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Enhancement of apoptosis in developing chick neural retina cells by basic fibroblast growth factor
Y Yokoyama1, S Ozawa, Y Seyama
1Advanced Research Center for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
To evaluate the role of various growth factors in naturally occurring cell death during development of the neural retina, we examined the effects of such factors on the nuclear morphology and the size of DNA in cultured chick embryonic neural retina cells. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) increased internucleosomal cleavage of DNA and nuclear fragmentation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The effect was inhibited by anti-bFGF antibody, suramin, and cycloheximide. Epidermal growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, nerve growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and dexamethasone had no effect. These results provide evidence that bFGF may eventually act as a lethal factor inducing apoptotic cell death during the development of the neural retina in chick embryo.
Insights
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induces programmed cell death in developing chick neural retina cells. This lethal factor triggers DNA fragmentation and nuclear changes, suggesting a role in normal embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Naturally occurring cell death is crucial for proper embryonic development.
- The role of specific growth factors in neural retina development and cell death is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of various growth factors on cell death during chick embryonic neural retina development.
- To determine if basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays a role in inducing apoptosis in this context.
Main Methods:
- Cultured chick embryonic neural retina cells were treated with different growth factors.
- Effects on nuclear morphology and DNA fragmentation (internucleosomal cleavage) were analyzed.
- Inhibitory effects of antibodies and drugs were assessed.
Main Results:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) dose- and time-dependently increased DNA fragmentation and nuclear fragmentation.
- bFGF-induced effects were blocked by anti-bFGF antibody, suramin, and cycloheximide.
- Epidermal growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, nerve growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and dexamethasone showed no significant effect.
Conclusions:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) acts as a lethal factor in the developing chick neural retina.
- bFGF induces apoptotic cell death, characterized by DNA cleavage and nuclear fragmentation.
- These findings highlight a specific role for bFGF in regulating cell death during neural retina development.