Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRbeta) is upregulated in most of solid tumors. It is expressed by pericytes/smooth muscle cells, fibroblast, macrophage, and certain tumor cells. Several PDGF receptor-related antagonists are being developed as potential antitumor agents and have demonstrated promising antitumor activity in both preclinical and clinical settings. Here, we produced a fully human neutralizing antibody, IMC-2C5, directed against PDGFRbeta from an antibody phage display library. IMC-2C5 binds to both human and mouse PDGFRbeta and blocks PDGF-B from binding to the receptor. IMC-2C5 also blocks ligand-stimulated activation of PDGFRbeta and downstream signaling molecules in tumor cells. In animal studies, IMC-2C5 significantly delayed the growth of OVCAR-8 and NCI-H460 human tumor xenografts in nude mice but failed to show antitumor activities in OVCAR-5 and Caki-1 xenografts. Our results indicate that the antitumor efficacy of IMC-2C5 is primarily due to its effects on tumor stroma, rather than on tumor cells directly. Combination of IMC-2C5 and DC101, an anti-mouse vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 antibody, resulted in significantly enhanced antitumor activity in BxPC-3, NCI-H460, and HCT-116 xenografts, compared with DC101 alone, and the trend of additive effects to DC101 treatment in several other tumor models. ELISA analysis of NCI-H460 tumor homogenates showed that IMC-2C5 attenuated protein level of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor elevated by DC101 treatment. Finally, IMC-2C5 showed a trend of additive effects when combined with DC101/chemotherapy in MIA-PaCa-2 and NCI-H460 models. Taken together, these results lend great support to the use of PDGFRbeta antagonists in combination with other antiangiogenic agents in the treatment of a broad range of human cancers.

BACKGROUND

We review the role of peptide growth factors in angiogenesis and progression of low grade glial tumors to higher grade glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

METHODS

Vascular pathology is a key feature of glioblastoma multiforme characterized by hypervascularity, vascular permeability, and hypercoagulability.

RESULTS

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can mediate all of these effects, but by itself does not promote malignant growth. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) are implicated in the angiogenesis of a number of tumors including those of glial origin.

CONCLUSIONS

These growth factors are suggested to play a role in autocrine and/or paracrine mediated tumorogenesis of astrocytic tumors. VEGF secretion might be the product of induction by physiologic concentrations of other growth factors with VEGF being the common pathway of neovascularization and progression to GBM.

Go/Gi coupled G-protein receptor mediated transactivation is critical in the activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). Here we show that mu opioid receptor (MOR) transactivates Flk1 and platelet-derived growth factor-beta (PDGF-beta) receptors and its agonist morphine stimulates pro-angiogenic and survival-promoting signaling in mouse retinal endothelial cells (mREC). Morphine stimulates mREC proliferation in a dose dependent fashion and promotes survival to the same extent as vascular endothelial growth factor164 (VEGF164). Morphine stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) and Akt phosphorylation in a time dependent manner like VEGF in mREC. Moreover, analogous to VEGF, morphine stimulates oncogenic signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. Morphine as well as VEGF-induced phospho-STAT3 and phospho-Flk1 immunoprecipitated with MOR-associated proteins. In addition morphine also stimulated MOR associated PDGF-beta receptor phosphorylation. Consistent with the relationship between VEGF and MOR we found that VEGF upregulates MOR protein and RNA expression in mREC. These data suggest that MOR associates and transactivates RTKs for Flk1 and PDGF-beta, which may have a compounding effect on angiogenic signaling in endothelium. Therefore, G-Protein coupled receptors including MOR provide novel targets to develop anti-angiogenic agents.

Urokinase (uPA)-induced signaling in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) elicits important cellular functional responses, such as cell migration and proliferation. However, how intracellular signaling is linked to glycolipid-anchored uPA receptor (uPAR) is unknown. We provide evidence that uPAR activation by uPA induces its association with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-beta. The interaction results in PDGF-independent PDGFR-beta activation by phosphorylation of cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase domains and receptor dimerization. Association of the receptors as well as the tyrosine kinase activity of PDGFR-beta are decisive in mediating uPA-induced downstream signaling that regulates VSMC migration and proliferation. These findings provide a molecular basis for mechanisms VSMC use to induce uPAR- and PDGFR-directed signaling. The processes may be relevant to VSMC function and vascular remodeling.

