Sample records for factor fgf family

  1. Fibroblast growth factors: from molecular evolution to roles in development, metabolism and disease.

    PubMed

    Itoh, Nobuyuki; Ornitz, David M

    2011-02-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of structurally related polypeptides that are essential for embryonic development and that function postnatally as homoeostatic factors, in the response to injury, in the regulation of electrical excitability of cells and as hormones that regulate metabolism. In humans, FGF signalling is involved in developmental, neoplastic, metabolic and neurological diseases. Fgfs have been identified in metazoans but not in unicellular organisms. In vertebrates, FGFs can be classified as having intracrine, paracrine and endocrine functions. Paracrine and endocrine FGFs act via cell-surface FGF receptors (FGFRs); while, intracrine FGFs act independent of FGFRs. The evolutionary history of the Fgf family indicates that an intracrine Fgf is the likely ancestor of the Fgf family. During metazoan evolution, the Fgf family expanded in two phases, after the separation of protostomes and deuterostomes and in the evolution of early vertebrates. These expansions enabled FGFs to acquire diverse actions and functions.

  2. Severe vascular calcification and tumoral calcinosis in a family with hyperphosphatemia: a fibroblast growth factor 23 mutation identified by exome sequencing

    PubMed Central

    Shah, Anuja; Miller, Clinton J.; Nast, Cynthia C.; Adams, Mark D.; Truitt, Barbara; Tayek, John A.; Tong, Lili; Mehtani, Parag; Monteon, Francisco; Sedor, John R.; Clinkenbeard, Erica L.; White, Kenneth; Mehrotra, Rajnish; LaPage, Janine; Dickson, Patricia; Adler, Sharon G.; Iyengar, Sudha K.

    2014-01-01

    Background Tumoral calcinosis is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by ectopic calcification and hyperphosphatemia. Methods We describe a family with tumoral calcinosis requiring amputations. The predominant metabolic anomaly identified in three affected family members was hyperphosphatemia. Biochemical and phenotypic analysis of 13 kindred members, together with exome analysis of 6 members, was performed. Results We identified a novel Q67K mutation in fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), segregating with a null (deletion) allele on the other FGF23 homologue in three affected members. Affected siblings had high circulating plasma C-terminal FGF23 levels, but undetectable intact FGF23 or N-terminal FGF23, leading to loss of FGF23 function. Conclusions This suggests that in human, as in experimental models, severe prolonged hyperphosphatemia may be sufficient to produce bone differentiation proteins in vascular cells, and vascular calcification severe enough to require amputation. Genetic modifiers may contribute to the phenotypic variation within and between families. PMID:25378588

  3. Acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) but not basic FGF induces sleep and fever in rabbits.

    PubMed

    Knefati, M; Somogyi, C; Kapás, L; Bourcier, T; Krueger, J M

    1995-07-01

    Acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and basic FGF belong to a growth factor family. Interleukin-1, another member of that family, is involved in sleep regulation. FGFs and interleukin-1 share structural and functional features. We therefore determined whether acidic FGF and basic FGF were somnogenic. Male New Zealand White rabbits were provided with electroencephalographic (EEG) electrodes, a brain thermistor, and a lateral intracerebroventricular (icv) cannula. The animals were injected icv with isotonic NaCl (control) and on separate days with one of three doses of acidic or basic FGF (0.01, 0.1, or 1.0 micrograms) or with heat-treated acidic FGF (1.0 micrograms). The EEG, brain temperature, and motor activity were recorded for 23 h. The biological activity of basic FGF was determined in vitro by its ability to induce DNA synthesis in rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Acidic FGF induced prolonged dose-related increases in non-rapid eye movement sleep beginning in the 1st postinjection h and continuing for 12-23 h after the treatment. Acidic FGF also induced fevers of approximately 1 degree C after the 1.0 micrograms dose. Both activities of acidic FGF were lost after heat treatment. In contrast, basic FGF lacked somnogenic and pyrogenic activity, although it did induce DNA synthesis. Current results suggest that acidic FGF is part of the complex cytokine network in brain involved in sleep regulation.

  4. Fibroblast growth factor 9 is a novel modulator of negative affect

    PubMed Central

    Aurbach, Elyse L.; Inui, Edny Gula; Turner, Cortney A.; Hagenauer, Megan H.; Prater, Katherine E.; Li, Jun Z.; Absher, Devin; Shah, Najmul; Blandino, Peter; Bunney, William E.; Myers, Richard M.; Barchas, Jack D.; Schatzberg, Alan F.; Watson, Stanley J.; Akil, Huda

    2015-01-01

    Both gene expression profiling in postmortem human brain and studies using animal models have implicated the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family in affect regulation and suggest a potential role in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). FGF2, the most widely characterized family member, is down-regulated in the depressed brain and plays a protective role in rodent models of affective disorders. By contrast, using three microarray analyses followed by quantitative RT-PCR confirmation, we show that FGF9 expression is up-regulated in the hippocampus of individuals with MDD, and that FGF9 expression is inversely related to the expression of FGF2. Because little is known about FGF9’s function in emotion regulation, we used animal models to shed light on its potential role in affective function. We found that chronic social defeat stress, an animal model recapitulating some aspects of MDD, leads to a significant increase in hippocampal FGF9 expression, paralleling the elevations seen in postmortem human brain tissue. Chronic intracerebroventricular administration of FGF9 increased both anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. In contrast, knocking down FGF9 expression in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus using a lentiviral vector produced a decrease in FGF9 expression and ameliorated anxiety-like behavior. Collectively, these results suggest that high levels of hippocampal FGF9 play an important role in the development or expression of mood and anxiety disorders. We propose that the relative levels of FGF9 in relation to other members of the FGF family may prove key to understanding vulnerability or resilience in affective disorders. PMID:26351673

  5. Molecular and clinical significance of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2 /bFGF) in malignancies of solid and hematological cancers for personalized therapies

    PubMed Central

    Akl, Mohamed R.; Nagpal, Poonam; Ayoub, Nehad M.; Tai, Betty; Prabhu, Sathyen A.; Capac, Catherine M.; Gliksman, Matthew; Goy, Andre; Suh, K. Stephen

    2016-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is essential for normal and cancer biology. Mammalian FGF family members participate in multiple signaling pathways by binding to heparan sulfate and FGF receptors (FGFR) with varying affinities. FGF2 is the prototype member of the FGF family and interacts with its receptor to mediate receptor dimerization, phosphorylation, and activation of signaling pathways, such as Ras-MAPK and PI3K pathways. Excessive mitogenic signaling through the FGF/FGFR axis may induce carcinogenic effects by promoting cancer progression and increasing the angiogenic potential, which can lead to metastatic tumor phenotypes. Dysregulated FGF/FGFR signaling is associated with aggressive cancer phenotypes, enhanced chemotherapy resistance and poor clinical outcomes. In vitro experimental settings have indicated that extracellular FGF2 affects proliferation, drug sensitivity, and apoptosis of cancer cells. Therapeutically targeting FGF2 and FGFR has been extensively assessed in multiple preclinical studies and numerous drugs and treatment options have been tested in clinical trials. Diagnostic assays are used to quantify FGF2, FGFRs, and downstream signaling molecules to better select a target patient population for higher efficacy of cancer therapies. This review focuses on the prognostic significance of FGF2 in cancer with emphasis on therapeutic intervention strategies for solid and hematological malignancies. PMID:27007053

  6. Evolution of developmental regulation in the vertebrate FgfD subfamily.

    PubMed

    Jovelin, Richard; Yan, Yi-Lin; He, Xinjun; Catchen, Julian; Amores, Angel; Canestro, Cristian; Yokoi, Hayato; Postlethwait, John H

    2010-01-15

    Fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) encode small signaling proteins that help regulate embryo patterning. Fgfs fall into seven families, including FgfD. Nonvertebrate chordates have a single FgfD gene; mammals have three (Fgf8, Fgf17, and Fgf18); and teleosts have six (fgf8a, fgf8b, fgf17, fgf18a, fgf18b, and fgf24). What are the evolutionary processes that led to the structural duplication and functional diversification of FgfD genes during vertebrate phylogeny? To study this question, we investigated conserved syntenies, patterns of gene expression, and the distribution of conserved noncoding elements (CNEs) in FgfD genes of stickleback and zebrafish, and compared them with data from cephalochordates, urochordates, and mammals. Genomic analysis suggests that Fgf8, Fgf17, Fgf18, and Fgf24 arose in two rounds of whole genome duplication at the base of the vertebrate radiation; that fgf8 and fgf18 duplications occurred at the base of the teleost radiation; and that Fgf24 is an ohnolog that was lost in the mammalian lineage. Expression analysis suggests that ancestral subfunctions partitioned between gene duplicates and points to the evolution of novel expression domains. Analysis of CNEs, at least some of which are candidate regulatory elements, suggests that ancestral CNEs partitioned between gene duplicates. These results help explain the evolutionary pathways by which the developmentally important family of FgfD molecules arose and the deduced principles that guided FgfD evolution are likely applicable to the evolution of developmental regulation in many vertebrate multigene families. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  7. FGF-mediated mesoderm induction involves the Src-family kinase Laloo.

    PubMed

    Weinstein, D C; Marden, J; Carnevali, F; Hemmati-Brivanlou, A

    1998-08-27

    During embryogenesis, inductive interactions underlie the development of much of the body plan. In Xenopus laevis, factors secreted from the vegetal pole induce mesoderm in the adjacent marginal zone; members of both the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) ligand families seem to have critical roles in this process. Here we report the identification and characterization of laloo, a novel participant in the signal transduction cascade linking extracellular, mesoderm-inducing signals to the nucleus, where alteration of cell fate is driven by changes in gene expression. Overexpression of laloo, a member of the Src-related gene family, in Xenopus embryos gives rise to ectopic posterior structures that frequently contain axial tissue. Laloo induces mesoderm in Xenopus ectodermal explants; this induction is blocked by reagents that disrupt the FGF signalling pathway. Conversely, expression of a dominant-inhibitory Laloo mutant blocks mesoderm induction by FGF and causes severe posterior truncations in vivo. This work provides the first evidence that a Src-related kinase is involved in vertebrate mesoderm induction.

