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Novel action of transforming growth factor beta 1 in functioning human pancreatic carcinoid cells

J Ishizuka1, R D Beauchamp, K Sato

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0533.

Insights

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) 1 inhibits human pancreatic carcinoid BON cell growth by reducing serotonin (5-HT) secretion and phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis. Exogenous 5-HT reverses this growth inhibition, indicating opposing autocrine signaling.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Serotonin (5-HT) acts as an autocrine growth factor for human pancreatic carcinoid BON cells, mediated by decreased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).
  • BON cells express and release transforming growth factor betas (TGF beta s), including TGF beta 1, 2, and 3.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of TGF beta on 5-HT secretion, related signal transduction pathways, and BON cell growth.
  • To elucidate the role of TGF beta in the autocrine regulation of pancreatic carcinoid cell proliferation.

Main Methods:

  • Assessing 5-HT release under basal, acetylcholine-stimulated, and isobutylmethylxanthine-stimulated conditions following TGF beta 1 treatment.
  • Measuring phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and cyclic AMP production.
  • Evaluating the impact of TGF beta 1 on BON cell proliferation and the effect of exogenous 5-HT.
  • Identifying TGF beta 1 binding sites and proteins using binding assays and affinity cross-linking.

Main Results:

  • TGF beta 1 inhibited both basal and acetylcholine-stimulated 5-HT release, but not isobutylmethylxanthine-stimulated release.
  • TGF beta 1 dose-dependently inhibited phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis but did not affect cAMP production.
  • TGF beta 1 suppressed BON cell growth, an effect reversed by exogenous 5-HT.
  • Three specific TGF beta 1 binding sites and three corresponding binding proteins were identified on BON cells.

Conclusions:

  • TGF beta 1 inhibits pancreatic carcinoid BON cell growth via receptor-mediated inhibition of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis, altering 5-HT secretion.
  • BON cell growth is regulated by the opposing autocrine actions of serotonin and TGF beta.

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