Highly efficient expression of functional recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor 1 and its protective effects on hepatocytes

Three forms of recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor 1 (rhKGF1) with or without the native signal peptide or a 23-amino acid truncation were expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda 9 (Sf9) cells by designing with insect codon usage. Immunoblotting demonstrated that these rhKGF1 proteins were recognized by a human anti-KGF1 antibody. The multiplicity of infection and timing of harvest had a significant effect on protein yield, protein quality, and cytotoxicity. Our results indicated that the native signal peptide directed KGF1 secretion from insect cells, reaching a maximum at 60 h postinfection. Although secretion of rhKGF1₁₉₄ was less efficient than that of rhKGF1₁₆₃ and rhKGF1₁₄₀, protein secretion is an attractive pathway for simple purification of biologically active rhKGF1 at a high yield. Moreover, the sizes of rhKGF1₁₉₄ and rhKGF1₁₆₃ were similar (20 kDa), suggesting that the signal peptide may be recognized and removed in Sf9 cells. A 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was used to analyze the biological function of rhKGF1, indicating that the three forms of rhKGF1 had a similar mitogenic function in BaF3 cells. Furthermore, to elucidate the effect of rhKGF1 on cytoprotection of liver cells, we used KGF1 pretreatment of an acute liver injury model. The results indicated that rhKGF1 prevented necrosis and apoptosis of CCl₄-treated HL7702 cells in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that KGF1 may be a candidate therapeutic drug for acute liver injury.     

The neurite-promoting effect of fibroblast growth factor on PC12 cells

Treatment of PC12 cells with fibroblast growth factor(s) from either brain or pituitary caused neurite outgrowth comparable to that produced by nerve growth factor. The neurite outgrowth was preceded by a substantial rise in the activity of ornithine decarboxylase.     

Potential molecular mechanisms mediating the protective effects of tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside on MPP+-induced PC12 cell apoptosis

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry - Our previous work demonstrated that tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside (TSG) was able to effectively attenuate 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-induced apoptosis...     

Heparin modulation of the neurotropic effects of acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors and nerve growth factor on PC12 cells

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and acidic or basic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF and bFGF, respectively) induce neurite outgrowth from the rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12. The neurites induced by these three factors are stable for up to a month in cell culture in the continued presence of any of the above growth factors. bFGF (ED50 = 30 pg/ml) is 800 fold more potent in stimulating neurite outgrowth than aFGF (ED50 = 25 ng/ml) and 260 fold more potent than NGF (ED50 = 8 ng/ml). While the neurotropic activities of aFGF and NGF are potentiated by heparin, that of bFGF is both partially inhibited or stimulated, depending upon the concentration of bFGF. Radioreceptor binding experiments show that aFGF and bFGF bind to a common binding site on the PC12 cell surface. Affinity labeling studies demonstrate a single receptor with an apparent molecular weight of 145,000 daltons, which corresponds to the high molecular weight receptor identified in BHK-21 cells. NGF does not appear to compete with aFGF or bFGF for binding to the receptor. Heparin blocked the binding of bFGF to the receptor but had only a small inhibitory effect on the binding of aFGF to the receptor. Thus, it appears that heparin inhibition of the neurotropic effects of bFGF occurs, at least in part, by impairing the interaction of bFGF with the receptor, while having little effect on that of aFGF. The stimulatory effects of heparin on the neurotropic activity of aFGF, bFGF, and NGF may occur through a site not associated with the respective cellular receptor for the growth factors.     