  8. Ras Family GTPases Control Growth of Astrocyte Processes

    PubMed Central

    Kalman, Daniel; Gomperts, Stephen N.; Hardy, Stephen; Kitamura, Marina; Bishop, J. Michael

    1999-01-01

    Astrocytes in neuron-free cultures typically lack processes, although they are highly process-bearing in vivo. We show that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induces cultured astrocytes to grow processes and that Ras family GTPases mediate these morphological changes. Activated alleles of rac1 and rhoA blocked and reversed bFGF effects when introduced into astrocytes in dissociated culture and in brain slices using recombinant adenoviruses. By contrast, dominant negative (DN) alleles of both GTPases mimicked bFGF effects. A DN allele of Ha-ras blocked bFGF effects but not those of Rac1-DN or RhoA-DN. Our results show that bFGF acting through c-Ha-Ras inhibits endogenous Rac1 and RhoA GTPases thereby triggering astrocyte process growth, and they provide evidence for the regulation of this cascade in vivo by a yet undetermined neuron-derived factor. PMID:10233170

  9. Klotho converts canonical FGF receptor into a specific receptor for FGF23.

    PubMed

    Urakawa, Itaru; Yamazaki, Yuji; Shimada, Takashi; Iijima, Kousuke; Hasegawa, Hisashi; Okawa, Katsuya; Fujita, Toshiro; Fukumoto, Seiji; Yamashita, Takeyoshi

    2006-12-07

    FGF23 is a unique member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family because it acts as a hormone that derives from bone and regulates kidney functions, whereas most other family members are thought to regulate various cell functions at a local level. The renotropic activity of circulating FGF23 indicates the possible presence of an FGF23-specific receptor in the kidney. Here we show that a previously undescribed receptor conversion by Klotho, a senescence-related molecule, generates the FGF23 receptor. Using a renal homogenate, we found that Klotho binds to FGF23. Forced expression of Klotho enabled the high-affinity binding of FGF23 to the cell surface and restored the ability of a renal cell line to respond to FGF23 treatment. Moreover, FGF23 incompetence was induced by injecting wild-type mice with an anti-Klotho monoclonal antibody. Thus, Klotho is essential for endogenous FGF23 function. Because Klotho alone seemed to be incapable of intracellular signalling, we searched for other components of the FGF23 receptor and found FGFR1(IIIc), which was directly converted by Klotho into the FGF23 receptor. Thus, the concerted action of Klotho and FGFR1(IIIc) reconstitutes the FGF23 receptor. These findings provide insights into the diversity and specificity of interactions between FGF and FGF receptors.

  10. Purification of Growth Factor mRNA in Renal Tissues:bFGF-2, FGF-2, TGFα, and EGFR.

    PubMed

    Mydlo, J H

    2001-01-01

    Growth factors are polypeptides that induce cell mitogenicity, and thus play an important role in the etiology and progression of tumors (1). Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) constitute a family of structurally related polypeptides of 146 amino acids, which exhibit a wide spectrum of biologic activities, including angiogenesis or the formation of a vascular network. FGFs are mitogenic towards many mesodermal and ectodermal cell types, and can also induce and/or inhibit differentiation of cells (2). These heparin-binding factors are categorized as FGF-1 through FGF-10. Acidic FGF, or FGF-1, is found mostly in brain and other neural tissues. Basic FGF, or FGF- 2, a protein of 18 kDa mw, is one of the most ubiqitous growth factors. It is found in numerous benign and cancerous human and animal tissues, including kidney, prostate, and bladder (3-6). In some cases it has also been demonstrated to have potential as a tumor marker (7-11). One group reported greater recovery of both FGF-2 protein and FGF-2 mRNA from renal-cancer tissue compared to equal amounts of normal renal tissue (5). Furthermore, when purified FGF-2 from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is added exogenously to other established renal tumorcell lines and endothelial cell lines, it demonstrates significant mitogenic activity (6). Thus, renal tumors may use FGF-2 in an autocrine manner to sustain themselves.

  11. Fibulin-1 Binds to Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 with High Affinity: EFFECTS ON EMBRYO SURVIVAL.

    PubMed

    Fresco, Victor M; Kern, Christine B; Mohammadi, Moosa; Twal, Waleed O

    2016-09-02

    Fibulin-1 (FBLN1) is a member of a growing family of extracellular matrix glycoproteins that includes eight members and is involved in cellular functions such as adhesion, migration, and differentiation. FBLN1 has also been implicated in embryonic heart and valve development and in the formation of neural crest-derived structures, including aortic arch, thymus, and cranial nerves. Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8) is a member of a large family of growth factors, and its functions include neural crest cell (NCC) maintenance, specifically NCC migration as well as patterning of structures formed from NCC such as outflow tract and cranial nerves. In this report, we sought to investigate whether FBLN1 and FGF8 have cooperative roles in vivo given their influence on the development of the same NCC-derived structures. Surface plasmon resonance binding data showed that FBLN1 binds tightly to FGF8 and prevents its enzymatic degradation by ADAM17. Moreover, overexpression of FBLN1 up-regulates FGF8 gene expression, and down-regulation of FBLN1 by siRNA inhibits FGF8 expression. The generation of a double mutant Fbln1 and Fgf8 mice (Fbln1(-/-) and Fgf8(-/-)) showed that haplo-insufficiency (Fbln1(+/-) and Fgf8(+/-)) resulted in increased embryonic mortality compared with single heterozygote crosses. The mortality of the FGF8/Fbln1 double heterozygote embryos occurred between 14.5 and 16.5 days post-coitus. In conclusion, FBLN1/FGF8 interaction plays a role in survival of vertebrate embryos, and reduced levels of both proteins resulted in added mortality in utero The FBLN1/FGF8 interaction may also be involved in the survival of neural crest cell population during development. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  12. Requirements for FGF3 and FGF10 during inner ear formation.

    PubMed

    Alvarez, Yolanda; Alonso, Maria Teresa; Vendrell, Victor; Zelarayan, Laura Cecilia; Chamero, Pablo; Theil, Thomas; Bösl, Michael R; Kato, Shigeaki; Maconochie, Mark; Riethmacher, Dieter; Schimmang, Thomas

    2003-12-01

    Members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) gene family control formation of the body plan and organogenesis in vertebrates. FGF3 is expressed in the developing hindbrain and has been shown to be involved in inner ear development of different vertebrate species, including zebrafish, Xenopus, chick and mouse. In the mouse, insertion of a neomycin resistance gene into the Fgf3 gene via homologous recombination results in severe developmental defects during differentiation of the otic vesicle. We have addressed the precise roles of FGF3 and other FGF family members during formation of the murine inner ear using both loss- and gain-of-function experiments. We generated a new mutant allele lacking the entire FGF3-coding region but surprisingly found no evidence for severe defects either during inner ear development or in the mature sensory organ, suggesting the functional involvement of other FGF family members during its formation. Ectopic expression of FGF10 in the developing hindbrain of transgenic mice leads to the formation of ectopic vesicles, expressing some otic marker genes and thus indicating a role for FGF10 during otic vesicle formation. Expression analysis of FGF10 during mouse embryogenesis reveals a highly dynamic pattern of expression in the developing hindbrain, partially overlapping with FGF3 expression and coinciding with formation of the inner ear. However, FGF10 mutant mice have been reported to display only mild defects during inner ear differentiation. We thus created double mutant mice for FGF3 and FGF10, which form severely reduced otic vesicles, suggesting redundant roles of these FGFs, acting in combination as neural signals for otic vesicle formation.

  13. Genetic insights into the mechanisms of Fgf signaling

    PubMed Central

    Brewer, J. Richard; Mazot, Pierre; Soriano, Philippe

    2016-01-01

    The fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) family of ligands and receptor tyrosine kinases is required throughout embryonic and postnatal development and also regulates multiple homeostatic functions in the adult. Aberrant Fgf signaling causes many congenital disorders and underlies multiple forms of cancer. Understanding the mechanisms that govern Fgf signaling is therefore important to appreciate many aspects of Fgf biology and disease. Here we review the mechanisms of Fgf signaling by focusing on genetic strategies that enable in vivo analysis. These studies support an important role for Erk1/2 as a mediator of Fgf signaling in many biological processes but have also provided strong evidence for additional signaling pathways in transmitting Fgf signaling in vivo. PMID:27036966

  14. Expression of a functional recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor from transgenic rice seeds.

    PubMed

    An, Na; Ou, Jiquan; Jiang, Daiming; Zhang, Liping; Liu, Jingru; Fu, Kai; Dai, Ying; Yang, Daichang

    2013-02-07

    Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) is an important member of the FGF gene family. It is widely used in clinical applications for scald and wound healing in order to stimulate cell proliferation. Further it is applied for inhibiting stem cell differentiation in cultures. Due to a shortage of plasma and low expression levels of recombinant rbFGF in conventional gene expression systems, we explored the production of recombinant rbFGF in rice grains (Oryza sativa bFGF, OsrbFGF). An expression level of up to 185.66 mg/kg in brown rice was obtained. A simple purification protocol was established with final recovery of 4.49% and resulting in a yield of OsrbFGF reaching up to 8.33 mg/kg OsrbFGF. The functional assay of OsrbFGF indicated that the stimulating cell proliferation activity on NIH/3T3 was the same as with commercialized rbFGF. Wound healing in vivo of OsrbFGF is equivalent to commercialized rbFGF. Our results indicate that rice endosperm is capable of expressing small molecular mass proteins, such as bFGF. This again demonstrates that rice endosperm is a promising system to express various biopharmaceutical proteins.

  15. Secretome Screening Reveals Fibroblast Growth Factors as Novel Inhibitors of Viral Replication.

    PubMed

    van Asten, Saskia D; Raaben, Matthijs; Nota, Benjamin; Spaapen, Robbert M

    2018-06-13

    Cellular antiviral programs can efficiently inhibit viral infection. These programs are often initiated through signaling cascades induced by secreted proteins such as type I interferons, IL-6 or TNF-α. Here, we generated an arrayed library of 756 human secreted proteins to perform a secretome screen focused on the discovery of novel modulators of viral entry and/or replication. The individual secreted proteins were tested for their capacity to inhibit infection by two replication-competent recombinant vesicular stomatitis viruses (VSV) with distinct glycoproteins utilizing different entry pathways. Fibroblast growth factor 16 (FGF16) was identified and confirmed as the most prominent novel inhibitor of both VSVs and therefore of viral replication and not entry. Importantly, an antiviral interferon signature was completely absent in FGF16 treated cells. Nevertheless, the antiviral effect of FGF16 is broad as it was evident on multiple cell types and also on infection of Coxsackievirus. In addition, other members of the FGF family also inhibited viral infection. Thus, our unbiased secretome screen revealed a novel protein family capable of inducing a cellular antiviral state. This previously unappreciated role of the FGF family may have implications for the development of new antivirals and the efficacy of oncolytic virus therapy. Importance Viruses infect human cells in order to replicate, while human cells aim to resist infection. Several cellular antiviral programs have therefore evolved to resist infection. Knowledge of these programs is essential for the design of antiviral therapeutics in the future. The induction of antiviral programs is often initiated by secreted proteins such as interferons. We hypothesized that other secreted proteins may also promote resistance to viral infection. Thus we tested 756 human secreted proteins for their capacity to inhibit two pseudotypes of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). In this first secretome screen on viral infection we identified fibroblast growth factor 16 (FGF16) as a novel antiviral against multiple VSV pseudotypes as well as Coxsackievirus. Subsequent testing of other FGF family members revealed that FGF signaling generally inhibits viral infection. This finding may lead to the development of new antivirals and may also be applicable to enhance oncolytic virus therapy. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

  16. FGF-2 deficiency does not influence FGF ligand and receptor expression during development of the nigrostriatal system.

