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Mesoderm-inducing properties of INT-2 and kFGF: two oncogene-encoded growth factors related to FGF
G D Paterno1, L L Gillespie, M S Dixon
1Dept. of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK.
Abstract:
Many theories of neoplasia suggest that oncogenic transformations result from aberrations in the control mechanisms which normally regulate growth and differentiation during embryonic development. It has recently become clear that many proto-oncogenes are differentially expressed during embryonic development and may thus be important embryonic regulatory molecules. We report here that the products of two transforming oncogenes int-2 and hst/ks (now called kfgf) can, with different potencies, induce mesoderm formation in isolated Xenopus laevis animal pole explants and stimulate DNA synthesis in mammalian fibroblasts. The results suggest that these proteins may function as mesoderm inducers in mammalian embryogenesis and that similar receptor/signalling pathways may be utilized for developmental and oncogenic processes. Finally, we have shown that the Xenopus assay system used in this study provides a powerful screen for protein factors that are active in development.
Insights
Oncogenic proteins int-2 and kfgf can induce mesoderm formation in Xenopus embryos and stimulate cell growth. This suggests similar pathways regulate embryonic development and cancer, with Xenopus serving as a powerful screening tool.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Molecular oncology
- Cell signaling
Background:
- Neoplasia theories link cancer to disrupted embryonic growth and differentiation control.
- Proto-oncogenes are crucial embryonic regulatory molecules due to differential expression during development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of oncogene products int-2 and hst/ks (kfgf) in embryonic development.
- To explore the potential of Xenopus laevis as a model system for identifying developmental signaling factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized isolated Xenopus laevis animal pole explants to assess mesoderm induction.
- Applied mammalian fibroblast assays to evaluate stimulation of DNA synthesis.
Main Results:
- The int-2 and kfgf proteins demonstrated varying potencies in inducing mesoderm formation in Xenopus explants.
- Both proteins stimulated DNA synthesis in mammalian fibroblasts, indicating conserved signaling functions.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest int-2 and kfgf proteins may act as mesoderm inducers in mammalian embryogenesis.
- Similar receptor/signaling pathways likely mediate both developmental and oncogenic processes.
- The Xenopus assay system is a potent tool for screening protein factors active in development.