BACKGROUND

The platelet gel is made by embedding concentrate platelets within a semisolid (gel) network of polymerized fibrin. It is believed that this blood component will be used more and more in the treatment of several clinical conditions and as an adjunctive material in tissue engineering. Several systems are available to produce platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for topical therapy. Recently, a new system became commercially available, Plateltex. Here we report the technical performance of this system in comparison with the performance of other commercially available systems: PRGF, PRP-Landesber, Curasan, PCCS, Harvest, Vivostat, Regen and Fibrinet.

METHODS

Both the PRP and the gel were prepared according to the manufacturer's directions. The blood samples of 20 donors were used. The yield, the efficiency, and the amount of platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB), transforming growth factor beta, vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor were measured in the resulting PRP. The feature of the batroxobin-induced gelation was evaluated.

RESULTS

The yield, the collection efficiency and the growth factor content of Plateltex were comparable to those of most of the other available systems. The gelation time was not dependent on the fibrinogen concentration; however, it was strongly influenced by the contact surface area of the container where the clotting reaction took place (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Plateltex provided platelet recovery, collection efficiency and PDGF-AB availability close to those provided by other systems marketed with the same intended use. Batroxobin, the enzyme provided to induce gelation, acts differently from thrombin, which is used by most other systems. Platelets treated with thrombin become activated; they release their growth factors quickly. Furthermore, thrombin-platelet interaction is a physiological mechanism that hastens the clot-retraction rate. On the contrary, platelets treated with batroxobin do not become activated; they are passively entrapped within the fibrin network, and their growth factor release occurs slowly. In these conditions, the clot retraction takes longer to occur. According to these differences between thrombin and batroxobin, it is expected that batroxobin-induced PRP activation will tailor slow release of the platelet content, thus, providing longer in loco availability of trophic factors. In selected clinical conditions, this durable anabolic factor availability might be preferable to quick thrombin-induced growth factor release.

Platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFR) α and β have been suggested as potential targets for treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. This study identifies biologic activities linked to PDGF signaling in rhabdomyosarcoma models and human sample collections. Analysis of gene expression profiles of 101 primary human rhabdomyosarcomas revealed elevated PDGF-C and -D expression in all subtypes, with PDGF-D as the solely overexpressed PDGFRβ ligand. By immunohistochemistry, PDGF-CC, PDGF-DD, and PDGFRα were found in tumor cells, whereas PDGFRβ was primarily detected in vascular stroma. These results are concordant with the biologic processes and pathways identified by data mining. While PDGF-CC/PDGFRα signaling associated with genes involved in the reactivation of developmental programs, PDGF-DD/PDGFRβ signaling related to wound healing and leukocyte differentiation. Clinicopathologic correlations further identified associations between PDGFRβ in vascular stroma and the alveolar subtype and with presence of metastases. Functional validation of our findings was carried out in molecularly distinct model systems, where therapeutic targeting reduced tumor burden in a PDGFR-dependent manner with effects on cell proliferation, vessel density, and macrophage infiltration. The PDGFR-selective inhibitor CP-673,451 regulated cell proliferation through mechanisms involving reduced phosphorylation of GSK-3α and GSK-3β. Additional tissue culture studies showed a PDGFR-dependent regulation of rhabdosphere formation/cancer cell stemness, differentiation, senescence, and apoptosis. In summary, the study shows a clinically relevant distinction in PDGF signaling in human rhabdomyosarcoma and also suggests continued exploration of the influence of stromal PDGFRs on sarcoma progression.