    PubMed

    Ratzka, Andreas; Baron, Olga; Grothe, Claudia

    2011-01-01

    Secreted proteins of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family play important roles during development of various organ systems. A detailed knowledge of their temporal and spatial expression profiles, especially of closely related FGF family members, are essential to further identification of specific functions in distinct tissues. In the central nervous system dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra and their axonal projections into the striatum progressively degenerate in Parkinson's disease. In contrast, FGF-2 deficient mice display increased numbers of dopaminergic neurons. In this study, we determined the expression profiles of all 22 FGF-ligands and 10 FGF-receptor isoforms, in order to clarify, if FGF-2 deficiency leads to compensatory up-regulation of other FGFs in the nigrostriatal system. Three tissues, ventral mesencephalon (VM), striatum (STR) and as reference tissue spinal cord (SC) of wild-type and FGF-2 deficient mice at four developmental stages E14.5, P0, P28, and adult were comparatively analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. As no differences between the genotypes were observed, a compensatory up-regulation can be excluded. Moreover, this analysis revealed that the majority of FGF-ligands (18/22) and FGF-receptors (9/10) are expressed during normal development of the nigrostriatal system and identified dynamic changes for some family members. By comparing relative expression level changes to SC reference tissue, general alterations in all 3 tissues, such as increased expression of FGF-1, -2, -22, FgfR-2c, -3c and decreased expression of FGF-13 during postnatal development were identified. Further, specific changes affecting only one tissue, such as increased FGF-16 (STR) or decreased FGF-17 (VM) expression, or two tissues, such as decreased expression of FGF-8 (VM, STR) and FGF-15 (SC, VM) were found. Moreover, 3 developmentally down-regulated FGFs (FGF-8b, FGF-15, FGF-17a) were functionally characterized by plasmid-based over-expression in dissociated E11.5 VM cell cultures, however, such a continuous exposure had no influence on the yield of dopaminergic neurons in vitro.

  17. Fibroblast growth factors, old kids on the new block

    PubMed Central

    Li, Xiaokun; Wang, Cong; Xiao, Jian; McKeehan, Wallace L.; Wang, Fen

    2016-01-01

    The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of cell intrinsic regulatory peptides that control a broad spectrum of cellular activities. The family includes canonic FGFs that elicit their activities by activating the FGF receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinase and non-canonic members that elicit their activities intracellularly and via FGFR-independent mechanisms. The FGF signaling axis is highly complex due to the existence of multiple isoforms of both ligands and receptors, as well as cofactors that include the chemically heterogeneous heparan sulfate (HS) cofactors, and in the case of endocrine FGFs, the Klotho coreceptors. Resident FGF signaling controls embryonic development, maintains tissue homeostasis, promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration, and regulates functions of multiple organs. However, ectopic or aberrant FGF signaling is a culprit for various diseases, including congenital birth defects, metabolic disorder, and cancer. The molecular mechanisms by which the specificity of FGF signaling is achieved remain incompletely understood. Since its application as a druggable target has been gradually recognized by pharmaceutical companies and translational researchers, understanding the determinants of FGF signaling specificity has become even more important in order to get into the position to selectively suppress a particular pathway without affecting others to minimize side effects. PMID:26768548

  18. The Fibroblast Growth Factor signaling pathway

    PubMed Central

    Ornitz, David M; Itoh, Nobuyuki

    2015-01-01

    The signaling component of the mammalian Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) family is comprised of eighteen secreted proteins that interact with four signaling tyrosine kinase FGF receptors (FGFRs). Interaction of FGF ligands with their signaling receptors is regulated by protein or proteoglycan cofactors and by extracellular binding proteins. Activated FGFRs phosphorylate specific tyrosine residues that mediate interaction with cytosolic adaptor proteins and the RAS-MAPK, PI3K-AKT, PLCγ, and STAT intracellular signaling pathways. Four structurally related intracellular non-signaling FGFs interact with and regulate the family of voltage gated sodium channels. Members of the FGF family function in the earliest stages of embryonic development and during organogenesis to maintain progenitor cells and mediate their growth, differentiation, survival, and patterning. FGFs also have roles in adult tissues where they mediate metabolic functions, tissue repair, and regeneration, often by reactivating developmental signaling pathways. Consistent with the presence of FGFs in almost all tissues and organs, aberrant activity of the pathway is associated with developmental defects that disrupt organogenesis, impair the response to injury, and result in metabolic disorders, and cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:25772309

  19. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in development and skeletal diseases.

    PubMed

    Teven, Chad M; Farina, Evan M; Rivas, Jane; Reid, Russell R

    2014-12-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) and their receptors serve many functions in both the developing and adult organism. Humans contain 18 FGF ligands and four FGF receptors (FGFR). FGF ligands are polypeptide growth factors that regulate several developmental processes including cellular proliferation, differentiation, and migration, morphogenesis, and patterning. FGF-FGFR signaling is also critical to the developing axial and craniofacial skeleton. In particular, the signaling cascade has been implicated in intramembranous ossification of cranial bones as well as cranial suture homeostasis. In the adult, FGFs and FGFRs are crucial for tissue repair. FGF signaling generally follows one of three transduction pathways: RAS/MAP kinase, PI3/AKT, or PLCγ. Each pathway likely regulates specific cellular behaviors. Inappropriate expression of FGF and improper activation of FGFRs are associated with various pathologic conditions, unregulated cell growth, and tumorigenesis. Additionally, aberrant signaling has been implicated in many skeletal abnormalities including achondroplasia and craniosynostosis. The biology and mechanisms of the FGF family have been the subject of significant research over the past 30 years. Recently, work has focused on the therapeutic targeting and potential of FGF ligands and their associated receptors. The majority of FGF-related therapy is aimed at age-related disorders. Increased understanding of FGF signaling and biology may reveal additional therapeutic roles, both in utero and postnatally. This review discusses the role of FGF signaling in general physiologic and pathologic embryogenesis and further explores it within the context of skeletal development.

  20. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in development and skeletal diseases

    PubMed Central

    Teven, Chad M.; Farina, Evan M.; Rivas, Jane; Reid, Russell R.

    2014-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) and their receptors serve many functions in both the developing and adult organism. Humans contain 18 FGF ligands and four FGF receptors (FGFR). FGF ligands are polypeptide growth factors that regulate several developmental processes including cellular proliferation, differentiation, and migration, morphogenesis, and patterning. FGF-FGFR signaling is also critical to the developing axial and craniofacial skeleton. In particular, the signaling cascade has been implicated in intramembranous ossification of cranial bones as well as cranial suture homeostasis. In the adult, FGFs and FGFRs are crucial for tissue repair. FGF signaling generally follows one of three transduction pathways: RAS/MAP kinase, PI3/AKT, or PLCγ. Each pathway likely regulates specific cellular behaviors. Inappropriate expression of FGF and improper activation of FGFRs are associated with various pathologic conditions, unregulated cell growth, and tumorigenesis. Additionally, aberrant signaling has been implicated in many skeletal abnormalities including achondroplasia and craniosynostosis. The biology and mechanisms of the FGF family have been the subject of significant research over the past 30 years. Recently, work has focused on the therapeutic targeting and potential of FGF ligands and their associated receptors. The majority of FGF-related therapy is aimed at age-related disorders. Increased understanding of FGF signaling and biology may reveal additional therapeutic roles, both in utero and postnatally. This review discusses the role of FGF signaling in general physiologic and pathologic embryogenesis and further explores it within the context of skeletal development. PMID:25679016

  1. Cell Aggregation-induced FGF8 Elevation Is Essential for P19 Cell Neural Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Chen; Xia, Caihong; Bian, Wei; Liu, Li; Lin, Wei; Chen, Ye-Guang; Ang, Siew-Lan

    2006-01-01

    FGF8, a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, has been shown to play important roles in different developing systems. Mouse embryonic carcinoma P19 cells could be induced by retinoic acid (RA) to differentiate into neuroectodermal cell lineages, and this process is cell aggregation dependent. In this report, we show that FGF8 expression is transiently up-regulated upon P19 cell aggregation, and the aggregation-dependent FGF8 elevation is pluripotent stem cell related. Overexpressing FGF8 promotes RA-induced monolayer P19 cell neural differentiation. Inhibition of FGF8 expression by RNA interference or blocking FGF signaling by the FGF receptor inhibitor, SU5402, attenuates neural differentiation of the P19 cell. Blocking the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway by overexpressing Smad6 in P19 cells, we also show that FGF signaling plays a BMP inhibition–independent role in P19 cell neural differentiation. PMID:16641368

  2. Structural Basis of Conserved Cysteine in the Fibroblast Growth Factor Family: Evidence for a Vestigial Half-Cystine

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lee, Jihun; Blaber, Michael; FSU)

    2010-11-09

    The 22 members of the mouse/human fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family of proteins contain a conserved cysteine residue at position 83 (numbering scheme of the 140-residue form of FGF-1). Sequence and structure information suggests that this position is a free cysteine in 16 members and participates as a half-cystine in at least 3 (and perhaps as many as 6) other members. While a structural role as a half-cystine provides a stability basis for possible selective pressure, it is less clear why this residue is conserved as a free cysteine (although free buried thiols can limit protein functional half-life). To probemore » the structural role of the free cysteine at position 83 in FGF-1, we constructed Ala, Ser, Thr, Val, and Ile mutations and determined their effects on structure and stability. These results show that position 83 in FGF-1 is thermodynamically optimized to accept a free cysteine. A second cysteine mutation was introduced into wild-type FGF-1 at adjacent position Ala66, which is known to participate as a half-cystine with position 83 in FGF-8, FGF-19, and FGF-23. Results show that, unlike position 83, a free cysteine at position 66 destabilizes FGF-1; however, upon oxidation, a near-optimal disulfide bond is formed between Cys66 and Cys83, resulting in {approx} 14 kJ/mol of increased thermostability. Thus, while the conserved free cysteine at position 83 in the majority of the FGF proteins may have a principal role in limiting functional half-life, evidence suggests that it is a vestigial half-cystine.« less

  3. Structure of rat acidic fibroblast growth factor at 1.4 Å resolution

    PubMed Central

    Kulahin, Nikolaj; Kiselyov, Vladislav; Kochoyan, Arthur; Kristensen, Ole; Kastrup, Jette Sandholm; Berezin, Vladimir; Bock, Elisabeth; Gajhede, Michael

