Lens epithelium-derived growth factor: effects on growth and survival of lens epithelial cells, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts

We isolated a clone encoding a protein from a human lens epithelial cell (LEC) cDNA library with antibody (Ab) from a cataract patient and named it "lens epithelium-derived growth factor" (LEDGF). LEDGF is found to be identical to p75, a coactivator of both transcription (1) and pre-mRNA splicing (2). In serum-free medium LEDGF stimulated growth of LECs, cos7 cells, skin fibroblasts, and keratinocytes, and prolonged cell survival. Without LEDGF, the aforementioned cells did not survive. Also in serum-free medium, Ab to LEDGF neutralizing LEDGF blocked cell growth and caused cell death. Thus, LEDGF, a regulatory factor, may play an important role for growth and survival of a wide range of cell types.