神经生长因子对PC12细胞脂多糖损伤的保护作用及其机制

目的：细胞水平研究神经生长因子（NGF）对大鼠嗜铬细胞瘤细胞株（PC12细胞）脂多糖（LPS）损伤后的保护作用以及核转录因子（NF-κB）的活性影响,探讨药物作用机制。方法：PC12细胞常规培养后,建立LPS损伤模型,随后MTT观察不同浓度的LPS对PC12细胞损伤及NGF对LPS损伤的保护作用,同时用倒置显微镜和荧光显微镜下观察细胞状态,最后RT-PCR检测NF-κB的含量。结果：①PC12细胞LPS损伤有浓度梯度,随着LPS浓度的增加,PC12细胞的存活率不断下降;LPS损伤的同时加入不同浓度NGF,LPS损伤均有明显的改善。②显微镜观察显示PC12细胞形态学上的改变,表明NGF对LPS损伤有保护作用。③RT-PCR结果显示,LPS损伤细胞的NF-κB的相对表达量明显高于正常对照细胞,而药物治疗组的NF-κB表达量则接近于正常细胞。结论：目前,神经生长因子在脑内炎症后的细胞修复作用报道甚少,而本实验研究神经生长因子对PC12细胞LPS损伤起到保护作用,尤其是损伤后再修复作用,且其作用机制可能与NF-κB信号通路的调控有关。     

Expression and purification of recombinant human fibroblast growth factor receptor in Escherichia coli

Human fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) is responsible for multifunctional signaling that regulates developmental processes. The three immunoglobulin-like extracellular domains of FGFR (D1, D2, and D3) include the determinants of ligand binding and specificity for fibroblast growth factor and heparan sulfate. D1 and the D1-D2 linker with a contiguous stretch of acidic amino acids are known to be involved in auto-inhibitory regulation. In an effort to gain a better understanding of the role of D1 and the linker in FGFR regulation, we have subcloned, overexpressed, and purified the extracellular fragments, D1-D2 and D1-D3, of FGFR1 in Escherichia coli. The recombinant proteins were produced in an insoluble form and were renatured using a dropwise or on-column refolding method. In addition, D2-D3 was coexpressed with chaperones to test the possibility that the presence of chaperones might enhance refolding efficiencies. A combination of immobilized nickel and heparin affinity chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography resulted in the purification of recombinant ectodomain proteins D1-D2 and D1-D3 of high purity for structural studies.     

Involvement of tubulin in MPP+ neurotoxicity on NGF-differentiated PC12 cells.

In vivo, the neurotoxin MPTP is oxidated to MPP⁺, which is toxic to dopaminergic neurons. In this paper, we have used MPP⁺ as a tool to evoke neurotoxicity in the PC12 cell line and investigate the intracellular events that are involved. A cytotoxicity test, performed on undifferentiated and NGF-differentiated PC12 cells, showed that MPP⁺ is much more toxic on differentiated cells and indicated the suitable range of concentrations for studying the starting events evoked by the neurotoxin. By indirect immunofluorescence we have shown that the localisation of α - and β -tubulin in NGF-differentiated cells was modified by a 24 h treatment with 15 μmol/l MPP⁺. A biochemical analysis was performed on cell extracts and the results showed that MPP⁺ treatment induced an increase in α -tubulin levels and a decrease in β -tubulin levels. These results suggest the involvement of the two microtubule proteins in MPP⁺ neurotoxicity on NGF-differentiated PC12 cells.     

High-efficiency production of bioactive recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 18 in Escherichia coli and its effects on hair follicle growth

