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Basic fibroblast growth factor increases junctional communication and connexin 43 expression in microvascular
1Department of Morphology, University Medical Center, Geneva, Switzerland.
Journal of Cellular Physiology
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) enhances intercellular communication and connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in endothelial cells. This bFGF-induced increase in cell coupling is vital for coordinating endothelial cells in angiogenesis and vessel wall functions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Intercellular communication is crucial for coordinated cell function.
- Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a key protein in forming gap junctions for cell coupling.
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays roles in cell growth and migration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of bFGF on junctional communication (coupling) and Cx43 expression in bovine microvascular endothelial (BME) cells.
- To determine if endogenous bFGF contributes to cell communication in response to wounding.
Main Methods:
- Assessed cell coupling using Lucifer Yellow microinjection and scrape loading.
- Quantified Cx43 expression via Western blotting and immunolabelling.
- Measured Cx43 mRNA levels using quantitative methods.
- Utilized bFGF antibodies to assess the role of endogenous bFGF in mechanically wounded cell cultures.
Main Results:
- Exogenous bFGF significantly increased the incidence and extent of cell coupling in BME cells in a time-dependent manner.
- bFGF treatment led to a dose- and time-dependent increase in both Cx43 protein and mRNA expression.
- Antibodies to bFGF reduced the increase in cell coupling and Cx43 mRNA expression after mechanical wounding.
- Control cultures showed limited initial coupling that decreased over time.
Conclusions:
- Exogenous and endogenous bFGF enhance intercellular communication and Cx43 expression in microvascular endothelial cells.
- The bFGF-mediated increase in cell coupling is proposed to be essential for endothelial cell coordination during angiogenesis and other vascular functions.