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Mesoderm-inducing factors: a small class of molecules
S F Godsave1, H V Isaacs, J M Slack
1Developmental Biology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Researchers identified novel mesoderm-inducing factors (MIFs) distinct from heparin-binding growth factors (HBGFs). These potent MIFs, found in various cell lines, play roles in development and adult tissues.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mesoderm induction is crucial for early embryonic development.
- Heparin-binding growth factors (HBGFs) are known pure mesoderm-inducing substances.
- The nature of other mesoderm-inducing factors (MIFs) remains less characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if MIFs from chick embryos, XTC cells, and WEHI-3 cells are similar to HBGFs.
- To determine the similarities and differences among these MIF sources.
- To characterize the biochemical and functional properties of these MIFs.
Main Methods:
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for molecular mass determination.
- Chromatofocusing for isoelectric point measurement.
- Xenopus blastula ectoderm explant assays to assess mesoderm induction capacity.
Main Results:
- MIFs from all three sources are hydrophobic, acid-stable, and do not bind heparin, distinguishing them from HBGFs.
- They exhibit similar molecular masses (~13,000 Da) but different isoelectric points.
- All MIFs induced mesodermal tissues (mesenchyme, mesothelium, muscle) and notochord in Xenopus ectoderm explants, with dose-dependent effects.
Conclusions:
- The studied MIFs constitute a distinct group of potent mesoderm inducers separate from HBGFs.
- These MIFs possess unique biochemical properties and biological activities.
- Their presence in diverse cell lines suggests significant roles in both embryonic development and adult organismal functions.