    2007-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) constitute a family of 22 structurally related heparin-binding polypeptides that are involved in the regulation of cell growth, survival, differentiation and migration. Here, a 1.4 Å resolution X-ray structure of rat FGF1 is presented. Two molecules are present in the asymmetric unit of the crystal and they coordinate a total of five sulfate ions. The structures of human, bovine and newt FGF1 have been published previously. Human and rat FGF1 are found to have very similar structures. PMID:17277441

  4. Regulation of longevity by FGF21: Interaction between energy metabolism and stress responses.

    PubMed

    Salminen, Antero; Kaarniranta, Kai; Kauppinen, Anu

    2017-08-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormone-like member of FGF family which controls metabolic multiorgan crosstalk enhancing energy expenditure through glucose and lipid metabolism. In addition, FGF21 acts as a stress hormone induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress and dysfunctions of mitochondria and autophagy in several tissues. FGF21 also controls stress responses and metabolism by modulating the functions of somatotropic axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) pathway. FGF21 is a potent longevity factor coordinating interactions between energy metabolism and stress responses. Recent studies have revealed that FGF21 treatment can alleviate many age-related metabolic disorders, e.g. atherosclerosis, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some cardiovascular diseases. In addition, transgenic mice overexpressing FGF21 have an extended lifespan. However, chronic metabolic and stress-related disorders involving inflammatory responses can provoke FGF21 resistance and thus disturb healthy aging process. First, we will describe the role of FGF21 in interorgan energy metabolism and explain how its functions as a stress hormone can improve healthspan. Next, we will examine both the induction of FGF21 expression via the integrated stress response and the molecular mechanism through which FGF21 enhances healthy aging. Finally, we postulate that FGF21 resistance, similarly to insulin resistance, jeopardizes human healthspan and accelerates the aging process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. The Fibroblast Growth Factor signaling pathway.

    PubMed

    Ornitz, David M; Itoh, Nobuyuki

    2015-01-01

    The signaling component of the mammalian Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) family is comprised of eighteen secreted proteins that interact with four signaling tyrosine kinase FGF receptors (FGFRs). Interaction of FGF ligands with their signaling receptors is regulated by protein or proteoglycan cofactors and by extracellular binding proteins. Activated FGFRs phosphorylate specific tyrosine residues that mediate interaction with cytosolic adaptor proteins and the RAS-MAPK, PI3K-AKT, PLCγ, and STAT intracellular signaling pathways. Four structurally related intracellular non-signaling FGFs interact with and regulate the family of voltage gated sodium channels. Members of the FGF family function in the earliest stages of embryonic development and during organogenesis to maintain progenitor cells and mediate their growth, differentiation, survival, and patterning. FGFs also have roles in adult tissues where they mediate metabolic functions, tissue repair, and regeneration, often by reactivating developmental signaling pathways. Consistent with the presence of FGFs in almost all tissues and organs, aberrant activity of the pathway is associated with developmental defects that disrupt organogenesis, impair the response to injury, and result in metabolic disorders, and cancer. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. © 2015 The Authors. WIREs Developmental Biology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. Comparison of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) growth rate in culture media supplemented with or without basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).

    PubMed

    Abdian, Narges; Ghasemi-Dehkordi, Payam; Hashemzadeh-Chaleshtori, Morteza; Ganji-Arjenaki, Mahbobe; Doosti, Abbas; Amiri, Beheshteh

    2015-12-01

    Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF-2) is a member of the FGF family secreted by different kinds of cells like HDFs and it is an important nutritional factor for cell growth and differentiation. The HDFs release bFGF in culture media at very low. The present study aims to investigate the HDFs growth rate in culture media supplemented either with or without bFGF. In brief, HDFs were isolated from human foreskin sample and were cultured in vitro in media containing bFGF and lack of this factor. The cells growth rate was calculated by trypan blue. The karyotyping was performed using G-banding to investigate the chromosomal abnormality of HDFs in both groups. Total RNA of each groups were extracted and cDNA samples were synthesized then, real-time Q-PCR was used to measure the expression level of p27kip1 and cyclin D1 genes normalized to internal control gene (GAPDH). The karyotype analysis showed that HDFs cultured in media or without bFGF had normal karyotype (46 chromosomes, XY) and chromosomal abnormalities were not observed. The cell growth rates in both groups were normal with proliferated exponentially but the slope of growth curve in HDFs cultured in media containing bFGF was increased. Karyotyp test showed that bFGF does not affect on cytogenetic stability of cells. The survey of p27kip1 and cyclin D1 genes by real-time Q-PCR showed that the expression level of these genes were up-regulated when adding bFGF in culture media (p < 0.05). The findings of the present study demonstrate that appropriate supplementation of culture media with growth factor like bFGF could enhance the proliferation and differentiation capacity of cells and improve cells growth rate. Similarly, fibroblast growth factors did not induce any chromosomal abnormality in cells. Furthermore, in HDFs cultured in bFGF supplemented media, the p27kip1 and cyclin D1 genes were up-regulated and suggesting an important role for bFGF in cell-cycle regulation and progression and fibroblast division stimulation. It also suggests that the effects of bFGF on different cell types with/or without production of bFGF or other regulation factors be investigated in future.

  7. Fibroblast growth factor 10 protects neuron against oxygen–glucose deprivation injury through inducing heme oxygenase-1

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Li, Yong-Hua; Yang, Li-Ye; Chen, Wei

    2015-01-02

    Highlights: • FGF10 attenuates OGD induced injury in cortical neuron. • FGF10 reduces OGD triggered ROS level in cortical neuron. • FGF10 induces HO-1 expression upon OGD stimuli in cortical neuron. • Knockdown of HO-1 impairs the neuroprotection of FGF10 in OGD model. - Abstract: Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of structurally related heparin-binding proteins with diverse biological functions. FGFs participate in mitogenesis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, development, differentiation and cell migration. Here, we investigated the potential effect of FGF10, a member of FGFs, on neuron survival in oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) model. In primary cultured mouse cortical neurons uponmore » OGD, FGF10 treatment (100 and 1000 ng/ml) attenuated the decrease of cell viability and rescued the LDH release. Tuj-1 immunocytochemistry assay showed that FGF10 promoted neuronal survival. Apoptosis assay with Annexin V + PI by flow cytometry demonstrated that FGF10 treatment reduced apoptotic cell proportion. Moreover, immunoblotting showed that FGF10 alleviated the cleaved caspase-3 upregulation caused by OGD. FGF10 treatment also depressed the OGD-induced increase of caspase-3, -8 and -9 activities. At last, we found FGF10 triggered heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression rather than hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling. Knockdown of HO-1 by siRNA partly abolished the neuroprotection of FGF10 in OGD model. In summary, our observations provide the first evidence for the neuroprotective function of FGF10 against ischemic neuronal injury and suggest that FGF10 may be a promising agent for treatment of ischemic stroke.« less

  8. Novel GALNT3 mutations causing hyperostosis-hyperphosphatemia syndrome result in low intact fibroblast growth factor 23 concentrations.

    PubMed

    Ichikawa, Shoji; Guigonis, Vincent; Imel, Erik A; Courouble, Mélanie; Heissat, Sophie; Henley, John D; Sorenson, Andrea H; Petit, Barbara; Lienhardt, Anne; Econs, Michael J

    2007-05-01

    Hyperostosis-hyperphosphatemia syndrome (HHS) is a rare metabolic disorder characterized by hyperphosphatemia and localized hyperostosis. HHS is caused by mutations in GALNT3, which encodes UDP-N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosamine:polypeptide N- acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3. Familial tumoral calcinosis (TC), characterized by ectopic calcifications and hyperphosphatemia, is caused by mutations in the GALNT3 or fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) genes. Our objective was to identify mutations in FGF23 or GALNT3 and determine serum FGF23 levels in an HHS patient. Mutation detection in FGF23 and GALNT3 was performed by DNA sequencing, and serum FGF23 concentrations were measured by ELISA. A 5-year-old French boy with HHS and his family members participated. The patient presented with painful cortical lesions in his leg. Radiographs of the affected bone showed diaphyseal hyperostosis. The lesional tissue comprised trabeculae of immature, woven bone surrounded by fibrous tissue. Biochemistry revealed elevated phosphate, tubular maximum rate for phosphate reabsorption per deciliter of glomerular filtrate, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels. The patient was a compound heterozygote for two novel GALNT3 mutations. His parents and brother were heterozygous for one of the mutations and had no biochemical abnormalities. Intact FGF23 level in the patient was low normal, whereas C-terminal FGF23 was elevated, a pattern similar to TC. The presence of GALNT3 mutations and elevated C-terminal, but low intact serum FGF23, levels in HHS resemble those seen in TC, suggesting that HHS and TC are different manifestations of the same disorder. The absence of biochemical abnormalities in the heterozygous individuals suggests that one normal allele is sufficient for secretion of intact FGF23.

  9. Feedback Activation of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Signaling via the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Skin Fibroblasts

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Xu; Zhu, Yuting; Sun, Congcong; Wang, Tao; Shen, Yingjie; Cai, Wanhui; Sun, Jia; Chi, Lisha; Wang, Haijun; Song, Na; Niu, Chao; Shen, Jiayi; Cong, Weitao; Zhu, Zhongxin; Xuan, Yuanhu; Li, Xiaokun; Jin, Litai

    2017-01-01

    Skin wound healing is a complex process requiring the coordinated behavior of many cell types, especially in the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a member of the FGF family that promotes fibroblast migration, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. The present RNA sequencing study showed that the expression levels of several canonical Wnt pathway genes, including Wnt2b, Wnt3, Wnt11, T-cell factor 7 (TCF7), and Frizzled 8 (FZD8) were modified by bFGF stimulation in fibroblasts. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis also showed that Wnt pathway was activated under bFGF treatment. Furthermore, treatment of fibroblasts with lithium chloride or IWR-1, an inducer and inhibitor of the Wnt signaling pathway, respectively, promoted and inhibited cell migration. Also, levels of cytosolic glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta phosphorylated at serine9 (pGSK3β Ser9) and nuclear β-catenin were increased upon exposure to bFGF. Molecular and biochemical assays indicated that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling activated the GSK3β/β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway via activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), suggesting that PI3K and JNK act at the upstream of β-catenin. In contrast, knock-down of β-catenin delayed fibroblast cell migration even under bFGF stimulation. RNA sequencing analysis of β-catenin knock-down fibroblasts demonstrated that β-catenin positively regulated the transcription of bFGF and FGF21. Moreover, FGF21 treatment activated AKT and JNK, and accelerated fibroblast migration to a similar extent as bFGF does. In addition, ELISA analysis demonstrated that both of bFGF and FGF21 were auto secretion factor and be regulated by Wnt pathway stimulators. Taken together, our analyses define a feedback regulatory loop between bFGF (FGF21) and Wnt signaling acting through β-catenin in skin fibroblasts. PMID:28217097

  10. Relationship between family history of type 2 diabetes and serum FGF21.

    PubMed

    Davis, Greggory R; Deville, Tiffany; Guillory, Joshua; Bellar, David; Nelson, Arnold G

    2017-11-01

    Determining predictive markers for the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), particularly in young individuals, offers immense potential benefits in preventative medicine. Previous research examining serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in humans has revealed equivocal relationships with clinical markers of metabolic dysfunction. However, it is unknown to what extent, if any, first-degree family history of T2D (mother or father of the participant diagnosed with T2D) level affects serum FGF21 levels. The aim of this study was to determine whether in healthy individuals with FH+ (n = 18) and without FH- (n = 17) a family history of T2D affects serum FGF21. Fasting serum and clinical, metabolic and anthropometric measures were determined using a cross-sectional design. Differences between groups for FGF21 were not significant (FH+ = 266 pg/mL ± 51·4, FH = 180 pg/mL ± 29; Z = 0·97, P = 0·33). Adiponectin values were lower in FH+ (8·81 μg/mL ± 2·14) compared to FH- (10·65 μg/mL ± 1·44; F = 8·83, P = 0·01). Resistin was negatively correlated with FGF21 for all participants (r = -0·38, P = 0·03), but no other clinical, metabolic, or serum markers were predictive for serum FGF21 in FH+ or FH-. Serum FGF21 is not significantly different between FH+ and FH- in young, healthy individuals. Based upon the data of this pilot study, it is unclear whether serum FGF21 can be used as a stand-alone predictive marker for T2D in healthy subjects. © 2017 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation.

