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Endothelial cells synthesize basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor beta
R L Hannan1, S Kourembanas, K C Flanders
1Division of Hematology, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
Growth Factors (Chur, Switzerland)
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Endothelial cells synthesize basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). These growth factors play crucial roles in regulating cell growth and tissue repair processes.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Endothelial cells form the inner lining of blood vessels.
- These cells are crucial for vascular homeostasis and repair.
- Little was known about the specific growth factors produced by endothelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synthesis and characteristics of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) by cultured endothelial cells.
- To quantify the production levels of bFGF and TGF-beta in different types of endothelial cells.
- To explore the potential biological effects of these factors on endothelial cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC), and bovine capillary endothelial cells (BCEC).
- Detection of bFGF and TGF-beta at the mRNA and protein levels using techniques like RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and bioassays.
- Quantification of growth factor levels in cell lysates and culture media.
- Assessment of the effect of exogenous TGF-beta on endothelial cell proliferation.
Main Results:
- Endothelial cells synthesize both cell-associated bFGF and secreted TGF-beta.
- bFGF was detected in cell lysates, with varying amounts across cell types (HUVEC: 2.3 ng/10^6 cells, BCEC: 2.0 ng/10^6 cells, BAEC: 13 ng/10^6 cells).
- TGF-beta was secreted in an inactive form, requiring acid activation, with production levels (HUVEC: 2.0 ng/10^6 cells/12 hr, BCEC: 3.5 ng, BAEC: 3.5 ng).
- Exogenous TGF-beta inhibited BCEC proliferation but did not affect HUVEC proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Vascular endothelium is a significant source of bFGF and TGF-beta.
- These secreted factors can influence the growth of endothelial cells and surrounding tissues.
- Endothelial release and activation of bFGF and TGF-beta may be critical in processes like wound healing, organogenesis, and angiogenesis.