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Identification of non heparin-binding endothelial cell growth factor from rat myofibroblasts

N Sato1, N Tsuruoka, M Yamamoto

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan.

EXS
|January 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Rat fat myofibroblasts secrete a potent endothelial cell growth factor (Mf-ECGF). This novel Mf-ECGF is distinct from known growth factors and shows unique biochemical properties.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Myofibroblasts (Mfs) are key cells in tissue repair and remodeling.
  • Endothelial cell growth factors (ECGFs) are crucial for angiogenesis.
  • Characterizing novel ECGFs can reveal new insights into vascular biology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize a novel endothelial cell growth factor produced by rat fat myofibroblasts.
  • To determine the biochemical properties and molecular weight of the myofibroblast-derived ECGF (Mf-ECGF).
  • To compare Mf-ECGF with other known endothelial cell growth factors.

Main Methods:

  • Primary culture of rat fat myofibroblasts and collection of conditioned media.
  • Partial purification of Mf-ECGF using sequential carboxymethyl ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration.
  • Characterization of Mf-ECGF stability (heat, proteinase) and binding properties (heparin).
  • Determination of molecular weight by SDS-PAGE and isoelectric point by isoelectric focusing.

Main Results:

  • A potent endothelial cell growth factor (Mf-ECGF) was identified in conditioned media from rat fat myofibroblasts.
  • Mf-ECGF activity was heat-labile and sensitive to trypsin, and did not bind to heparin.
  • Partial purification yielded a 4760-fold increase in Mf-ECGF activity with 25% recovery.
  • SDS-PAGE indicated an approximate molecular weight of 40 kD, and isoelectric focusing showed a pI between 6.5 and 7.
  • Mf-ECGF exhibited distinct properties compared to known endothelial cell growth factors, including fibroblast growth factors (FGFs).

Conclusions:

  • Rat fat myofibroblasts produce a unique and potent endothelial cell growth factor.
  • Mf-ECGF possesses distinct biochemical characteristics differentiating it from other known ECGFs.
  • This finding suggests a novel pathway for regulating angiogenesis involving myofibroblast-derived factors.

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