  11. Molecular genetic and biochemical analyses of FGF23 mutations in familial tumoral calcinosis.

    PubMed

    Garringer, Holly J; Malekpour, Mahdi; Esteghamat, Fatemehsadat; Mortazavi, Seyed M J; Davis, Siobhan I; Farrow, Emily G; Yu, Xijie; Arking, Dan E; Dietz, Harry C; White, Kenneth E

    2008-10-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a hormone required for normal renal phosphate reabsorption. FGF23 gain-of-function mutations result in autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR), and FGF23 loss-of-function mutations cause familial hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis (TC). In this study, we identified a novel recessive FGF23 TC mutation, a lysine (K) substitution for glutamine (Q) (160 C>A) at residue 54 (Q54K). To understand the molecular consequences of all known FGF23-TC mutants (H41Q, S71G, M96T, S129F, and Q54K), these proteins were stably expressed in vitro. Western analyses revealed minimal amounts of secreted intact protein for all mutants, and ELISA analyses demonstrated high levels of secreted COOH-terminal FGF23 fragments but low amounts of intact protein, consistent with TC patients' FGF23 serum profiles. Mutant protein function was tested and showed residual, yet decreased, bioactivity compared with wild-type protein. In examining the role of the FGF23 COOH-terminal tail (residues 180-251) in protein processing and activity, truncated mutants revealed that the majority of the residues downstream from the known FGF23 SPC protease site ((176)RXXR(179)/S(180)) were not required for protein secretion. However, residues adjacent to the RXXR site (between residues 188 and 202) were required for full bioactivity. In summary, we report a novel TC mutation and demonstrate a common defect of reduced FGF23 stability for all known FGF23-TC mutants. Finally, the majority of the COOH-terminal tail of FGF23 is not required for protein secretion but is required for full bioactivity.

  12. High Molecular Weight FGF2 Isoforms Demonstrate Canonical Receptor-Mediated Activity and Support Human Embryonic Stem Cell Self-Renewal

    PubMed Central

    Kole, Denis; Grella, Alexandra; Dolivo, David; Shumaker, Lucia; Hermans, William; Dominko, Tanja

    2017-01-01

    Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) is a highly pleiotropic member of a large family of growth factors with a broad range of activities, including mitogenesis and angiogenesis (Ornitz, et al. 1996, Zhang, et al. 2006), and it is known to be essential for maintenance of balance between survival, proliferation, and self-renewal in human pluripotent stem cells (Eiselleova, et al. 2009, Zoumaro-Djayoon, et al. 2011). A single FGF2 transcript can be translated into five FGF2 protein isoforms, an 18kDa low molecular weight (LMW) isoform and four larger high molecular weight (HMW) isoforms (Arese, et al. 1999, Arnaud, et al. 1999). As they are not generally secreted, high molecular weight (HMW) FGF2 isoforms have predominantly been investigated intracellularly; only a very limited number of studies have investigated their activity as extracellular factors. Here we report over-expression, isolation, and biological activity of all recombinant human FGF2 isoforms. We show that HMW FGF2 isoforms can support self-renewal of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in vitro. Exogenous supplementation with HMW FGF2 isoforms also activates the canonical FGFR/MAPK pathway and induces mitogenic activity in a manner similar to that of the 18kDa FGF2 isoform. Though all HMW isoforms, when supplemented exogenously, are able to recapitulate LMW FGF2 activity to some degree, it appears that certain isoforms tend to do so more poorly, demonstrating a lesser functional response by several measures. A better understanding of isoform-specific FGF2 effects will lead to a better understanding of developmental and pathological FGF2 signaling. PMID:28433654

  13. High molecular weight FGF2 isoforms demonstrate canonical receptor-mediated activity and support human embryonic stem cell self-renewal.

    PubMed

    Kole, Denis; Grella, Alexandra; Dolivo, David; Shumaker, Lucia; Hermans, William; Dominko, Tanja

    2017-05-01

    Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) is a highly pleiotropic member of a large family of growth factors with a broad range of activities, including mitogenesis and angiogenesis (Ornitz et al., 1996; Zhang et al., 2006), and it is known to be essential for maintenance of balance between survival, proliferation, and self-renewal in human pluripotent stem cells (Eiselleova et al., 2009; Zoumaro-Djayoon et al., 2011). A single FGF2 transcript can be translated into five FGF2 protein isoforms, an 18kDa low molecular weight (LMW) isoform and four larger high molecular weight (HMW) isoforms (Arese et al., 1999; Arnaud et al., 1999). As they are not generally secreted, high molecular weight (HMW) FGF2 isoforms have predominantly been investigated intracellularly; only a very limited number of studies have investigated their activity as extracellular factors. Here we report over-expression, isolation, and biological activity of all recombinant human FGF2 isoforms. We show that HMW FGF2 isoforms can support self-renewal of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in vitro. Exogenous supplementation with HMW FGF2 isoforms also activates the canonical FGFR/MAPK pathway and induces mitogenic activity in a manner similar to that of the 18kDa FGF2 isoform. Though all HMW isoforms, when supplemented exogenously, are able to recapitulate LMW FGF2 activity to some degree, it appears that certain isoforms tend to do so more poorly, demonstrating a lesser functional response by several measures. A better understanding of isoform-specific FGF2 effects will lead to a better understanding of developmental and pathological FGF2 signaling. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Genetic Rescue of Glycosylation-deficient Fgf23 in the Galnt3 Knockout Mouse

    PubMed Central

    Gray, Amie K.; Padgett, Leah R.; Allen, Matthew R.; Clinkenbeard, Erica L.; Sarpa, Nicole M.; White, Kenneth E.; Econs, Michael J.

    2014-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a hormone that inhibits renal phosphate reabsorption and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D biosynthesis. The FGF23 subtilisin-like proprotein convertase recognition sequence (176RHTR179↓) is protected by O-glycosylation through ppGalNAc-T3 (GALNT3) activity. Thus, inactivating GALNT3 mutations render FGF23 susceptible to proteolysis, thereby reducing circulating intact hormone levels and leading to hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis. To further delineate the role of glycosylation in the Fgf23 function, we generated an inducible FGF23 transgenic mouse expressing human mutant FGF23 (R176Q and R179Q) found in patients with autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR) and bred this animal to Galnt3 knockout mice, a model of familial tumoral calcinosis. Due to the low intact Fgf23 level, Galnt3 knockout mice with wild-type Fgf23 alleles were hyperphosphatemic. In contrast, carriers of the mutant FGF23 transgene, regardless of Galnt3 mutation status, had significantly higher serum intact FGF23, resulting in severe hypophosphatemia. Importantly, serum phosphorus and FGF23 were comparable between transgenic mice with or without normal Galnt3 alleles. To determine whether the presence of the ADHR mutation could improve biochemical and skeletal abnormalities in Galnt3-null mice, these mice were also mated to Fgf23 knock-in mice, carrying heterozygous or homozygous R176Q ADHR Fgf23 mutations. The knock-in mice with functional Galnt3 had normal Fgf23 but were slightly hypophosphatemic. The stabilized Fgf23 ADHR allele reversed the Galnt3-null phenotype and normalized total Fgf23, serum phosphorus, and bone Fgf23 mRNA. However, the skeletal phenotype was unaffected. In summary, these data demonstrate that O-glycosylation by ppGaINAc-T3 is only necessary for proper secretion of intact Fgf23 and, once secreted, does not affect Fgf23 function. Furthermore, the more stable Fgf23 ADHR mutant protein could normalize serum phosphorus in Galnt3 knockout mice. PMID:25051439

  15. Genetic rescue of glycosylation-deficient Fgf23 in the Galnt3 knockout mouse.

    PubMed

    Ichikawa, Shoji; Gray, Amie K; Padgett, Leah R; Allen, Matthew R; Clinkenbeard, Erica L; Sarpa, Nicole M; White, Kenneth E; Econs, Michael J

    2014-10-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a hormone that inhibits renal phosphate reabsorption and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D biosynthesis. The FGF23 subtilisin-like proprotein convertase recognition sequence ((176)RHTR(179)↓) is protected by O-glycosylation through ppGalNAc-T3 (GALNT3) activity. Thus, inactivating GALNT3 mutations render FGF23 susceptible to proteolysis, thereby reducing circulating intact hormone levels and leading to hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis. To further delineate the role of glycosylation in the Fgf23 function, we generated an inducible FGF23 transgenic mouse expressing human mutant FGF23 (R176Q and R179Q) found in patients with autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR) and bred this animal to Galnt3 knockout mice, a model of familial tumoral calcinosis. Due to the low intact Fgf23 level, Galnt3 knockout mice with wild-type Fgf23 alleles were hyperphosphatemic. In contrast, carriers of the mutant FGF23 transgene, regardless of Galnt3 mutation status, had significantly higher serum intact FGF23, resulting in severe hypophosphatemia. Importantly, serum phosphorus and FGF23 were comparable between transgenic mice with or without normal Galnt3 alleles. To determine whether the presence of the ADHR mutation could improve biochemical and skeletal abnormalities in Galnt3-null mice, these mice were also mated to Fgf23 knock-in mice, carrying heterozygous or homozygous R176Q ADHR Fgf23 mutations. The knock-in mice with functional Galnt3 had normal Fgf23 but were slightly hypophosphatemic. The stabilized Fgf23 ADHR allele reversed the Galnt3-null phenotype and normalized total Fgf23, serum phosphorus, and bone Fgf23 mRNA. However, the skeletal phenotype was unaffected. In summary, these data demonstrate that O-glycosylation by ppGaINAc-T3 is only necessary for proper secretion of intact Fgf23 and, once secreted, does not affect Fgf23 function. Furthermore, the more stable Fgf23 ADHR mutant protein could normalize serum phosphorus in Galnt3 knockout mice.

