Correlation of tumorigenicity with resistance to growth inhibition by cis-hydroxyproline

cis-Hydroxyproline, an inhibitor of collagen deposition, was examined for its effect on the growth of a variety of tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic cells. Virally, chemically, and spontaneously transformed murine cell lines were found to be less sensitive to cell spreading and growth inhibition by cis-hydroxyproline (CHP) than were their non-tumorigenic counterparts. The non-tumorigenic lines exhibited a higher rate of collagen accumulation in culture than the tumorigenic cell lines. The rate of collagen accumulation in culture without CHP and the growth inhibition by CHP were directly related. These results suggest that normal but not tumorigenic cells may require synthesis of an extracellular substrate containing collagen to support spreading and growth.     

Effect of low extracellular Ca2+ on growth spreading area,cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration,and intracellular pH in normal and transformed human fibroblasts

The transformation of certain cells reduces the requirement of extracellular Ca²⁺ for growth. The SV-40 transformed human lung fibroblasts, WI-38 VA13, require less Ca²⁺ than normal WI-38 cells. Spreading area of normal cells decreases when cultured in 10 μM Ca²⁺ medium. Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i), of the normal and transformed cells cultured in 10μM and 2 mM Ca²⁺ media was measured by the fluorescence microscope technique using fura-2 as a probe. The [Ca²⁺], is measured in the resting state and during mobilization by serum or bradykinin stimulation. The lowering of extracellular calcium concentration results in a decrease in the resting state [Ca²⁺],_i of both normal and transformed cells. Although the total decrease in [Ca²⁺]_i is the same for both cell, the rate of decrease is much faster in normal cells than in transformed cells. Low extracellular Ca²⁺ reduces the number of cells responsive to the serum or bradykinin stimulation and decreases the peak [Ca²⁺]_i value in both cells. In addition, we investigated, using BCECF as a fluorecent probe, the intracellular pH (pH_i) of normal and transformed cells maintained at low and normal Ca²⁺. The low Ca²⁺ condition makes pH_i acidic in normal cells but not in transformed cells. The acidification of the normal cell is accompanied by a decrease in the spreading area of the cells. The decrease of the cell attacment, followed by the reduced spreading area, induced the acidic pH_i. These results suggest that the reduced Ca²⁺ requirement of transformed cells for growth is related to the mechanism of pH_i regulation rather than Ca²⁺ homeostasis and, possibly, to the anchorage-independent growth, which is a unique feature of transformed cells. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Topography of substrate-attached glycoproteins from normal and virus-transformed cells

The topographical distribution of substrate-attached material (SAM) which may mediate adhesion of BALB/c 3T3 and SV40-transformed 3T3 cells to the culture substrate has been examined at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels. Autoradiographic detection of these ‘glycoproteins’ on the substrate subsequent to incorporation of ¹⁴C-glucosamine or ³⁵S-methionine and exposure to X-ray film indicated:

1. 1. Evenly distributed glucosamine-labeled SAM on the substrate of confluent cultures.

2. 2. A deficiency in the methionine content of SAM from transformed cells.

3. 3. Direct deposition of these materials onto the substrate at cell colony locations, and not randomly on the substrate subsequent to secretion into the medium.

Autoradiographic detection of these ‘glycoproteins’ subsequent to ³H-glucosamine (or ³H-leucine) incorporation and exposure to liquid emulsion indicated:

1. 1. Substrate-attached glycoproteins are present in focal pools on the underside of the cell.

2. 2. These focal pools are distributed comparably, in terms of number of foci per area of substrate, for confluent normal and transformed cells. The patterns of SAM deposited by freshly-attaching and spreading 3T3 cells has also been examined. The evidence suggests that cells are adherent to the substrate at localized areas which appear to be evenly distributed on the underside of normal or transformed cells.

