNA were also measured. Specific binding of both insulin and IGF-I was demonstrated, being higher for IGF-I. Both IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) and insulin receptor (IR) beta-subunits were detected and coprecipitated after immunoprecipitation (IP) against either of the two. No coprecipitation was found after reduction of disulphide bonds with dithiotreitol before IP. After stimulation with 10(-10)-10(-9) M IGF-I, IP of the IGF-IR, or IR beta-subunit and immunoblot with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody, we found two distinct bands indicating phosphorylation of both the IGF-IR and the IR beta-subunit. Stimulation with 10(-10)-10(-9) M insulin and IP against the IGF-IR did not show phosphorylation of either beta-subunit, whereas after IP of the IR we found phosphorylation of the IR beta-subunit. [(14)C]Glucose accumulation and [(3)H]thymidine incorporation were elevated in cells stimulated with IGF-I at 10(-10)-10(-7) M, reaching maximum by 10(-9) M. Insulin stimulation showed measurable effects only at supraphysiological concentrations, 10(-8)-10(-7) M. In conclusion, coprecipitation of both the IGF-IR and the IR beta-subunit indicates the presence of hybrid insulin/IGF-I receptors in VSMC. At a physiological concentration, insulin activates the IR but does not affect either glucose metabolism or DNA synthesis, whereas IGF-I both activates the receptor and elicits biological effect.     

Isocaloric maternal low-protein diet alters IGF-I,IGFBPs, and hepatocyte proliferation in the fetal rat

We investigated the effect of an isocaloric maternal low-protein diet during pregnancy in rats on the proliferative capacity of cultured fetal hepatocytes. The potential roles of these changes on the IGF-IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) axis, and the role of insulin and glucocorticoids in liver growth retardation, were also evaluated. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed a control (C) diet (20% protein) or a low-protein (LP) diet (8%) throughout gestation. In primary culture, the DNA synthesis of hepatocytes derived from LP fetuses was decreased by approximately 30% compared with control hepatocytes (P < 0.05). In parallel, in vivo moderate protein restriction in the dam reduced the fetal liver weight and IGF-I level in fetal plasma (P < 0.01) and augmented the abundance of 29- to 32-kDa IGFBPs in fetal plasma (P < 0.01) and fetal liver (P < 0.01). By contrast, the abundance of IGF-II mRNA in liver of LP fetuses was unaffected by the LP diet. In vitro, the LP-derived hepatocytes produced less IGF-I (P < 0.01) and more 29- to 32-kDa IGFBPs (P < 0.01) than hepatocytes derived from control fetuses. These alterations still appeared after 3-4 days of culture, indicating some persistence in programming. Dexamethasone treatment of control-derived hepatocytes decreased cell proliferation (54 +/- 2.3%, P < 0.01) and stimulated 29- to 32-kDa IGFBPs, whereas insulin promoted fetal hepatocyte growth (127 +/- 5.5%, P < 0.01) and inhibited 29- to 32-kDa IGFBPs. These results show that liver growth and cell proliferation in association with IGF-I and IGFBP levels are affected in utero by fetal undernutrition. It also suggests that glucocorticoids and insulin may modulate these effects.     

IGF-I is a mitogen involved in differentiation-related gene expression in fetal rat brown adipocytes

Fetal rat brown adipocytes at time zero of culture constitute a population of cells of broad spectrum, as estimated by cell size, endogenous fluorescence and lipid content, and show an intrinsic mitogenic competence. They express constitutively early growth-related genes such as c-myc, c-fos, and beta-actin, tissue specific-genes such as the uncoupling protein (UCP) and the lipogenic marker malic enzyme (ME). Fetal brown adipocytes bear a high expression of insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR), and show a high affinity IGF-I specific-binding to its receptor, and a high number of binding sites per cell. After cell quiescence, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) was as potent as 10% FCS in inducing DNA synthesis, cell number increase, and the entry of cells into the cell-cycle. In addition, IGF- I or 10% FCS for 48 h increased the percentage of [3H]thymidine-labeled nuclei as compared to quiescent cells. Single cell autoradiographic microphotographs show typical multilocular fat droplets brown adipocytes, resulting positive to [3H]thymidine-labeled nuclei in response to IGF-I. IGF-I increased mRNA expression of the early- response genes c-fos (30 min), c-myc (2 and 24 h), and H-ras (4 and 24 h). 10% FCS also increased c-fos and c-myc, but failed to increase H- ras as an early event. IGF-I or 10% FCS, however, similarly increased the mRNA late expression of c-myc, H-ras, c-raf, beta-actin, and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) at 72 h, as compared to quiescent cells. IGF-I or FCS maintained at 24 h or increased at 48 and 72 h UCP mRNA expression. The results demonstrate that IGF-I is a mitogen for fetal rat brown adipocytes, capable of inducing the expression of early and late growth-regulated genes, and of increasing the lipogenic marker ME and the tissue-specific gene UCP, suggesting the involvement of IGF-I in the differentiation as well as in the proliferation processes.     