  16. Promotion of anagen, increased hair density and reduction of hair fall in a clinical setting following identification of FGF5-inhibiting compounds via a novel 2-stage process

    PubMed Central

    Burg, Dominic; Yamamoto, Masakuni; Namekata, Masato; Haklani, Joseph; Koike, Koichiro; Halasz, Maria

    2017-01-01

    Background There are very few effective, scientifically validated treatments with known mechanisms of action for treatment of hair loss in both men and women. Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) is an important factor in the irreversible transition from anagen to catagen, and inhibition of FGF5 prolongs anagen phase and reduces hair loss. Objective We aimed to screen botanically derived molecules for FGF5 inhibitory activity in vitro and assess efficacy in a clinical setting. Methods We screened for FGF5 inhibitory efficacy via a novel 2-step in vitro pipeline consisting of an engineered FGF5 responsive cell line, followed by an activated dermal papillae (DP) cell method. Efficacy in a clinical setting was assessed in a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial against early- to mid-stage pattern hair loss in men and women. Results We observed FGF5 inhibitory activity for a number of compounds from the monoterpenoid family, many showing greater inhibitory efficacy than our previously reported crude plant extracts. Evaluation of a lead candidate in a clinical study over 112 days showed a significant improvement in anagen:telogen (AT) ratio (p = 0.002), reduced hair fall (p = 0.007) and improved visual grading (p = 0.004). Scientifically matched photography on a subgroup of randomly chosen participants highlighted significant improvement in hair density, with increases evident in all tested participants compared to baseline. Conclusion Isolates from the monoterpenoid family displayed efficacy in FGF5 inhibition in vitro. A topical formulation containing a leading isolate significantly improved AT ratio, reduced hair fall and increased apparent hair density in the tested population of men and women. PMID:28280377

  17. The role of growth factors in embryonic induction in Xenopus laevis.

    PubMed

    Dawid, I B; Taira, M; Good, P J; Rebagliati, M R

    1992-06-01

    Establishment of the body pattern in all animals, and especially in vertebrate embryos, depends on cell interactions. During the cleavage and blastula stages in amphibians, signal(s) from the vegetal region induce the equatorial region to become mesoderm. Two types of peptide growth factors have been shown by explant culture experiments to be active in mesoderm induction. First, there are several isoforms of fibroblast growth factor (FGF), including aFGF, bFGF, and hst/kFGF. FGF induces ventral, but not the most dorsal, levels of mesodermal tissue; bFGF and its mRNA, and an FGF receptor and its mRNA, are present in the embryo. Thus, FGF probably has a role in mesoderm induction, but is unlikely to be the sole inducing agent in vivo. Second, members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family. TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3 are active in induction, but the most powerful inducing factors are the distant relatives of TGF-beta named activin A and activin B, which are capable of inducing all types of mesoderm. An important question relates to the establishment of polarity during the induction of mesoderm. While all regions of the animal hemisphere of frog embryos are competent to respond to activins by mesoderm differentiation, only explants that include cells close to the equator form structures with some organization along dorsoventral and anteroposterior axes. These observations suggest that cells in the blastula animal hemisphere are already polarized to some extent, although inducers are required to make this polarity explicit.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  18. Cubilin, a high affinity receptor for fibroblast growth factor 8, is required for cell survival in the developing vertebrate head.

    PubMed

    Cases, Olivier; Perea-Gomez, Aitana; Aguiar, Diego P; Nykjaer, Anders; Amsellem, Sabine; Chandellier, Jacqueline; Umbhauer, Muriel; Cereghini, Silvia; Madsen, Mette; Collignon, Jérôme; Verroust, Pierre; Riou, Jean-François; Creuzet, Sophie E; Kozyraki, Renata

    2013-06-07

    Cubilin (Cubn) is a multiligand endocytic receptor critical for the intestinal absorption of vitamin B12 and renal protein reabsorption. During mouse development, Cubn is expressed in both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues, and Cubn gene inactivation results in early embryo lethality most likely due to the impairment of the function of extra-embryonic Cubn. Here, we focus on the developmental role of Cubn expressed in the embryonic head. We report that Cubn is a novel, interspecies-conserved Fgf receptor. Epiblast-specific inactivation of Cubn in the mouse embryo as well as Cubn silencing in the anterior head of frog or the cephalic neural crest of chick embryos show that Cubn is required during early somite stages to convey survival signals in the developing vertebrate head. Surface plasmon resonance analysis reveals that fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8), a key mediator of cell survival, migration, proliferation, and patterning in the developing head, is a high affinity ligand for Cubn. Cell uptake studies show that binding to Cubn is necessary for the phosphorylation of the Fgf signaling mediators MAPK and Smad1. Although Cubn may not form stable ternary complexes with Fgf receptors (FgfRs), it acts together with and/or is necessary for optimal FgfR activity. We propose that plasma membrane binding of Fgf8, and most likely of the Fgf8 family members Fgf17 and Fgf18, to Cubn improves Fgf ligand endocytosis and availability to FgfRs, thus modulating Fgf signaling activity.

  19. Extending the family table: insights into the FGF superfamily from beyond vertebrates

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Since the discovery of Fibroblast Growth Factors much focus has been placed on elucidating the roles for each vertebrate FGF ligand, receptor, and regulating molecules in the context of vertebrate development, human disorders and cancer. Studies in human, mouse, Xenopus, chick, and zebrafish have gone a long way to help us understand [AS1]which FGFs are involved in which processes. However, in recent years, as more genomes are sequenced, more information is becoming available from many non-vertebrate models and a more complete picture of the FGF superfamily as a whole is emerging. In some cases less redundancy in the FGF signaling system in invertebrate models may allow for more mechanistic insights. Studies in cnidaria have highlighted how ancient FGF signaling is, and helped provide insight into the evolution of the FGF gene family. Work in C. elegans has shown that different splice forms can be used for functional specificity in invertebrate FGF signaling. Comparing FGFs from Ciona to those in vertebrates and FGFs from Tribolium to Drosophila reveals some important clues as to the process of gene loss, duplication and subfunctionalization of FGFs throughout evolution. Finally, comparing all members of the FGF ligand superfamily reveals variability in many properties, which may point to a feature of FGFs as being highly adaptable with regards to protein structure and mechanism. Further studies on FGF signaling outside of vertebrates is likely to complement work in vertebrates by contributing many insights to the FGF field as a whole and providing unexpected information that could be used for medical applications. PMID:20860061

  20. Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF-2) and Its Receptors FGFR-2 and FGFR-3 May Be Putative Biomarkers of Malignant Transformation of Potentially Malignant Oral Lesions into Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Nayak, Seema; Goel, Madhu Mati; Makker, Annu; Bhatia, Vikram; Chandra, Saumya; Kumar, Sandeep; Agarwal, S P

    2015-01-01

    There are several factors like angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, genetic alterations, mutational factors that are involved in malignant transformation of potentially malignant oral lesions (PMOLs) to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is one of the prototypes of the large family of growth factors that bind heparin. FGF-2 induces angiogenesis and its receptors may play a role in synthesis of collagen. FGFs are involved in transmission of signals between the epithelium and connective tissue, and influence growth and differentiation of a wide variety of tissue including epithelia. The present study was undertaken to analyze expression of FGF-2 and its receptors FGFR-2 and FGFR-3 in 72 PMOLs, 108 OSCC and 52 healthy controls, and their role in risk assessment for malignant transformation of Leukoplakia (LKP) and Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) to OSCC. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against FGF-2, FGFR-2 and FGFR-3. IHC results were validated by Real Time PCR. Expression of FGF-2, FGFR-2 and FGFR-3 was upregulated from PMOLs to OSCC. While 90% (9/10) of PMOLs which showed malignant transformation (transformed) expressed FGF-2, only 24.19% cases (15/62) of PMOLs which were not transformed (untransformed) to OSCC expressed FGF-2. Similarly, FGFR-2 expression was seen in 16/62 (25.81%) of untransformed PMOLs and 8/10 (80%) cases of transformed PMOLs. FGFR-3 expression was observed in 23/62 (37.10%) cases of untransformed PMOLs and 6/10 (60%) cases of transformed PMOLs. A significant association of FGF-2 and FGFR-2 expression with malignant transformation from PMOLs to OSCC was observed both at phenotypic and molecular level. The results suggest that FGF-2 and FGFR-2 may be useful as biomarkers of malignant transformation in patients with OSMF and LKP.

  1. Ablation of the Galnt3 gene leads to low-circulating intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (Fgf23) concentrations and hyperphosphatemia despite increased Fgf23 expression.

    PubMed

    Ichikawa, Shoji; Sorenson, Andrea H; Austin, Anthony M; Mackenzie, Donald S; Fritz, Timothy A; Moh, Akira; Hui, Siu L; Econs, Michael J

    2009-06-01

    Familial tumoral calcinosis is characterized by ectopic calcifications and hyperphosphatemia. The disease is caused by inactivating mutations in fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), Klotho (KL), and uridine diphosphate-N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosamine:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 (GALNT3). In vitro studies indicate that GALNT3 O-glycosylates a phosphaturic hormone, FGF23, and prevents its proteolytic processing, thereby allowing secretion of intact FGF23. In this study we generated mice lacking the Galnt3 gene, which developed hyperphosphatemia without apparent calcifications. In response to hyperphosphatemia, Galnt3-deficient mice had markedly increased Fgf23 expression in bone. However, compared with wild-type and heterozygous littermates, homozygous mice had only about half of circulating intact Fgf23 levels and higher levels of C-terminal Fgf23 fragments in bone. Galnt3-deficient mice also exhibited an inappropriately normal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D level and decreased alkaline phosphatase activity. Furthermore, renal expression of sodium-phosphate cotransporters and Kl were elevated in Galnt3-deficient mice. Interestingly, there were sex-specific phenotypes; only Galnt3-deficient males showed growth retardation, infertility, and significantly increased bone mineral density. In summary, ablation of Galnt3 impaired secretion of intact Fgf23, leading to decreased circulating Fgf23 and hyperphosphatemia, despite increased Fgf23 expression. Our findings indicate that Galnt3-deficient mice have a biochemical phenotype of tumoral calcinosis and provide in vivo evidence that Galnt3 plays an essential role in proper secretion of Fgf23 in mice.