     

Cell movement is guided by the rigidity of the substrate

Directional cell locomotion is critical in many physiological processes, including morphogenesis, the immune response, and wound healing. It is well known that in these processes cell movements can be guided by gradients of various chemical signals. In this study, we demonstrate that cell movement can also be guided by purely physical interactions at the cell-substrate interface. We cultured National Institutes of Health 3T3 fibroblasts on flexible polyacrylamide sheets coated with type I collagen. A transition in rigidity was introduced in the central region of the sheet by a discontinuity in the concentration of the bis-acrylamide cross-linker. Cells approaching the transition region from the soft side could easily migrate across the boundary, with a concurrent increase in spreading area and traction forces. In contrast, cells migrating from the stiff side turned around or retracted as they reached the boundary. We call this apparent preference for a stiff substrate "durotaxis." In addition to substrate rigidity, we discovered that cell movement could also be guided by manipulating the flexible substrate to produce mechanical strains in the front or rear of a polarized cell. We conclude that changes in tissue rigidity and strain could play an important controlling role in a number of normal and pathological processes involving cell locomotion.     

Relationship between cell surface protease activity and doubling time in various normal and transformed cells

A sensitive method for measuring cell surface and secreted protease activity utilizing ³H-labelled casein is described. The method is based upon proteolytic degradation of the casein substrate into trichloroacetic acid soluble ³H-labelled peptides. Utilizing the radioassay we found that all cultured cell lines examined contain cell surface proteolytic activity which is not secreted into the media. The protease activity was found to be due to protease(s) other than plasminogen activator or plasmin. A comparison of surface protease activity of normal and transformed mouse epidermal cells indicated that the transformed cells contained approximately 3–4 times more proteolytic activity than the normal cells.Surface protease activity was also correlated with the doubling times of various cultured cells. The results indicated that cultured cells with doubling times of greater than three days possess less surface protease activity than cells with shorter doubling times. In order to determine changes in the levels of surface protease activity during the cell cycle several cell lines were synchronized. In synchronized rabbit aortic fibroblasts, mouse transformed epidermal cells and human melanoma cells, a marked increase in surface protease activity was observed during or before mitosis. The protease levels decreased following mitosis. The results suggest that in culture, cell surface protease(s) may be important factor in regulating the rate of cell growth.     

Chaperonin CCT-Mediated AIB1 Folding Promotes the Growth of ERα-Positive Breast Cancer Cells on Hard Substrates

Clinical observations have revealed a strong association between estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive tumors and the development of bone metastases, however, the mechanism underlying this association remains unknown. We cultured MCF-7 (ERα-positive) on different rigidity substrates. Compared with cells grown on more rigid substrates (100 kPa), cells grown on soft substrates (10 kPa) exhibited reduced spreading ability, a lower ratio of cells in the S and G2/M cell cycle phases, and a decreased proliferation rate. Using stable isotope labeling by amino acids (SILAC), we further compared the whole proteome of MCF-7 cells grown on substrates of different rigidity (10 and 100 kPa), and found that the expression of eight members of chaperonin CCT increased by at least 2-fold in the harder substrate. CCT folding activity was increased in the hard substrate compared with the soft substrates. Amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1), was identified in CCT immunoprecipitates. CCT folding ability of AIB1 increased on 100-kPa substrate compared with 10- and 30-kPa substrates. Moreover, using mammalian two-hybrid protein-protein interaction assays, we found that the polyglutamine repeat sequence of the AIB1 protein was essential for interaction between CCTζ and AIB1. CCTζ-mediated AIB1 folding affects the cell area spreading, growth rate, and cell cycle. The expressions of the c-myc, cyclin D1, and PgR genes were higher on hard substrates than on soft substrate in both MCF-7 and T47D cells. ERα and AIB1 could up-regulate the mRNA and protein expression levels of the c-myc, cyclin D1, and PgR genes, and that 17 β-estradiol could enhance this effects. Conversely, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, could inhibit these effects. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that some ERα-positive breast cancer cells preferentially grow on more rigid substrates. CCT-mediated AIB1 folding appears to be involved in the rigidity response of breast cancer cells, which provides novel insight into the mechanisms of bone metastasis.     

Relationship between cell surface protease activity and doubling time in various normal and transformed cells.

