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Human placenta contains an epithelial scatter protein.
E M Rosen1, L Meromsky, R Romero
1Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|May 16, 1990
Summary
Scatter factor (SF), a protein from fibroblasts, was found in human amniotic fluid and placenta. This scatter factor may play a role in development and cancer invasion.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Scatter factor (SF) is a protein secreted by fibroblasts.
- SF induces epithelial cells to detach and disperse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and activity of scatter factor in human tissues.
- To characterize the biochemical properties of placental scatter factor.
- To explore the potential role of SF in development and cancer.
Main Methods:
- Purification of scatter factor from human placenta.
- Assay of scatter activity on epithelial and carcinoma cell lines.
- Biochemical characterization including molecular weight determination.
- Peptide sequencing for protein identification.
Main Results:
- Significant scatter activity detected in second-trimester amniotic fluid and human placenta.
- Placental SF purified 500,000-fold, identified as a 78 kDa protein.
- SF demonstrated potent scattering effects on Madin-Darby canine kidney and human squamous carcinoma cells at picomolar concentrations.
- Amino acid sequence analysis revealed no homology to known proteins.
- Human placental fibroblasts were identified as a major source of SF.
Conclusions:
- Scatter factor is present and active in human prenatal tissues.
- The purified placental SF is a novel 78 kDa protein.
- SF has the potential to influence developmental processes and enhance carcinoma cell invasion.