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Published on: June 3, 2018
Basic fibroblast growth factor in cultured cardiac myocytes
1St. Boniface General Hospital Research Center, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Insights
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is present in cardiac myocytes, located on the cell membrane, in the cytoplasm, and within the nucleus. Cardiac myocytes may release bFGF after tissue damage.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a key signaling molecule involved in cell growth and differentiation.
- Its role in cardiac myocytes, particularly immature ones, requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and localization of basic fibroblast growth factor-like peptides within immature cultured cardiac myocytes.
- To explore the potential role of bFGF in myocyte physiology, cell cycle, and release following injury.
Main Methods:
- Utilized specific antisera for immunolocalization techniques.
- Examined bFGF distribution in immature cultured cardiac myocytes at various stages.
Main Results:
- bFGF was detected on the external cell membrane, intercellular junctions, and myofibril Z lines.
- Intense nuclear anti-bFGF labeling was observed in a subset of interphase and prophase myocytes.
- bFGF was found in cell lysates and culture media after mechanical disruption.
Conclusions:
- The localization of bFGF suggests its continuous involvement in myocyte physiology and cell cycle regulation.
- Immature cardiac myocytes may release bFGF in vivo subsequent to tissue damage.
Abstract:
Distribution of basic-fibroblast-growth-factor-like peptides in immature cultured cardiac myocytes was investigated using specific antisera and immunolocalization. Basic FGF was detected in association with the external surface of the cell membrane, with specialized intercellular junctions and with the myofibril Z lines in the cytoplasm. Intense, punctate nuclear anti-bFGF labeling was observed in a fraction of interphase myocytes of near-confluent, proliferating cultures. This staining pattern persisted even after the dissolution of the nuclear envelope in prophase myocytes. The pattern of cellular localization of bFGF indicates a continuous participation of this factor in myocyte physiology as well as a role in the cell cycle. Furthermore, the identification of bFGF not only in cell lysates but also in culture media after gentle mechanical disruption suggests that cardiac myocytes may release bFGF in vivo following tissue damage.