A sensitive method for measuring cell surface and secreted protease activity utilizing 3H-labelled casein is described. The method is based upon proteolytic degradation of the casein substrate into trichloracetic acid soluble 3H-labelled peptides. Utilizing the radioassay we found that all cultured cell lines examined contain cell surface proteolytic activity which is not secreted into the media. The protease activity was found to be due to protease(s) other than plasminogen activator or plasmin. A comparison of surface protease activity of normal and transformed mouse epidermal cells indicated that the transformed cells contained approximately 3--1 times more proteolytic activity than the normal cells. Surface protease activity was also correlated with the doubling times of various cultured cells. The results indicated that cultured cells with doubling times of greater than three days possess less surface protease activity than cells with shorter doubling times. In order to determine changes in the levels of surface protease activity during the cell cycle several cell lines were synchronized. In synchronized rabbit aortic fibroblasts, mouse transformed epidermal cells and human melanoma cells, a marked increase in surface protease activity was observed during or before mitosis. The protease levels decreased following mitosis. The results suggest that in culture, cell surface protease(s) may be important factor in regulating the rate of cell growth.     

Cellular Growth in Roots of a Gibberellin-Deficient Mutant of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and its Wild-type

The role of gibberellins in regulating the growth of tomatoroots was investigated by comparing various cellular parametersin cultured roots of the gibberellin-deficient mutant gib-l/gib-lwith those in roots of the near-isogenic wild-type. In addition,wild-type roots treated with 0?1 µM 2S,3S paclobutrazol,an inhibitor of gibberellin biosynthesis, and mutant roots treatedwith 0?1 µM GA₃ were also compared: the former roots constitutea phenocopy of the mutant, whereas the latter roots appear tobe ‘normalized’ and similar to wild-type. The elongationof mutant and phenocopied roots were similar, their maximumelongation rates being about half or two-thirds that of wild-typeor GA₃-treated mutant roots, respectively. These rates wereinterpreted in terms of the numbers and lengths of cells withinthe meristematic and non-meristematic portions of the elongationzone. Mean meristem length tended to be shorter in both themutant and the 2S,3S paclobutrazol-treated wild-type roots thanin the other two types of root. A major difference between thetwo pairs of mutant and normal roots was their mean final celllengths: mean lengths of cortical cells of the mutant and 2S,3Spaclobutrazol-treated roots were, respectively, 39% and 25%shorter than the mean length of wild-type roots. Final celllength in the GA³-treated mutant roots were similar to wild-type.By contrast, the diameters of mature cortical cells of the mutantand phenocopy were about 20% greater than the diameters of equivalentwild-type or ‘normalized’ mutant cells. The meanvolumes of cortical cells in all four types of roots showedno significant differences. Knowledge of the distribution ofcortical cell lengths, widths and volumes along the root axis,together with information about the rate of root elongation,permitted comparisons of the relative elemental growth ratesof each of these three cellular parameters. The available evidence suggests that the level of endogenousgibberellins in mutant roots is lower than in wild-type roots.The present results, therefore, suggest that endogenous gibberellinsare necessary for normal growth of cultured tomato roots andthat they regulate the relative amounts of growth at the longitudinaland transverse walls of the cells which, in turn, affects theshape of the elongating cells. Key words: Cell growth, cultured roots, gibberellin, gib-l mutant, Lycopersicon esculentum, 2S,3S paclobutrazol, relative elemental growth rate, root meristem     

Spreading of normal and transformed fibroblasts in dense cultures

Cell spreading in dense cultures of normal mouse embryo fibroblasts and of the two lines of mouse transformed fibroblasts was examined by electron microscopy. The mean number of cell layers in culture and cell population density per unit area of the substrate were detetmined; the mean area of the cell projection on the substratum was found from these data.Normal fibroblasts formed multilayefed sheet in dense culture. The cells in this sheet were well-spread. These cells formed thin lamellae (lamellar cytoplasm) over the surface of other cells and over the intercellular substance. The mean cell area in dense culture was not smaller than that of the cell spread on the substratum in sparse culture.Dense cultures of two transformed lines (M 22 and L) had differing morphologies: cultures of one line (M 22) were multilayered, those of the other line (L) were monolayered. Decreased spreading and almost complete (M 22) or complete (L) absence of lamellar cytoplasm were characteristic of both transformed lines. The mean area of the cell in dense cultures of both lines was several times smaller than that of their normal progenitors.It is concluded that similar reactions leading to the spreading accompanied by the formation of lamellar cytoplasm can be induced by the contact of fibroblast with various surfaces: that of the substratum in sparse culture, that of other cells and of intercellular structures in dense culture. Deficiency of these reactions characteristic for transformed fibroblasts may be responsible for abnormal morphology of their cultures.     

