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KGF and EGF differentially regulate the phenotype of prostatic epithelial cells
D M Peehl1, S T Wong, J S Rubin
1Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305, USA.
Growth Regulation
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) similarly promote prostate cell growth but influence cell structure and differentiation differently. Prostate regulation may depend on the specific growth factor available.
Area of Science:
- Prostate biology and cell signaling
- Molecular endocrinology
- Cell growth and differentiation
Background:
- Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) acts paracrinely, while epidermal growth factor (EGF) acts autocrinely in the prostate.
- Both KGF and EGF are known mitogens for human prostatic epithelial cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of KGF and EGF on human prostatic epithelial cell growth, response to inhibitors, and differentiation.
- To investigate the distinct roles of KGF and EGF in prostate cell regulation.
Main Methods:
- Culturing human prostatic epithelial cells in serum-free medium with either KGF or EGF.
- Assessing cell growth, colony morphology, response to growth inhibitors (suramin, TGF-β), and expression of keratins and PSA.
- Evaluating the impact of growth factor withdrawal and retinoic acid treatment.
Main Results:
- KGF and EGF supported similar cell growth and expression of PSA and keratins.
- KGF promoted compact colonies with intercellular bonds, while EGF resulted in widely separated cells.
- Prostate cell growth was more sensitive to KGF withdrawal than EGF withdrawal.
- Retinoic acid was more potent in inducing growth inhibition and differentiation with KGF.
Conclusions:
- Prostate cell growth and differentiation are differentially regulated by KGF and EGF.
- The availability of KGF versus EGF may influence the specific mechanisms controlling prostate homeostasis.