Basic fibroblast growth factor increases intracellular magnesium concentration through the specific signaling...

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is crucial for angiogenesis, but its precise mechanisms remain unclear.
• Intracellular magnesium (Mg2+), the most abundant divalent cation, is vital for numerous cellular functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of bFGF on intracellular Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Main Methods:

• HUVECs were treated with bFGF, and [Mg2+]i was measured.
• The study utilized tyrosine kinase, PI3K, and PLCgamma inhibitors to probe signaling pathways.
• Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors were used as controls.

Main Results:

• bFGF significantly increased [Mg2+]i in HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner.
• This increase was independent of extracellular Mg2+ concentration.
• The bFGF-induced rise in [Mg2+]i was abrogated by inhibitors of tyrosine kinase, PI3K, and PLCgamma, but not by MAPK inhibitors.

Conclusions:

• bFGF elevates intracellular Mg2+ levels in HUVECs.
• The signaling cascade involves tyrosine kinase, PI3K, and PLCgamma pathways.
• bFGF likely mobilizes Mg2+ from intracellular stores via these specific signaling routes.