Dimensionality Controls Cytoskeleton Assembly and Metabolism of Fibroblast Cells in Response to Rigidity and Shape

Background

Various physical parameters, including substrate rigidity, size of adhesive islands and micro-and nano-topographies, have been shown to differentially regulate cell fate in two-dimensional (2-D) cell cultures. Cells anchored in a three-dimensional (3-D) microenvironment show significantly altered phenotypes, from altered cell adhesions, to cell migration and differentiation. Yet, no systematic analysis has been performed that studied how the integrated cellular responses to the physical characteristics of the environment are regulated by dimensionality (2-D versus 3-D).

Methodology/Principal Findings

Arrays of 5 or 10 µm deep microwells were fabricated in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The actin cytoskeleton was compared for single primary fibroblasts adhering either to microfabricated adhesive islands (2-D) or trapped in microwells (3-D) of controlled size, shape, and wall rigidity. On rigid substrates (Young''s Modulus = 1 MPa), cytoskeleton assembly within single fibroblast cells occurred in 3-D microwells of circular, rectangular, square, and triangular shapes with 2-D projected surface areas (microwell bottom surface area) and total surface areas of adhesion (microwell bottom plus wall surface area) that inhibited stress fiber assembly in 2-D. In contrast, cells did not assemble a detectable actin cytoskeleton in soft 3-D microwells (20 kPa), regardless of their shapes, but did so on flat, 2-D substrates. The dependency on environmental dimensionality was also reflected by cell viability and metabolism as probed by mitochondrial activities. Both were upregulated in 3-D cultured cells versus cells on 2-D patterns when surface area of adhesion and rigidity were held constant.

Conclusion/Significance

These data indicate that cell shape and rigidity are not orthogonal parameters directing cell fate. The sensory toolbox of cells integrates mechanical (rigidity) and topographical (shape and dimensionality) information differently when cell adhesions are confined to 2-D or occur in a 3-D space.     

Absence of Filamin A Prevents Cells from Responding to Stiffness Gradients on Gels Coated with Collagen but not Fibronectin

Cell types from many tissues respond to changes in substrate stiffness by actively remodeling their cytoskeletons to alter spread area or adhesion strength, and in some cases changing their own stiffness to match that of their substrate. These cell responses to substrate stiffness are linked to substrate-induced changes in the state, localization, and amount of numerous proteins, but detailed evidence for the requirement of specific proteins in these distinct forms of mechanical response are scarce. Here we use microfluidics techniques to produce gels with a gradient of stiffness to show the essential function of filamin A in cell responses to mechanical stimuli and dissociate cell spreading and stiffening by contrasting responses of a pair of human melanoma-derived cell lines that differ in expression of this actin cross-linking protein. M2 melanoma cells null for filamin A do not alter their adherent area in response to increased substrate stiffness when they link to the substrate only through collagen receptors, but change adherent area normally when bound through fibronectin receptors. In contrast, filamin A-replete A7 cells change adherent area on both substrates and respond more strongly to collagen I-coated gels than to fibronectin-coated gels. Strikingly, A7 cells alter their stiffness, as measured by atomic force microscopy, to match the elastic modulus of the substrate immediately adjacent to them on the gradient. M2 cells, in contrast, maintain a constant stiffness on all substrates that is as low as that of A7 cells on the softest gels examined (1000 Pa). Comparison of cell spreading and cell stiffening on the same gradient substrates shows that cell spreading is uncoupled from stiffening. At saturating collagen and fibronectin concentrations, adhesion of M2 cells is reduced compared to that of A7 cells to an extent approximately equal to the difference in adherent area. Filamin A appears to be essential for cell stiffening on collagen, but not for cell spreading on fibronectin. These results have implications for different models of cell protrusion and adhesion and identify a key role for filamin A in altering cellular stiffness that cannot be compensated for by other actin cross-linkers in vivo.     

