Related Experiment Videos
Extracellular matrix-resident basic fibroblast growth factor: implication for the control of angiogenesis
I Vlodavsky1, Z Fuks, R Ishai-Michaeli
1Department of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is stored in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and released by heparanase for cell proliferation and neovascularization. This ECM binding regulates bFGF bioavailability, impacting tissue remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Extracellular Matrix Biology
Background:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is abundant in tissues but has low endothelial cell proliferation, suggesting sequestration.
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) is implicated as a reservoir for growth factors and enzymes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ECM in sequestering and releasing bFGF.
- To understand the mechanism of bFGF release and its implications for neovascularization.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining to determine bFGF localization.
- Functional studies to assess bFGF's role in cell proliferation and differentiation.
- Investigating the interaction of bFGF with heparan sulfate (HS) and the role of heparanase in its release.
Main Results:
- bFGF localizes to basement membranes within the ECM, acting as a reservoir.
- bFGF binds to ECM heparan sulfate (HS) and is released in an active form upon HS degradation by heparanase.
- Heparanase is expressed by various normal and malignant cells, including platelets, neutrophils, and lymphoma cells.
Conclusions:
- ECM binding restricts bFGF bioavailability, with local release regulating its activity.
- This mechanism provides a novel pathway for neovascularization in both normal and pathological conditions.
- The ECM serves as a protective depot for biologically active molecules, enabling localized and sustained action.