Induction of fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 mRNA and protein by platelet-derived growth factor BB

Expression levels of growth factor receptors are subject to complex regulation, which is of consequence for their signaling capacity in physiological and pathological processes. We examined the regulation of expression levels of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR-1) in human fibroblasts treated with a panel of growth regulatory factors. Only platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) treatment had a significant effect and induced FGFR-1 mRNA levels fourfold, with a peak around 8 h of stimulation. The increase in mRNA levels was followed by an increased synthesis of FGFR-1 protein, which responded to basic FGF (bFGF) stimulation with induction of kinase activity and biological signaling. Thus, murine brain endothelial cells displayed an augmented induction of plasminogen activator activity in response to bFGF, following treatment with PDGF-BB. These data suggest that PDGF-BB could support FGFR-1-mediated biological responses in processes such as angiogenesis.