Cyclooxygenases (COXs) are key enzymes in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins (PGs) and other eicosanoids. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of nitric oxide (NO), a regulator of vascular permeability, from the guanidino nitrogen atom of L-arginine. Two isoforms of both enzymes occur: a constitutive one, Cox-1 and the inducible counterpart Cox-2; also NOS has a constitutive counterparts (cNOS) and an inducible form, called iNOS. The inducible isoforms of both enzymes are of maximum interest. It has been recently shown that cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) is inducible by a variety of stimuli and that eicosanoids, mainly of the PGE2 species, are inducers of basic regulator of angiogenesis, including VEGF/VPF, bFGF, TGF-beta, PDGF, and endothelin-1. In addition, iNOS is inducible by Cox-2. p53 down-regulates the angiogenic process at various levels: it induces thrombospondin-1, a powerful antiangiogenic factor, down-regulates VEGF and NOS and, in addition, down-regulates hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, either inducing apoptosis or enhancing antiangiogenetic factors. It is noteworthy how important the p53 oncosuppressor is in the angiogenesis of solid tumor growth. Cox-2, iNOS and p53 are thus fundamental play-makers of the angiogenic process: they are discussed in detail and a tentative hierarchical cascade is proposed.

Chronic inhalation of coal dust can cause several lung disorders, including simple coal workers pneumoconiosis (CWP), progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), chronic bronchitis, lung function loss, and emphysema. This review focuses on the cellular actions and interactions of key inflammatory cells and target cells in coal dust toxicity and related lung disorders, i.e. macrophages and neutrophils, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. Factors released from or affecting these cells are outlined in separate sections, i.e. (1) reactive oxygen species (ROS) and related antioxidant protection mechanisms, and (2) cytokines, growth factors and related proteins. Furthermore, (3) components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including the modifying role of ROS, cytokines, proteases and antiproteases are discussed in relation to tissue damage and remodelling in the respiratory tract. It is recognised that inhaled coal dust particles are important non-cellular and cellular sources of ROS in the lung, and may be significantly involved in the damage of lung target cells as well as important macromolecules including alpha-1-antitrypsin and DNA. In vitro and in vivo studies with coal dusts showed the up-regulation of important leukocyte recruiting factors, e.g. Leukotriene-B4 (LTB4), Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 (MCP-1), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF alpha), as well as the neutrophil adhesion factor Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Coal dust particles are also known to stimulate the (macrophage) production of various factors with potential capacity to modulate lung cells and/or extracellular matrix, including O2-., H2O2, and NO, fibroblast chemoattractants (e.g. Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF beta), PDGF, and fibronectin) and a number of factors that have been shown to stimulate and/or inhibit fibroblast growth or collagen production such as (TNF alpha, TGF beta, PDGF, Insulin Like Growth Factor, and Prostaglandin-E2). Further studies are needed to clarify the in vivo kinetics and relative impact of these factors.

Bone contains several growth factors, including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), insulin-like growth factors I and II (IGF-I and IGF-II), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic and acidic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF and aFGF). Spatial and temporal variations in the expression and secretion of the various growth factors have been demonstrated in osteoblastic cultures and in various experimental and clinical in vivo models, including fracture healing in humans. Local application of various growth factors influences proliferation, differentiation and protein synthesis in osteoblastic cultures and bone formation in different animal models, including experimental fractures and skeletal defects. The BMPs are the only growth factors known to provoke bone formation heterotopically by making undifferentiated mesenchymal cells differentiate into osteoblasts (osteoinduction). BMPs and other growth factors, soon to become commercially available for clinical use, need a delivery system for their sustained release, as the factors are otherwise rapidly absorbed. Some existing systems inhibit bone formation by inducing chronic inflammation or physically by unresorbed carrier obstructing bone formation. New delivery systems are being investigated.

Nucleic acid-based aptamers offer many potential advantages relative to antibodies and other protein-based affinity reagents, including facile chemical synthesis, reversible folding, improved thermal stability and lower cost. However, their selection requires significant time and resources and selections often fail to yield molecules with affinities sufficient for molecular diagnostics or therapeutics. Toward a selection technique that can efficiently and reproducibly generate high performance aptamers, we have developed a microfluidic selection process (M-SELEX) that can be used to obtain high affinity aptamers against diverse protein targets. Here, we isolated DNA aptamers against three protein targets with different isoelectric points (pI) using a common protocol. After only three rounds of selection, we discovered novel aptamer sequences that bind to platelet derived growth factor B (PDGF-BB; pI = 9.3) and thrombin (pI = 8.3) with respective dissociation constants (K(d)) of 0.028 nM and 0.33 nM, which are both superior to previously reported aptamers against these targets. In parallel, we discovered a new aptamer that binds to apolipoprotein E3 (ApoE; pI = 5.3) with a K(d) of 3.1 nM. Furthermore, we observe that the net protein charge may exert influence on the affinity of the selected aptamers. To further explore this relationship, we performed selections against PDGF-BB under different pH conditions using the same selection protocol, and report an inverse correlation between protein charge and aptamer K(d).