Effect of colchamine on the morphology of transformed fibroblast-like cells in culture]

Colcemid-induced changes in the morphology of cultured transformed fibroblast-like mouse cells were studied using scanning electron microscope. Colcemid interferes with the normal cell polarization so that all the cell edges became active. Colcemid-treated normal cells remained well spread over the substrate. Transformed cells lost their polarization after colcemid treatment--the long, narrow, poorly attached processes of different form appeared along all the cell periphery. As in the case of the absence of colcemid, transformed cells remained less spread and worse attached to the substrate than normal ones. It is suggests that a) the same colcemid-sensitive structures are responsible for the polarization of transformed and normal cells; b) morphological differences between transformed and normal cells are determined mainly by structures different from colcemide-sensitive ones.     

Transformed cells have lost control of ribosome number through their growth cycle.

Previous studies on the synthesis and function of the protein synthetic machinery through the growth cycle of normal cultured hamster embryo fibroblasts (HA) were extended here to a series of four different clonal lines of polyoma virus-transformed HA cells. Under our culture conditions, these transformed cells could enter a stationary phase characterized by no mitotic cells, very low rates of DNA synthesis, and arrest in a post-mitotic pre-DNA synthetic state. Cellular viability was initially high in stationary phase but, unlike normal cells, transformed cells slowly lost viability. The rate of protein synthesis in the stationary phase of the transformed cells fell to 25-30% of the exponential rate. Though this reduction was similar to that seen in normal cells, it was accomplished by different means. The specific reduction in the ribosome complement per cell to values below that of any cycling cell seen in normal cells, was not seen in any of the transformed lines. This observation, which implies a loss of normal control of ribisome synthesis through the growth cycle after transformation, was confirmed in normal Chinese hamster embryo fibroblasts and transformed CHO cell lines. Normal control of ribosome synthesis was restored in L-73 and LR-73, growth control revertants of one of the transformed CHO lines. The transformed lines reduced their protein synthetic rates in stationary phase either by a greater reduction in the proportion of functioning ribosomes than that seen in normal cells or by a decrease in the elongation rate of functioning ribosomes; the latter effect was not seen in the normal cells. A model for growth control of normal cells and its derangement in transformed cells is presented.     

Contact-mediated changes in the fluidity of membrane lipids in normal and malignant transformed mammalian fibroblasts

The degree of microviscosity, gh, (fluidity/rigidity behavior) of membrane lipids of normal and transformed mammalian fibroblasts obtained from mice, hamsters and rats was quantitatively monitored by fluorescence polarization, P, analysis of the fluorescent probe 1,6-diphenyl 1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) when embedded in lipid regions of cellular membranes of intact viable cells. Analysis of membrane microviscosity of six different cell populations and of individual cells in each cell population have indicated that the membrane microviscosity of all cell types, both normal and transformed fibroblasts, changes as a function of the cell density in the growing cultures. The membrane microviscosity was found to be low (high lipid fluidity) in sparse conditions but high (high lipid rigidity) in dense conditions. The induced changes in membrane microviscosity are practically reversible for all cell types and a complete reversion can be obtained within a few hours after changing the cell density conditions from sparse to dense and vice versa.Comparative studies with normal and transformed fibroblasts have shown that transformed fibroblasts have a more rigid lipid layer in their cellular membranes than normal or untransformed fibroblasts. The difference in membrane microviscosity between transformed and normal fibroblasts is higher in confluent conditions as compared with subconfluent cultures. These differences in the degree of fluidity of membrane lipids that are controlled by possible differences in the cellto-cell contact in normal and transformed fibroblasts may play a major role in determining the growth behavior of normal and malignant cells that are growing as a solid tissue and may have a direct effect on the control mechanisms that determine the presence or absence of the “density dependent inhibition” of growth.     