Using fusion tags, expression of recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 18 (rhFGF18) in mammalian cells and Escherichia coli has been extensively used for fundamental research and clinical applications, including chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, hair growth, and neuroprotection. However, high-level rhFGF18 expression is difficult and the products are often not homogeneous. Furthermore, fusion-tagged protein has higher immunogenicity and lower bioactivity, and the removal of the fused tag is expensive. To overcome the limitations of fusion-tagged expression of protein and to prepare soluble highly bioactive rhFGF18, we have developed a rapid and efficient expression strategy. Optimized hFGF18 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and cloned into pET22b and pET3c vectors, then transformed into E. coli strains Origima (DE3) and BL21 (DE3)PlysS. The best combination of plasmid and host strain was selected, and only Origima (DE3)/pET3c-rhFGF18 was screened for high-level expressed rhFGF18. Under optimal conditions in a 30-L fermentor, the average bacterial yield and expression level of rhFGF18 of three batches were more than 652 g and 30 % respectively, after treatment with 1 mM isopropyl-thio-β-galactopyranoside for 10 h at 25 °C. The target protein was purified by CM Sepharose FF and heparin affinity chromatography. The purity of rhFGF18 was shown by HPLC to be higher than 95 %, and the yield was 155 mg/L. In vitro MTT assays demonstrated that the purified rhFGF18 could stimulate significant proliferation of NIH3T3 cells, and animal experiments showed that rhFGF18 could effectively regulate hair growth. In conclusion, this may be a better method of producing rhFGF18 to meet the increasing demand in its pharmacological application.     

The effects of nerve growth factor on polyamine metabolism in PC12 cells

Nerve growth factor treatment produces a large increase in the activity of ornithine decarboxylase and a moderate decrease in the activity of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase in PC12 cells. These changes are reflected weakly, if at all, in the levels of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine in the cells. The rates of polyamine synthesis are increased somewhat more than the overall levels, but still are not comparable in extent to the increase in the ornithine decarboxylase activity. Inhibitors of ornithine decarboxylase and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase have their expected effects on the induction of ornithine decarboxylase and on the activities of both enzymes. Neither inhibitor alone, nor a combination of inhibitors, altered the rate or extent of nerve growth factor-induced neurite outgrowth in the cells.     

Carbachol stimulates a different phospholipid metabolism than nerve growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor in PC12 cells.

We have examined 1,2-diglycerides (DGs) generated in PC12 cells in response to the muscarinic agonist carbachol and compared them with those generated in response to the differentiation factors nerve growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. Whereas carbachol stimulates a greater release of inositol phosphates, all three agonists generate similar levels of DGs. In this report, we have analyzed the molecular species of PC12 DGs generated in response to these three agonists. Additionally, we have analyzed the molecular species of PC12 phospholipids. The data indicate that 1) after 1 min of either nerve growth factor or basic fibroblast growth factor stimulation, DGs arise primarily from phosphoinositide hydrolysis; 2) in contrast, after 1 min of carbachol stimulation, DG are generated equally by both phosphoinositide and phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis; and 3) after 15 min of stimulation by any of these agonists, DGs are generated largely by phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis, with a smaller component arising from the phosphoinositides. These results suggest that at least part of the mechanism by which PC12 cells distinguish between different agonists is via alterations in phospholipid sources and kinetics of DG generation.     

神经节苷脂对脂多糖损伤大鼠嗜铬细胞瘤细胞的保护作用

目的：研究内源性神经节苷脂对大鼠嗜铬细胞瘤细胞株（PC12）脂多糖（LPS）损伤后的作用及机制。方法：培养PC12细胞,建立LPS损伤模型,采用MTT法检测不同浓度LPS对PC12细胞存活率的改变、葡萄糖神经酰胺合成酶抑制剂D（D-PDMP）耗竭内源性神经节苷脂时LPS对PC12细胞存活率的改变以及添加外源性神经节苷脂GM1后对PC12细胞存活率的保护作用;倒置显微镜和荧光显微镜观察细胞状态;RT-PCR检测NF-κB的相对表达含量。结果：LPS能导致PC12细胞形态学的改变及存活率下降,且随着LPS浓度的增加细胞存活率逐渐降低;神经节苷脂GM1能明显改善LPS所致的细胞形态学以及存活率的改变;工具药D-PDMP耗竭内源性神经节苷脂后,LPS对PC12细胞的损伤更严重,添加外源性神经节苷脂GM1,细胞形态学及存活率得到明显改善,细胞存活率上升;LPS损伤时细胞内NF-κB含量增加;D-PDMP预先耗竭内源性神经节苷脂时NF-κB含量增加更多;添加外源性神经节苷脂GM1后NF-κB含量降低。结论：内源性神经节苷脂对PC12细胞LPS损伤具有保护作用,可能是通过NF-κB信号通路来发挥作用的。     