Fibroblast migration, proliferation, extracellular matrix protein synthesis and degradation, all of which play important roles in inflammation, are themselves induced by various growth factors and cytokines. Less is known about the interaction of these substances on lung fibroblast function in pulmonary fibrosis. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of PDGF alone and in combination with IL-1beta and TNF-alpha on the production of human lung fibroblast matrix metalloproteinases, proliferation, and the chemotactic response. The assay for MMPs activity against FITC labeled type I and IV collagen was based on the specificity of the enzyme cleavage of collagen. Caseinolytis and gelatinolytic activities of secreted proteinases were analyzed by zymography. Fibronectin in conditioned media was measured using human lung fibronectin enzyme immunoassay. Cell proliferation was measured by 3H-Thymidine incorporation assay. Cell culture supernatants were tested for PGE2 content by ELISA. Chemotactic activity was measured using the modified Boyden chamber. Matrix metalloproteinase assay indicated that IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and PDGF induced intestitial collagenase (MMP-1) production. MMP assay also indicated that IL-1beta and TNF-alpha had inhibitory effects on MMP-2,9(gelatinaseA,B) production. Casein zymography confirmed that IL-1beta stimulated stromlysin (matrix metalloproteinase 3; MMP-3) and gelatin zymography demonstrated that TNF-alpha induced MMP-9 production in human lung fibroblast, whereas PDGF alone did not. PDGF in combination with IL-1beta and TNF-alpha induced MMP-3 and MMP-9 activity, as demonstrated by zymography. PDGF stimulated lung fibroblast proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas IL-1beta and TNF-alpha alone had no effect. In contrast, the proliferation of human lung fibroblasts by PDGF was inhibited in the presence of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, and this inhibition was not a consequence of any elevation of PGE2. PDGF stimulated fibroblast chemotaxis in a concentration-dependent manner, and this stimulation was augmented by combining PDGF with IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. These findings suggested that PDGF differentially regulated MMPs production in combination with cytokines, and further that MMP assay and zymography had differential sensitivity for detecting MMPs. The presence of cytokines with PDGF appears to modulate the proliferation and chemotaxis of human lung fibroblasts.

Breast carcinomas are known to express platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a known connective tissue mitogen. In order to further evaluate the potential role of PDGF in these epithelial tumors, expression of the PDGF B chain (PDGF-B) and the PDGF receptor beta subunit (PDGFR) was analyzed by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization in 49 benign and malignant breast tissues. PDGF-B expression was analyzed with respect to the expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen, as well as tumor grade, p53 overexpression, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and c-erbB-2 expression. Expression of PDGF-B protein and mRNA was restricted to the breast epithelium and tumor cells except for scattered tissue macrophages. A strong correlation was found between increasing proliferating cell nuclear antigen indices and PDGF-B expression in both nonmalignant (P = 0.01) and malignant (P = 0.02) breast specimens. Decreased PDGF-B expression was found in postmenopausal atrophic breast tissue compared with normal breast tissue (P = 0.04). Within the subgroup of malignant tumors, no correlations were found between PDGF-B expression and tumor grade or p53 overexpression. In 16 of the malignant tumors evaluated for estrogen/progesterone receptor status and c-erbB-2 overexpression, no correlations with PDGF-B expression were found. Membranous PDGFR immunostaining was present within the fibroblastic cell population in all of the tissues examined but not in the nonmalignant breast epithelium. Six malignant specimens had detectable cytoplasmic expression of PDGFR. There was no correlation between this PDGFR expression and proliferating cell nuclear antigen indices, but a correlation was noted between increasing estrogen receptor expression and PDGFR cytoplasmic expression (P = 0.04). The results support a paracrine role for PDGF-B in malignant and benign breast epithelial cell proliferation.