  2. Phosphaturic action of fibroblast growth factor 23 in Npt2 null mice.

    PubMed

    Tomoe, Yuka; Segawa, Hiroko; Shiozawa, Kazuyo; Kaneko, Ichiro; Tominaga, Rieko; Hanabusa, Etsuyo; Aranami, Fumito; Furutani, Junya; Kuwahara, Shoji; Tatsumi, Sawako; Matsumoto, Mitsutu; Ito, Mikiko; Miyamoto, Ken-ichi

    2010-06-01

    In the present study, we evaluated the roles of type II and type III sodium-dependent P(i) cotransporters in fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) activity by administering a vector encoding FGF23 with the R179Q mutation (FGF23M) to wild-type (WT) mice, Npt2a knockout (KO) mice, Npt2c KO mice, and Npt2a(-/-)Npt2c(-/-) mice (DKO mice). In Npt2a KO mice, FGF23M induced severe hypophosphatemia and markedly decreased the levels of Npt2c, type III Na-dependent P(i) transporter (PiT2) protein, and renal Na/P(i) transport activity. In contrast, in Npt2c KO mice, FGF23M decreased plasma phosphate levels comparable to those in FGF23M-injected WT mice. In DKO mice with severe hypophosphatemia, FGF23M administration did not induce an additional increase in urinary phosphate excretion. FGF23 administration significantly decreased intestinal Npt2b protein levels in WT mice but had no effect in Npt2a, Npt2c, and DKO mice, despite marked suppression of plasma 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) levels in all the mutant mice. The main findings were as follow: 1) FGF23-dependent phosphaturic activity in Npt2a KO mice is dependent on renal Npt2c and PiT-2 protein; 2) in DKO mice, renal P(i) reabsorption is not further decreased by FGF23M, but renal vitamin D synthesis is suppressed; and 3) downregulation of intestinal Npt2b may be mediated by a factor(s) other than 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). These findings suggest that Npt2a, Npt2c, and PiT-2 are necessary for the phosphaturic activity of FGF23. Thus complementary regulation of Npt2 family proteins may be involved in systemic P(i) homeostasis.

  3. Dysregulated fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in neurological and psychiatric disorders.

    PubMed

    Turner, Cortney A; Eren-Koçak, Emine; Inui, Edny G; Watson, Stanley J; Akil, Huda

    2016-05-01

    The role of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) system in brain-related disorders has received considerable attention in recent years. To understand the role of this system in neurological and psychiatric disorders, it is important to identify the specific members of the FGF family that are implicated, their location and the various mechanisms they can be modulated. Each disorder appears to impact specific molecular players in unique anatomical locations, and all of these could conceivably become targets for treatment. In the last several years, the issue of how to target this system directly has become an area of increasing interest. To date, the most promising therapeutics are small molecule inhibitors and antibodies that modulate FGF receptor (FGFR) function. Beyond attempting to modify the primary players affected by a given brain disorder, it may prove useful to target molecules, such as membrane-bound or extracellular proteins that interact with FGF ligands or FGFRs to modulate signaling. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  4. Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Stimulates the Proliferation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Jun-Jie; Liu, Yu-Liang; Sun, Yuan-Chao; Ge, Wei; Wang, Yong-Yong; Dyce, Paul W.; Hou, Rong; Shen, Wei

    2015-01-01

    It has been widely known that the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the most endangered species in the world. An optimized platform for maintaining the proliferation of giant panda mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is very necessary for current giant panda protection strategies. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a member of the FGF family, is widely considered as a growth factor and differentiation inducer within the stem cell research field. However, the role of bFGF on promoting the proliferation of MSCs derived from giant panda bone marrow (BM) has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of bFGF on the proliferation of BM-MSCs derived from giant panda. MSCs were cultured for cell proliferation analysis at 24, 48 and 72 hrs following the addition of bFGF. With increasing concentrations of bFGF, cell numbers gradually increased. This was further demonstrated by performing 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell proliferation assay, 5-Bromo-2-deoxyUridine (BrdU) labeling and cell cycle testing. Furthermore, the percentage of MSCs that were OCT4 positive increased slightly following treatment with 5 ng/ml bFGF. Moreover, we demonstrated that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway may play an important role in the proliferation of panda MSCs stimulated by bFGF. In conclusion, this study suggests that giant panda BM-MSCs have a high proliferative capacity with the addition of 5 ng/ml bFGF in vitro. PMID:26375397

  5. Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Stimulates the Proliferation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

    PubMed

    Wang, Jun-Jie; Liu, Yu-Liang; Sun, Yuan-Chao; Ge, Wei; Wang, Yong-Yong; Dyce, Paul W; Hou, Rong; Shen, Wei

    2015-01-01

    It has been widely known that the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is one of the most endangered species in the world. An optimized platform for maintaining the proliferation of giant panda mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is very necessary for current giant panda protection strategies. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a member of the FGF family, is widely considered as a growth factor and differentiation inducer within the stem cell research field. However, the role of bFGF on promoting the proliferation of MSCs derived from giant panda bone marrow (BM) has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of bFGF on the proliferation of BM-MSCs derived from giant panda. MSCs were cultured for cell proliferation analysis at 24, 48 and 72 hrs following the addition of bFGF. With increasing concentrations of bFGF, cell numbers gradually increased. This was further demonstrated by performing 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell proliferation assay, 5-Bromo-2-deoxyUridine (BrdU) labeling and cell cycle testing. Furthermore, the percentage of MSCs that were OCT4 positive increased slightly following treatment with 5 ng/ml bFGF. Moreover, we demonstrated that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway may play an important role in the proliferation of panda MSCs stimulated by bFGF. In conclusion, this study suggests that giant panda BM-MSCs have a high proliferative capacity with the addition of 5 ng/ml bFGF in vitro.

  6. Fibroblast growth factors in cardiovascular disease: The emerging role of FGF21

    PubMed Central

    Domouzoglou, Eleni M.; Naka, Katerina K.; Vlahos, Antonios P.; Papafaklis, Michail I.; Michalis, Lampros K.; Tsatsoulis, Agathoklis

    2015-01-01

    Early detection of risk factors for enhanced primary prevention and novel therapies for treating the chronic consequences of cardiovascular disease are of the utmost importance for reducing morbidity. Recently, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) have been intensively studied as potential new molecules in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease mainly attributable to metabolic effects and angiogenic actions. Members of the endocrine FGF family have been shown to increase metabolic rate, decrease adiposity, and restore glucose homeostasis, suggesting a multiple metabolic role. Serum levels of FGFs have been associated with established cardiovascular risk factors as well as with the severity and extent of coronary artery disease and could be useful for prediction of cardiovascular death. Furthermore, preclinical investigations and clinical trials have tested FGF administration for therapeutic angiogenesis in ischemic vascular disease, demonstrating a potential role in improving angina and limb function. FGF21 has lately emerged as a potent metabolic regulator with multiple effects that ultimately improve the lipoprotein profile. Early studies show that FGF21 is associated with the presence of atherosclerosis and may play a protective role against plaque formation by improving endothelial function. The present review highlights recent investigations suggesting that FGFs, in particular FGF21, may be useful as markers of cardiovascular risk and may also serve as protective/therapeutic agents in cardiovascular disease. PMID:26232236

  7. Fibroblast growth factors in cardiovascular disease: The emerging role of FGF21.

    PubMed

    Domouzoglou, Eleni M; Naka, Katerina K; Vlahos, Antonios P; Papafaklis, Michail I; Michalis, Lampros K; Tsatsoulis, Agathoklis; Maratos-Flier, Eleftheria

    2015-09-15

    Early detection of risk factors for enhanced primary prevention and novel therapies for treating the chronic consequences of cardiovascular disease are of the utmost importance for reducing morbidity. Recently, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) have been intensively studied as potential new molecules in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease mainly attributable to metabolic effects and angiogenic actions. Members of the endocrine FGF family have been shown to increase metabolic rate, decrease adiposity, and restore glucose homeostasis, suggesting a multiple metabolic role. Serum levels of FGFs have been associated with established cardiovascular risk factors as well as with the severity and extent of coronary artery disease and could be useful for prediction of cardiovascular death. Furthermore, preclinical investigations and clinical trials have tested FGF administration for therapeutic angiogenesis in ischemic vascular disease, demonstrating a potential role in improving angina and limb function. FGF21 has lately emerged as a potent metabolic regulator with multiple effects that ultimately improve the lipoprotein profile. Early studies show that FGF21 is associated with the presence of atherosclerosis and may play a protective role against plaque formation by improving endothelial function. The present review highlights recent investigations suggesting that FGFs, in particular FGF21, may be useful as markers of cardiovascular risk and may also serve as protective/therapeutic agents in cardiovascular disease. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

  8. egl-17 encodes an invertebrate fibroblast growth factor family member required specifically for sex myoblast migration in Caenorhabditis elegans

    PubMed Central

    Burdine, Rebecca D.; Chen, Estella B.; Kwok, Shing F.; Stern, Michael J.

    1997-01-01

    The proper guidance of the Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite sex myoblasts (SMs) requires the genes egl-15 and egl-17. egl-15 has been shown to encode the C. elegans orthologue of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR). Here we clone egl-17 and show it to be a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, one of the first functional invertebrate FGFs known. egl-17 shares homology with other FGF members, conserving the key residues required to form the distinctive tertiary structure common to FGFs. Genetic and molecular evidence demonstrates that the SM migration defect seen in egl-17 mutant animals represents complete loss of egl-17 function. While mutations in egl-17 affect only SM migration, mutations in egl-15 can result in larval arrest, scrawny body morphology, and the ability to suppress mutations in clr-1. We propose that EGL-17 (FGF) acts as a ligand for EGL-15 (FGFR) specifically during SM migration and that another ligand(s) activates EGL-15 for its other functions. PMID:9122212

  9. Metabolic effects of basic fibroblast growth factor in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: A 1H NMR-based metabolomics investigation.

    PubMed

    Lin, Xiaodong; Zhao, Liangcai; Tang, Shengli; Zhou, Qi; Lin, Qiuting; Li, Xiaokun; Zheng, Hong; Gao, Hongchang

    2016-11-03

    The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) family shows a great potential in the treatment of diabetes, but little attention is paid to basic FGF (bFGF). In this study, to explore the metabolic effects of bFGF on diabetes, metabolic changes in serum and feces were analyzed in the normal rats, the streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and the bFGF-treated diabetic rats using a 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomic approach. Interestingly, bFGF treatment significantly decreased glucose, lipid and low density lipoprotein/very low density lipoprotein (LDL/VLDL) levels in serum of diabetic rats. Moreover, bFGF treatment corrected diabetes-induced reductions in citrate, lactate, choline, glycine, creatine, histidine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and glutamine in serum. Fecal propionate was significantly increased after bFGF treatment. Correlation analysis shows that glucose, lipid and LDL/VLDL were significantly negatively correlated with energy metabolites (citrate, creatine and lactate) and amino acids (alanine, glycine, histidine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and glutamine). In addition, a weak but significant correlation was observed between fecal propionate and serum lipid (R = -0.35, P = 0.046). Based on metabolic correlation and pathway analysis, therefore, we suggest that the glucose and lipid lowering effects of bFGF in the STZ-induced diabetic rats may be achieved by activating microbial metabolism, increasing energy metabolism and correcting amino acid metabolism.