Effect of the Rht3 dwarfing gene on dynamics of cell extension in wheat leaves, and its modification by gibberellic acid and paclobutrazol

The second leaf of wheat was used as a model system to examinethe effects of the Rht3 dwarfing gene on leaf growth. Comparedto the rht3 wild type, the Rht3allele decreased final leaf length,surface area and dry mass by reducing the maximum growth rates,but without affecting growth duration. Gibberellic acid (GA₃)increased final leaf length and maximum growth rate in the rht3wild type, but was without effect on the Rht3 mutant, whichis generally regarded as being non-responsive to gibberellin(GA). Paclobutrazol, an inhibitor of GA biosynthesis, decreasedfinal leaf length and maximum growth rate in the rht3 wild typeto values similar to those in the untreated Rht3 mutant. NeitherGA₃ nor paclobutrazol affected the duration of leaf growth.The decrease in leaf length was produced by reduction of celllength rather than cell number. The maximum relative elementalgrowth rate (REGR) for cell extension was essentially the samein all treatments, as was the time between the cells leavingthe meristem and achieving maximum extension rate. The differencesbetween the genotypes and treatments were all almost entirelydue to differences in the time taken from the attainment ofmaximum REGR of cell extension to the cessation of extension.This was reflected in the length of the extension zone, whichwas approximately 6–8 per cent of final leaf length. Theeffects of the Rht3 allele, GA₃ and paclobutrazol all appearto be on the processes which promote the cessation of cell elongation. Key words: Cell extension, gibberellin, leaf growth, Rht3 gene, Triticum, wheat     

Effects of the Over-Expression of the rolC Gene on Leaf Development in Transgenic Periclinal Chimeric Plants

Using Agrobacterium tumefaciens harboring a vector that carriedthe rolC gene under the control of the 35S RNA promoter of cauliflowermosaic virus, we produced several transgenic plants. Two ofthem were periclinal chimeras with altered leaves that had wrinkleddark green margins and inner pale green regions. One chimericplant had shortened internodes, reduced apical dominance, smallflowers and exhibited male sterility, but the other had a normalphenotype. Analysis of proteins, RNA and DNA indicated thatthe inner pale green tissues consisted of transformed cellswhile the outer dark green tissues were composed of non-transformedcells. Histological analysis indicated that mesophyll cellswere distorted and larger intercellular spaces were presentin the transformed pale green regions. Furthermore, in youngleaves, transformed mesophyll cells were larger than non-transformedcells. However, the normal parts had larger numbers of cellsper unit area than the transformed parts. These observationssuggest that ths expression of 35S-rolC in leaves caused inhibitionof cell division in developing leaves and that the undulatingmargins, composed of non-transformed cells, were a consequenceof the requirement for accommodating more cells in less spacewithin the region of rolC-transformed cells. (Received January 29, 1993; Accepted May 17, 1993)     

Effects of sugars on the physiology of cultured fibroblasts

Pronounced, rapid, and reversible changes in cultured normal and transformed fibroblasts are observed following removal of sugars from the culture medium. Growth immediately ceases or greatly diminishes; it resumes at a normal rate without any appreciable delay following re-addition of glucose. The cell shape changes within 6 h to a more flattened and elongated form similar to that of cells treated with db-cAMP. The NAD⁺/NADH ratio rises 4-fold and the ATP level falls about 25% in 2 h; however, the cAMP level remains constant. In transformed mouse SVT2 cells, other sugars will not replace glucose. A variant line of SVT2 (SVT2 SUG⁺) which will grow on numerous sugars has been isolated. Its growth rate, morphology and adhesion to the substratum, but not cAMP content, are dependent upon the sugar composition. These results suggest that the sugar composition of the growth medium has pronounced effects on cell physiology and that the effects are not mediated by cAMP.     