Members of the STAT family of transcriptional regulators modulate the expression of a variety of gene products that promote cell proliferation, survival and transformation. Although initially identified as mediators of cytokine signaling, the STAT proteins are also activated by, and thus may contribute to the actions of, polypeptide growth factors. To define the mechanism by which these factors activate STATs, we examined the process of Stat3 activation in Balb/c-3T3 fibroblasts treated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). As STATs are activated by tyrosine phosphorylation, and as PDGF receptors are ligand-activated tyrosine kinases, we considered the possibility that Stat3 interacts with and is phosphorylated by PDGF receptors. We find that Stat3 associates with PDGF beta receptors in both the presence and, surprisingly, the absence of PDGF. Moreover, Stat3 was phosphorylated on tyrosine in PDGF beta receptor immunoprecipitates of PDGF-treated but not untreated cells. Although required, receptor activation was insufficient for Stat3 activation. When added to cells in combination with a pharmacologic agent (PD180970) that specifically inhibits the activity of Src family tyrosine kinases, PDGF did not activate Stat3 as monitored by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. PD180970 did not affect MAPK activation by PDGF or the JAK-dependent activation of Stat3 by interleukin-6. The necessity of Src activity for Stat3 activation by PDGF was further evidenced by data showing the presence of Src in complexes containing both Stat3 and PDGF beta receptors in PDGF-treated cells. These results suggest a novel mechanism of STAT activation in which inactive Stat3 pre-assembles with inactive PDGF receptors, and in response to ligand binding and in a manner dependent on Src kinase activity, is rapidly phosphorylated and activated. Additional data demonstrate that Src kinase activity is also required for PDGF stimulation of DNA synthesis in density-arrested cells.

Class I phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) δ is a promising therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because of its contribution to leukocyte biology. However, its contribution in fibroblasts has not been studied as a mechanism that contributes to efficacy. We investigated the expression and function of PI3Kδ in synovium and cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that PI3Kδ is highly expressed in RA synovium, especially in the synovial lining. Using quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis, we found that PI3Kδ mRNA and protein expression is higher in RA than in osteoarthritis (OA) synovium. PI3Kδ was also expressed in cultured FLS, along with PI3Kα and PI3Kβ, whereas PI3Kγ was not detectable. PI3Kδ mRNA expression was selectively induced by inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) but not by growth factors platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). The use of inhibitors that block individual PI3K isoforms, including the novel selective PI3Kδ inhibitor INK007, showed that PI3Kδ is required for PDGF- and TNF-induced Akt activation. PI3Kδ inhibition also diminished PDGF-mediated synoviocyte growth and sensitized cells to H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis. These data are the first documentation of increased PI3Kδ expression in both RA synovium and cultured synoviocytes. Furthermore, these are the first data demonstrating that PI3Kδ is a major regulator of PDGF-mediated fibroblast growth and survival via Akt. Thus, targeting PI3Kδ in RA could modulate synoviocyte function via anti-inflammatory and disease-altering mechanisms.

The expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors in porcine uterus and human skin in situ, was compared with that of cultured primary cells isolated from the same tissues. PDGF receptor expression was examined by monoclonal antibodies specific for the B type PDGF receptor and by RNA/RNA in situ hybridization with a probe constructed from a cDNA clone encoding the B type PDGF receptor. In porcine uterus tissue both mRNA and the protein product for the PDGF receptor were detected in the endometrium; the myometrium, in contrast, contained much lower amounts. Moreover, freshly isolated myometrial cells were devoid of PDGF receptors. However, after 1 d in culture receptors appeared, and after 2 wk of culturing essentially all of the myometrial cells stained positively with the anti-PDGF receptor antibodies and contained PDGF receptor mRNA. Similarly, B type PDGF receptors were not detected in normal human skin, but fibroblast-like cells from explant cultures of human skin possessed PDGF receptors. When determined by immunoblotting, porcine uterus myometrial membranes contained approximately 20% of the PDGF receptor antigen compared with the amount found in endometrial membranes. In addition, PDGF stimulated the phosphorylation of a 175-kD component, most likely representing autophosphorylation of the B type PDGF receptor in endometrial membranes, whereas only a marginal phosphorylation was seen in myometrial membranes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PDGF receptor expression varies in normal tissues and that fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells do not uniformly express the receptor in situ. Furthermore, fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells that are released from tissues are induced to express PDGF receptors in response to cell culturing. The data suggest that, in addition to the availability of the ligand, PDGF-mediated cell growth in vivo is dependent on factors regulating expression of the receptor.