Ultrastructural effects of nerve growth factor on PC 12 pheochromocytoma cells in spinner culture

PC12 pheochromocytoma cells treated with nerve growth factor (NGF) for two weeks in spinner cultures quickly begin to form processes after plating on an appropriate substrate, while cells freshly exposed to NGF in monolayer culture initiate neurite outgrowth only after a lag period of several days. The present ultrastructural studies indicate that PC 12 cells treated with NGF in spinner cultures do not form neurites, but do form short extensions comparable to those which have been reported within the first two days of exposure to NGF in monolayer cultures. These extensions contain organelles believed to be required for locomotion and for transport of cytoskeletal and membrane components and neurotransmitters. They also form bulbous distensions in which numerous chromaffin-type granules accumulate. These findings suggest that NGF may affect cells in spinner cultures by promoting development or activation of axonal transport mechanisms, and that the existence of these mechanisms may contribute to the neurite outgrowth which the cells exhibit when plated. NGF-treated PC 12 cells in spinner cultures do not accumulate the agranular synaptic-like vesicles, which are typically found in comparably treated monolayer cultures and which have been hypothesized to be sites of acetylcholine storage. These and other data demonstrate that attachment to a substrate can selectively modulate the responses of PC 12 cells to NGF.     

Signal transduction by nerve growth factor and fibroblast growth factor in PC12 cells requires a sequence of src and ras actions

We have investigated the roles of pp60c-src and p21c-ras proteins in transducing the nerve growth factor (NGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signals which promote the sympathetic neuronlike phenotype in PC12 cells. Neutralizing antibodies directed against either Src or Ras proteins were microinjected into fused PC12 cells. Each antibody both prevented and reversed NGF- or FGF-induced neurite growth, a prominent morphological marker for the neuronal phenotype. These data demonstrate the involvement of both pp60c-src and p21c-ras proteins in NGF and FGF actions in PC12 cells, and establish a physiological role for the pp60c-src tyrosine kinase in signal transduction pathways initiated by receptor tyrosine kinases in these cells. Additional microinjection experiments, using PC12 transfectants containing inducible v-src or ras oncogene activities, demonstrated a specific sequence of Src and Ras actions. Microinjection of anti-Ras antibody blocked v-src-induced neurite growth, but microinjection of anti-Src antibodies had no effect on ras oncogene-induced neurite growth. We propose that a cascade of Src and Ras actions, with Src acting first, is a significant feature of the signal transduction pathways for NGF and FGF. The Src-Ras cascade may define a functional cassette in the signal transduction pathways used by growth factors and other ligands whose receptors have diverse structures and whose range of actions on various cell types include mitogenesis and differentiation.     

Basic fibroblast growth factor and its receptors in human embryonic stem cells

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent stem cells with long-lasting capacity to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types of endodermal, ectodermal or mesodermal origin. Unlike mouse ESCs (mESCs), which can be maintained in an undifferentiated state simply by adding leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) into the culture medium, hESCs are notorious for the sustained willingness to differentiate and not yet clearly defined signaling pathways that are crucial for their "stemness". Presently, our knowledge involves only limited number of growth factor signaling pathways that appear to be biologically relevant for stem cell functions in vitro. These include BMP, TGFbeta, Wnt, and FGF signaling pathway. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent data on the expression of FGFs and their receptors in hESCs, and critically evaluate the potential effects of FGF signals for their undifferentiated growth and/or differentiation in context with our current understanding of FGF/FGFR biology.     