Challenge with 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) during early development persistently impairs growth,differentiation, and local expression of IGF-I and IGF-II in immune organs of tilapia

The enormous expansion of world-wide aquaculture has led to increasing interest in the regulation of fish immune system. Estrogen has recently been shown to inhibit the endocrine (liver-derived) and autocrine/paracrine local insulin-like growth factor-I system in fish. In order to address the potential actions of estrogen on the IGF system in immune organs, tilapia were fed with 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2)-enriched food from 10 to 40 days post fertilization (DPF) to induce functional feminization, an approach commonly used in aquaculture. EE2-treated and control fish were sampled at 75 and 165 DPF. The expression levels of ER-α, IGF-I, IGF-II and growth hormone receptor (GH-R) mRNA in spleen and head kidney were determined by real-time PCR and the expressing sites of IGF-I mRNA identified by in situ hybridisation. Ratios of spleen length and weight to body length and weight were determined. At 165 DPF, the length (4.9% vs. 7.6%) and weight (0.084% vs. 0.132%) ratios were significantly lowered in EE2-treated fish and number and size of the melanomacrophage centres were considerably reduced. At 75 DPF, both in spleen and head kidney of EE2-treated fish the expression levels of IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA were markedly diminished. The suppression was more pronounced for IGF-I (spleen: ?12.071-fold; head kidney: ?8.413-fold) than for IGF-II (spleen: ?4.102-fold; head kidney: ?1.342-fold). In agreement, clearly fewer leucocytes and macrophages in head kidney and spleen of EE2-treated fish contained IGF-I mRNA as shown by in situ hybridisation. ER-α mRNA expression in spleen was increased at 75 DPF but unchanged in head kidney. GH-R gene expression showed a mild upregulation at 165 DPF in both tissues. Thus, exposure to EE2 during early development affected distinctly the IGF system in tilapia immune organs. It led to lasting impairment of spleen growth and differentiation that can be attributed to an interaction of EE2 with IGF-I and, less pronouncedly, IGF-II. Especially, the impairment of spleen and melanomacrophage centres might interfere with the antigen presentation capacity of the immune system and, thus, alter susceptibility to infection.     

Expression and stability of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) mRNA splicing variants in the GH3 rat pituitary cell line

We have employed Northern blot analyses and solution hybridization/RNase protection assays to evaluate the presence and stability of IGF-I mRNA splicing variants in the GH3 rat pituitary cell line. All of the IGF-I mRNA size classes and IGF-I mRNAs with alternately-spliced 5'-untranslated regions and E-peptide coding regions seen in adult rat liver also were present in GH3 cells, although the proportions of the 5' splicing variants were significantly altered. In actinomycin D-treated cells, all IGF-I mRNA splicing variants were equally stable; thus, changes in the levels of some splicing variants were not due to differential mRNA stability. Additionally, all IGF-I mRNA size classes seen on Northern blots were equally stable; this data suggests that the large IGF-I mRNA species is not a precursor of the smaller species.     

Expression of IGF-I and -II mRNA in the brain and craniofacial region of the rat fetus

Insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and -II) are present in the brain during development, with high levels of both being also found in the periphery particularly in the embryo. IGFs in the brain are believed to stimulate the proliferation of neuronal and glial precursors and their phenotypic differentiation. Using in situ hybridization, we have investigated the distribution of cells producing IGF-I and -II in the rat fetus during the second half of prenatal development with special emphasis on the peripheral and central nervous system. High levels of IGF-I mRNA were found in the olfactory bulb and in discrete neurons of the cranial sensory ganglia, notably in the trigeminal ganglion, as early as 13 days of gestation, in the pineal primordium of 18 day old fetuses, and in discrete groups of cells in the cochlear epithelium located laterally outside the forming spiral organ, in day 13 to 21 fetuses. High levels of IGF-II mRNA in the brain, besides the choroid plexus and the leptomeninges, were detected in hypothalamus, in the floor of the 3rd ventricle at all stages studied, in the pineal primordium at 18 days and in the pars intermedia of the pituitary or in the Rathke's pouch epithelium from which it is derived, with progressive fading towards the end of the gestation. In the peripheral nervous system the IGF-II mRNA was only found in association with the vascular endothelia of the ganglia. IGF-II mRNA in the nervous system was found in highly vascularized areas, meninges, blood vessels and choroid plexuses. It is thus associated with structures involved in the production of extracellular fluids and/or substrate transport and supply in the nervous tissues. A more specific role in the differentiation or fetal endocrine function should be considered for IGF-II in cells producing melatonin and melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) in the pineal and pituitary glands, respectively. The presence of IGF-I mRNA in the nervous system could be associated with fiber outgrowth and synaptogenesis in the cases of olfactory bulb and developing iris. The role of IGF-I in restricted populations of cells of the cochlear epithelium and in the pineal gland is unclear and requires further investigations including a search for IGF-I receptors in possible target cells. In the sensory ganglia, the presence of high levels of IGF-I mRNA eventually corresponds to the production, by post-translational processing, of the amino-terminal tripeptide of IGF-I, which might represent a neurotransmitter for these sensory neurons.