Previous studies have shown that cultured Schwann cells secrete platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and express PDGF receptors which transmit a mitogenic response particularly when their levels are upregulated by elevation of intracellular cAMP. In this study the expression of PDGF and PDGF alpha- and beta-receptors in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) has been examined by studying dorsal root ganglia and sciatic nerve. Using the monoclonal anti-PDGF antibody, PGF-007, relatively high levels of PDGF were detected in cells of the neonatal rat dorsal root ganglia and sciatic nerve. The location and morphology of these cells indicated that they were Schwann cells while neurons of the dorsal root ganglia were less strongly labeled. The levels in Schwann cells declined during the first postnatal weeks. In the adult rat, low levels of PDGF were detected on myelinated nerve fibers while unmyelinated fibers continued to express higher levels of PDGF. Antisera specific for the PDGF alpha- and beta-receptor revealed high levels of both receptors in the neonatal rat PNS. In the adult rat peripheral nerve both receptors were detectable in unmyelinated nerve fibers. The PDGF beta-receptor, but not the alpha-receptor, was detected at low levels on myelinated nerve fibers. Teased nerve preparations, as well as freshly dissociated sciatic nerve cells, were used to substantiate the findings in frozen tissue sections. Neurons of the dorsal root ganglion expressed PDGF and PDGF alpha- and beta-receptors in all the stages of postnatal development examined. These results indicate that PDGF might play a role in the development of the PNS and in maintenance of peripheral neurons.

Since non-alchoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is often accompanied with metabolic syndrome comprising obesity, type-2 diabetes and hypertension, it is hypothesized that adipocytokines, insulin resistance and autonomic nervous system play crucial roles in disease progression of NASH. On the other hand, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been shown to produce leptin when they get activated during hepatic fibrogenesis. Therefore, we investigated the role of leptin in fibrogenesis in the liver. Xenobiotics-induced liver fibrosis was extremely diminished in ob/ob mice and Zucker (fa/fa) rats, an inborn leptin- and leptin receptor (Ob-R)-deficient animal, respectively. Further, leptin increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta mRNA in isolated sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells, suggesting that leptin promotes hepatic fibrogenesis through up-regulation of TGF-beta in the liver. Moreover, leptin augmented PDGF-dependent proliferation of HSCs by enhancing downstream intracellular signaling pathways via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt. Taken together, it is postulated that leptin acts as a profibrogenic cytokine in sinusoidal microenvironment. These findings indicate that leptin is one of the key regulators for inflammation and progression of fibrosis in various chronic liver diseases including NASH.

Long-term marrow cultures (LTMC) allow the proliferation and differentiation of primitive human hematopoietic progenitor cells to be maintained for many weeks in the absence of exogenously provided hematopoietic growth factors. Previous investigations focused on defining various types of cells that are present in this culture system and on measuring the cycling behavior of the different subpopulations of colony-forming cells maintained within it. These studies suggested that mesenchymal stromal elements derived from the input marrow play a key role in regulating the turnover of the most primitive, high-proliferative potential erythroid and granulopoietic colony-forming cells that are found almost exclusively in the adherent layer of LTMC. In this study we show that the re-entry into S-phase of these primitive hematopoietic progenitors that occurs after each weekly medium change is due to an as yet undefined constituent of horse serum, which is absent from fetal calf serum. However, this effect is not unique to the factor present in horse serum. It is also elicited by the addition to LTMC of several well-defined growth regulatory molecules, ie, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha), and IL-2. None of these was able to stimulate hematopoietic colony-forming cells in methylcellulose assays, although all have known actions on mesenchymal cells including, in some cases, the ability to increase production of growth factors that can stimulate primitive high-proliferative potential hematopoietic progenitors in clonogenic assays. Interestingly, a stimulating effect was not obtained after addition of endotoxin to LTMC. TGF-beta, a direct-acting negative regulator that acts selectively on primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells if added to LTMC simultaneously with new medium or IL-1, blocked their stimulating activity. These results suggest a model in which indirect, local modulation of both positive and negative regulatory factors via effects on mesenchymal elements determines the rate of turnover of adjacent populations of very primitive hematopoietic cells that are normally maintained in a quiescent state in vivo.

The migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) during neointima formation in atherosclerosis and angioplasty restenosis is mediated by certain growth factors and cytokines, one action of which may be to promote basement-membrane degradation. To test this hypothesis further, the effects of such growth factors and cytokines on the synthesis of two basement-membrane-degrading metalloproteinases, namely the 72 kDa gelatinase (MMP-2, gelatinase A) and the 95 kDa gelatinase (MMP-9, gelatinase B) and three tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) was studied in primary cultured rabbit aortic SMCs. Expression of the 95 kDa gelatinase was increased by phorbol myristate acetate, foetal calf serum, thrombin and interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha); platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB alone had no effect but acted synergistically with IL-1alpha. A selective protein kinase C inhibitor, Ro 31-8220, abolished induction of the 95 kDa gelatinase. In contrast, none of the agents tested modulated the synthesis of the 72 kDa gelatinase. We conclude that maximal up-regulation of 95 kDa gelatinase expression requires the concerted action of growth factors and inflammatory cytokines mediated, in part, by a protein kinase C-dependent pathway. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were highly expressed, and their synthesis was not affected by growth factors or cytokines. Expression of TIMP-3 mRNAs was, however, increased by PDGF and transforming growth factor beta, especially in combination. Divergent regulation of gelatinase and TIMP expression implies that either net synthesis or net degradation of basement membrane can be mediated by appropriate combinations of growth factors and cytokines.

When first conceived, antiangiogenic therapy for cancer offered the possibility of universal efficacy, low toxicity, and little possibility of resistance. Blockade of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway has yielded the most promising results both in animal models and in patients. However, resistance to VEGF blockade has been found even when given in combination with chemotherapy or other antiangiogenic agents. This resistance is associated with remodeled vasculature and with increased expression of angiogenic factors, such as PDGF-B and angiopoietin-1, which may contribute to vessel stabilization. Future efforts must be directed towards the identification of factors associated with vascular remodeling in order to improve the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy.

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation promotes a synthetic phenotype that underlies many vessel growth disorders. In this regard it has been suggested that the metabolic sensor adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has significant antigrowth and antimetastatic properties and may serve as a viable therapeutic target. In the current study we hypothesized that AMPK reduces neointima formation following balloon injury and that this occurs through reduction in VSMC proliferation and migration. Data reveal that local or systemic dosing with the AMPK agonist 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) significantly increased AMPK activity in vivo and inhibited neointima formation in rat carotid arteries 2 wk after injury. In primary VSMCs, AICAR inhibited migration and induced cytostatic growth arrest through increased protein phosphatase 2A-mediated inhibition of mitosis-promoting cyclin B. AICAR also significantly enhanced AMPK-specific T278 phosphorylation of the actin anticapping vasodilator-activated serum phosphoprotein, increased G- to F-actin ratios and stress fiber formation, and abrogated PDGF-stimulated S397 autophosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, promigratory cytoplasmic accumulation of paxillin, and extracellular matrix proteolysis by matrix metalloproteinase-9. Together, these results provide compelling evidence that AMPK serves to inhibit vascular smooth muscle migration and proliferation through regulation of cytoskeletal/focal adhesion/ECM stability, increasing our knowledge of this important metabolic regulator and providing support for its continued investigation in the treatment of vascular growth disorders.

MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) are dual specificity phosphatases that dephosphorylate and thereby inactivate MAPKs. In the present study, we provide evidence that platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) regulates MKP3 (DUSP6), which is considered to be a phosphatase highly selective for Erk. Intriguingly, we observed that Mek is positively regulated by MKP3, whereas Erk itself is negatively regulated. In addition, we found that activation of PDGF receptor alpha or beta leads to a rapid proteasomal degradation of MKP3 in a manner that requires Mek activation; this feed-forward mechanism was found to be essential for efficient Erk phosphorylation. We could also demonstrate that PDGF-BB stimulation induces phosphorylation of MKP3 at Ser-174 and Ser-300; phosphorylation of Ser-174 is involved in PDGF-induced MKP3 degradation, since mutation of this site stabilized MKP3. Moreover, activated Erk induces mkp3 expression, leading to restoration of MKP3 levels after 1-2 h and a concomitant dephosphorylation of Erk in cells with activated PDGFRalpha. Reducing the MKP3 level by small interfering RNA leads to an increased Erk activation and mitogenic response to PDGF-BB. In conclusion, MKP3 is an important regulator of PDGF-induced Erk phosphorylation acting in both a rapid positive feed-forward and a later negative feed-back loop.

Acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) enhances nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis by astrocytes obtained from various brain regions. NGF secretion by fibrous-shaped astrocytes transformed by dibutyryl-cAMP (db-cAMP) pretreatment was less than that by untreated astrocytes. However, aFGF also enhanced NGF secretion by fibrous-shaped astrocytes. The effects of various kinds of intracellular signaling modulators on NGF synthesis were examined. None of the following second messenger effectors had an effect on NGF synthesis: protein kinase C (PKC) agonist (phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)) or antagonist (sphingosine (SP)). LiCl, and ionomycin (Iono). Further, increases of intracellular cAMP by forskolin (FK) or db-cAMP have no significant effect on NGF synthesis in astrocytes under a standard culture condition. However, NGF synthesis by astrocytes in the presence of aFGF was significantly enhanced by db-cAMP, but not by FK or sodium butyrate. These results indicate that an excessive amount of cAMP enhances the effect of aFGF on NGF synthesis in astrocytes. NGF synthesis in astrocytes was not affected by treatment with anti-aFGF or anti-bFGF neutralizing antibodies, indicating that FGFs are not involved in the autocrine regulation of NGF synthesis in astrocytes. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), which inhibits some effects of FGFs, increased NGF synthesis in concert with aFGF. Furthermore, the highest NGF synthesis was observed when astrocytes were stimulated by all of the following cytokines: aFGF, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and TGF-beta 1. The mechanism regulating NGF synthesis in fibroblasts obtained from prenatal rat skin was also investigated. Acidic FGF, basic FGF (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), TGF-beta 1, IL-1 beta, and TNF-alpha were found to be regulators of NGF synthesis in skin fibroblasts. Among these cytokines, aFGF is the most potent regulator of NGF synthesis in fibroblasts. NGF synthesis by skin fibroblasts, either in the presence or absence of aFGF, was not modified by any of the following: FK, PMA, SP, LiCl, and Iono. However, db-cAMP significantly enhanced NGF synthesis in both conditions. Sodium butyrate enhanced NGF synthesis in the presence of aFGF, but not in the absence of aFGF. These results suggest that an excessive amount of cAMP and butyrate moiety regulate NGF synthesis in skin fibroblasts in different ways.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and PDGF receptors (PDGFRs) are widely expressed in the mammalian CNS, though their functional significance remains unclear. The corresponding null-knockout mutations are lethal. Here, we developed novel mutant mice in which the gene encoding the beta subunit of PDGFR (PDGFR-beta) was genetically deleted in CNS neurons to elucidate the role of PDGFR-beta, particularly in the post-natal stage. Our mutant mice reached adulthood without apparent anatomical defects. In the mutant brain, immunohistochemical analyses showed that PDGFR-beta detected in neurons and in the cells in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle in wild-type mice was depleted, but PDGFR-beta detected in blood vessels remained unaffected. The cerebral damage after cryogenic injury was severely exacerbated in the mutants compared with controls. Furthermore, TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive neuronal cell death and lesion formation in the cerebral hemisphere were extensively exacerbated in our mutant mice after direct injection of NMDA without altered NMDA receptor expression. Our results clearly demonstrate that PDGFR-beta expressed in neurons protects them from cryogenic injury and NMDA-induced excitotoxicity.