Basic fibroblast growth factor does not initiate mitogenic signalling via phosphoinositide hydrolysis in PC12 cells

Basic fibroblast growth factor (b FGF) was found to be equally potent mitogen as compared to alpha-thrombin to reinitiate DNA synthesis in quiescent PC12 cells. Whereas thrombin was found to be an activator of phospholipase C as judged by a rapid increase in the formation of inositol triphosphate, inositol biphosphate and a massive accumulation of inositol phosphate when 20 mM LiCl was present as an inhibitor of inositol mono phosphatases, basic FGF failed to induce the breakdown of the polyphosphoinositides in quiescent PC12 cells to any appreciable levels, however, a simultaneous increase in the level of diacylglycerol was observed. b FGF also failed to stimulate protein kinase C which is believed to be activated by diacylglycerol. It is therefore concluded that bFGF receptor mediated 'signalling is not via phospholipase C activation and bFGF's early mitogenic responses and DNA synthesis are initiated independent of the inositol lipids and protein kinase C activation. Thus bFGF must have its own unique signal transducing mechanism independent of inositol pathways.     

Effect of nerve growth factor and fibroblast growth factor on SCG10 and c-fos expression and neurite outgrowth in protein kinase C-depleted PC12 cells

The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in mediating nerve growth factor (NGF) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-stimulated SCG10 and c-fos expression as well as neurite outgrowth was studied in PC12 cells. Activators of PKC such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or 1-oleoyl 2-acetyl glycerol mimicked the stimulatory effect of NGF and bFGF on SCG10 mRNA levels. Induction involved a protein synthesis-dependent mechanism and was maximal within 12-24 h of exposure. Chronic treatment of the cells with PMA for up to 8 days resulted in a substantial decrease (approximately 90%) in total PKC activity in the continued presence of PMA. PKC depletion did not affect NGF- or bFGF-stimulated SCG10 mRNA induction and bFGF-stimulated c-fos mRNA induction. However, NGF-stimulated c-fos mRNA induction was attenuated. In addition, induction of neurite outgrowth was not abolished in PKC-depleted cells. The results imply that PKC is not involved in NGF- and bFGF-stimulated SCG10 mRNA induction and neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, while the effect of bFGF on c-fos mRNA induction is PKC-independent, that of NGF is mediated by PKC-dependent and -independent pathways.     

Expression and effects of epidermal growth factor on human periodontal ligament cells

Repair of damaged periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue is an essential challenge in tooth preservation. Various researchers have attempted to develop efficient therapies for healing and regenerating PDL tissue based on tissue engineering methods focused on targeting signaling molecules in PDL stem cells and other mesenchymal stem cells. In this context, we investigated the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in normal and surgically wounded PDL tissues and its effect on chemotaxis and expression of osteoinductive and angiogenic factors in human PDL cells (HPDLCs). EGF as well as EGF receptor (EGFR) expression was observed in HPDLCs and entire PDL tissue. In a PDL tissue-injured model of rat, EGF and IL-1β were found to be upregulated in a perilesional pattern. Interleukin-1β induced EGF expression in HPDLCs but not EGFR. It also increased transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) expression. Transwell assays demonstrated the chemotactic activity of EGF on HPDLCs. In addition, EGF treatment significantly induced secretion of bone morphogenetic protein 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor, and gene expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8), and early growth response-1 and -2 (EGR-1/2). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells developed well-formed tube networks when cultured with the supernatant of EGF-treated HPDLCs. These results indicated that EGF upregulated under inflammatory conditions plays roles in the repair of wounded PDL tissue, suggesting its function as a prospective agent to allow the healing and regeneration of this tissue.     

Effect of nerve growth factor on lesioned PC12 cells.

The protecting effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) from hydrogen peroxide was studied on PC12 cells conditioned at 1 mM hydrogen peroxide with NGF and without NGF in comparison with cells treated with neither hydrogen peroxide nor NGF. NGF treatment of PC12 cells increased significantly the activity of catalase representing induction of free radical detoxifying mechanisms. The protection effect of NGF was reflected also on enhanced activities of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the cells.