Polyamines in Relation to Cell Division and Xylogenesis in Cultured Explants of Helianthus tuberosus: Lack of Evidence for Growth-Regulatory Action

Phillips, R., Press, M. C. and Eason, A. 1987. Polyamines inrelation to cell division and xylogenesis in cultured explantsof Helianthus tuberosus: lack of evidence for growth-regulatoryaction.—J. exp. Bot. 38: 164–172. The polyamines spermidine, diaminopropane, and cadaverine werefound to accumulate in cultured tuber explants of H. tuberosus(Jerusalem artichoke). Rapid increases in all amines occurredduring the initial 24 h corresponding to the period of activationand the onset of mitosis. Levels then declined during the followingphases of rapid cell proliferation and xylem differentiation.The type and distribution of polyamines was not markedly affectedby changes in medium or culture conditions, and the inhibitorMGBG did not alter cell division rates or polyamine contentmarkedly although xylem differentiation was substantially depressed.Exogenously supplied spermidine and putrescine did not substantiallyalter the cellular responses of explants cultured in the presenceof auxin. In the absence of supplied auxin, spermidine at 1?0mol m^–3 produced an increase in cell division, althoughthis was small in comparison with auxin-stimulated responses.The implications of these findings on the possibility that polyaminesact as growth regulators in plants is discussed. Key words: Polyamines, Jerusalem artichoke, cultured explants, cell division, xylem differentiation     

Anisotropic rigidity sensing on grating topography directs human mesenchymal stem cell elongation

Through mechanotransduction, cells can sense physical cues from the extracellular environment and convert them into internal signals that affect various cellular functions. For example, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) cultured on topographical gratings have been shown to elongate and differentiate to different extents depending on grating width. Using a combination of experiments and mathematical modeling, the physical parameters of substrate topography that direct cell elongation were determined. On a variety of topographical gratings with different grating widths, heights and rigidity, elongation of hMSCs was measured and a monotonic increase was observed for grating aspect ratio (crosssectional height to line-width ratio) between 0.035 and 2. The elongation was also dependent on the grating substrate rigidity over a range of 0.18–1.43 MPa. A mathematical model was developed to explain our observations by relating cell elongation to the anisotropic deformation of the gratings and how this anisotropy depends on the aspect ratio and rigidity of the gratings. Our model was in good agreement with the experimental data for the range of grating aspect ratio and substrate rigidity studied. In addition, we also showed that the percentage of aligned cells, which had a strong linear correlation with elongation for slightly elongated cells, saturated toward 100 % at higher level of cell elongation. Our results may be useful in designing gratings to elicit specific cellular responses that may depend on the extent of cell elongation.     

SUBSTRATE-ATTACHED GLYCOPROTEINS MEDIATING ADHESION OF NORMAL AND VIRUS-TRANSFORMED MOUSE FIBROBLASTS

When BALB/c 3T3, simian virus 40 (SV40)-transformed 3T3 (SVT2), and revertant variants of the transformed cells are removed by EGTA treatment from the substrate on which they were grown, they leave behind a layer of glycoprotein which has been characterized biochemically (Terry, A. H. and L. A. Culp. 1974. Biochemistry. 13:414.)—substrate-attached material (SAM). The influence of SAM from normal and from transformed cells on cellular attachment to the substrate, morphology, movement, and growth has been examined. All three cell types displayed a 30% higher plating efficiency when grown on 3T3 SAM. The morphology of SVT2 colonies and of individual SVT2 cells was dramatically affected by growth on 3T3 SAM—the cells (a) were more highly spread on the substrate, (b) resisted crawling over neighboring cells, and (c) resisted movement away from the edge of colonies; SVT2 SAM was not effective in causing these changes. A cell-to-substrate attachment assay using thymidine-radiolabeled cells and untreated or SAM-coated cover slips was developed. SVT2 cells attached to 3T3 SAM- or SVT2 SAM-coated cover slips with a faster initial rate and to a higher saturation level than to untreated substrate, whereas 3T3 and revertant cells exhibited no preference; there was no species specificity in these cell-substrate attachment phenomena. Trypsin-released cells attached much more slowly than EGTA-released cells. 3T3 SAM, however, was not effective in lowering the saturation density of mass cultures of virus-transformed cells. These experiments suggest that the substrate-attached glycoproteins of normal cells affect the cellular adhesivity, morphology, movement, and perhaps growth patterns of virus-transformed cells—i.e., causing partial reversion of these properties of transformed cells to those found in contact-inhibited fibroblasts. A model for the involvement of substrate-attached glycoproteins in cell-to-substrate adhesion, and possibly cell-to-cell adhesion, has been proposed.