  10. Stage-specific effects of FGF2 on the differentiation of dental pulp cells

    PubMed Central

    Sagomonyants, Karen; Mina, Mina

    2015-01-01

    Dentinogenesis is a complex and multistep process, which is regulated by various growth factors, including members of the Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) family. Both positive and negative effects of FGFs on dentinogenesis have been reported but the underlying mechanisms of these conflicting results are still unclear. To gain better insight into the role of FGF2 in dentinogenesis, we used dental pulp cells from various transgenic mice, in which fluorescent protein expression identifies cells at different stages of odontoblast differentiation. Our results showed that continuous exposure of pulp cells to FGF2 inhibited mineralization and revealed both stimulatory and inhibitory effects of FGF2 on expression of markers of dentinogenesis and various transgenes. During the proliferation phase of in vitro growth FGF2 increased expression of markers of dentinogenesis and the percentages of DMP1-GFP+ functional odontoblasts and DSPP-Cerulean+ odontoblasts. Additional exposure to FGF2 during the differentiation/mineralization phase of in vitro growth decreased the extent of mineralization, expression of markers of dentinogenesis, and expression of DMP1-GFP and DSPP-Cerulean transgenes. Recovery experiments showed that the inhibitory effects of FGF2 on dentinogenesis were related to the blocking of differentiation of cells into mature odontoblasts. These observations together showed stage-specific effects of FGF2 on dentinogenesis by dental pulp cells and provide critical information for the development of improved treatments for vital pulp therapy and dentin regeneration. PMID:25823776

  11. Decreased levels of serum fibroblast growth factor-2 in children with autism spectrum disorder.

    PubMed

    Esnafoglu, Erman; Ayyıldız, Sema Nur

    2017-11-01

    The neurodevelopment and functioning of the central nervous system, and especially the cerebral cortex, have basic importance to understand neuropsychiatric disorders like autism. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) plays a very important role in the development and functioning of the cortex. FGF-2 is related to developmental processes in the central nervous system such as neurogenesis, migration, differentiation and survival. This study researched the serum FGF-2 levels in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With this aim, 60 ASD children and 40 healthy controls were compared. We applied a sociodemographic form and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) to each subject with their family to assess the severity of autism. Additionally, all subjects had routine laboratory tests performed. Serum samples were studied with ELISA. The results found that serum FGF-2 levels were statistically significantly low in the patient group compared to the healthy control group (p value 0.003). Additionally there was a statistically significant negative correlation identified between serum FGF-2 levels and CARS score for all subjects (r = -0.300; p = 0.02). In conclusion, FGF-2 may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of ASD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Differential expression of FGF receptors and of myogenic regulatory factors in primary cultures of satellite cells originating from fast (EDL) and slow (Soleus) twitch rat muscles.

    PubMed

    Martelly, I; Soulet, L; Bonnavaud, S; Cebrian, J; Gautron, J; Barritault, D

    2000-11-01

    In the rat, the fast and slow twitch muscles respectively Extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and Soleus present differential characteristics during regeneration. This suggests that their satellite cells responsible for muscle growth and repair represent distinct cellular populations. We have previously shown that satellite cells dissociated from Soleus and grown in vitro proliferate more readily than those isolated from EDL muscle. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are known as regulators of myoblast proliferation and several studies have revealed a relationship between the response of myoblasts to FGF and the expression of myogenic regulatory factors (MRF) of the MyoD family by myoblasts. Therefore, we presently examined the possibility that the satellite cells isolated from EDL and Soleus muscles differ in the expression of FGF receptors (FGF-R) and of MRF expression. FGF-R1 and -R4 were strongly expressed in proliferating cultures whereas FGF-R2 and R3 were not detected in these cultures. In differentiating cultures, only -R1 was present in EDL satellite cells while FGF-R4 was also still expressed in Soleus cells. Interestingly, the unconventional receptor for FGF called cystein rich FGF receptor (CFR), of yet unknown function, was mainly detected in EDL satellite cell cultures. Soleus and EDL satellite cell cultures also differed in the expression MRFs. These results are consistent with the notion that satellite cells from fast and slow twitch muscles belong to different types of myogenic cells and suggest that satellite cells might play distinct roles in the formation and diversification of fast and slow fibres.

  13. Interaction of the receptor FGFRL1 with the negative regulator Spred1.

    PubMed

    Zhuang, Lei; Villiger, Peter; Trueb, Beat

    2011-09-01

    FGFRL1 is a member of the fibroblast growth factor receptor family. It plays an essential role during branching morphogenesis of the metanephric kidneys, as mice with a targeted deletion of the Fgfrl1 gene show severe kidney dysplasia. Here we used the yeast two-hybrid system to demonstrate that FGFRL1 binds with its C-terminal, histidine-rich domain to Spred1 and to other proteins of the Sprouty/Spred family. Members of this family are known to act as negative regulators of the Ras/Raf/Erk signaling pathway. Truncation experiments further showed that FGFRL1 interacts with the SPR domain of Spred1, a domain that is shared by all members of the Sprouty/Spred family. The interaction could be verified by coprecipitation of the interaction partners from solution and by codistribution at the cell membrane of COS1 and HEK293 cells. Interestingly, Spred1 increased the retention time of FGFRL1 at the plasma membrane where the receptor might interact with ligands. FGFRL1 and members of the Sprouty/Spred family belong to the FGF synexpression group, which also includes FGF3, FGF8, Sef and Isthmin. It is conceivable that FGFRL1, Sef and some Sprouty/Spred proteins work in concert to control growth factor signaling during branching morphogenesis of the kidneys and other organs. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Structure of a highly stable mutant of human fibroblast growth factor 1.

    PubMed

    Szlachcic, Anna; Zakrzewska, Małgorzata; Krowarsch, Daniel; Os, Vibeke; Helland, Ronny; Smalås, Arne O; Otlewski, Jacek

    2009-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are involved in diverse cellular processes such as cell migration, angiogenesis, osteogenesis, wound healing and embryonic and foetal development. Human acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) is the only member of the FGF family that binds with high affinity to all four FGF receptors and thus is considered to be the human mitogen with the broadest specificity. However, pharmacological applications of FGF-1 are limited owing to its low stability. It has previously been reported that the introduction of single mutations can significantly improve the stability of FGF-1 and its resistance to proteolytic degradation. Here, the structure of the Q40P/S47I/H93G triple mutant of FGF-1, which exhibits much higher stability, a prolonged half-life and enhanced mitogenic activity, is presented. Compared with the wild-type structure, three localized conformational changes in the stable triple mutant were observed, which is in agreement with the perfect energetic additivity of the single mutations described in a previous study. The huge change in FGF-1 stability (the denaturation temperature increased by 21.5 K, equivalent to DeltaDeltaG(den) = 24.3 kJ mol(-1)) seems to result from the formation of a short 3(10)-helix (position 40), an improvement in the propensity of amino acids to form beta-sheets (position 47) and the rearrangement of a local hydrogen-bond network (positions 47 and 93).

  15. Variation in the miRNA-433 Binding Site of FGF20 Confers Risk for Parkinson Disease by Overexpression of α-Synuclein

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Gaofeng; van der Walt, Joelle M.; Mayhew, Gregory; Li, Yi-Ju; Züchner, Stephan; Scott, William K.; Martin, Eden R.; Vance, Jeffery M.

    2008-01-01

    Parkinson disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder caused by environmental and genetic factors. We have previously shown linkage of PD to chromosome 8p. Subsequently, fibroblast growth factor 20 (FGF20) at 8p21.3–22 was identified as a risk factor in several association studies. To identify the risk-conferring polymorphism in FGF20, we performed genetic and functional analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms within the gene. In a sample of 729 nuclear families with 1089 affected and 1165 unaffected individuals, the strongest evidence of association came from rs12720208 in the 3′ untranslated region of FGF20. We show in several functional assays that the risk allele for rs12720208 disrupts a binding site for microRNA-433, increasing translation of FGF20 in vitro and in vivo. In a cell-based system and in PD brains, this increase in translation of FGF20 is correlated with increased α-synuclein expression, which has previously been shown to cause PD through both overexpression and point mutations. We suggest a novel mechanism of action for PD risk in which the modulation of the susceptibility gene's translation by common variations interfere with the regulation mechanisms of microRNA. We propose this is likely to be a common mechanism of genetic modulation of individual susceptibility to complex disease. PMID:18252210

  16. [Chronic bone pain due to raised FGF23 production? The importance of determining phosphate levels].

    PubMed

    de Jongh, Renate T; Vervloet, Marc G; Bravenboer, Nathalie; Heijboer, Annemieke C; den Heijer, Martin; Lips, Paul

    2013-01-01

    Hypophosphatemia is an important finding in the evaluation of patients with chronic bone pain. Fibroblast-growth factor 23 (FGF23) plays a role in the differential diagnosis of hypophosphatemia. A 34-year-old man had progressive pain in both shoulders and hips due to hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. He had elevated FGF23 levels, induced by a FGF23-producing tumour in the right acetabulum. Thus, he had tumour-induced hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. A 50-year-old man had had bowed legs and joint pains since his youth due to osteomalacia. Several family members also had osteomalacia. His phosphate concentration was low. Genetic testing revealed a mutation on the PHEX gene which results in high FGF23 levels. Thus, he had X-linked hereditary hypophosphatemic osteomalacia. In patients with bone pain, the measurement of a phosphate concentration is important. In renal phosphate loss, the measurement of FGF23 is an important next step if parathormone concentrations are low or normal.

  17. Disruption of Fgf13 causes synaptic excitatory-inhibitory imbalance and genetic epilepsy and febrile seizures plus.

    PubMed

    Puranam, Ram S; He, Xiao Ping; Yao, Lijun; Le, Tri; Jang, Wonjo; Rehder, Catherine W; Lewis, Darrell V; McNamara, James O

    2015-06-10

    We identified a family in which a translocation between chromosomes X and 14 was associated with cognitive impairment and a complex genetic disorder termed "Genetic Epilepsy and Febrile Seizures Plus" (GEFS(+)). We demonstrate that the breakpoint on the X chromosome disrupted a gene that encodes an auxiliary protein of voltage-gated Na(+) channels, fibroblast growth factor 13 (Fgf13). Female mice in which one Fgf13 allele was deleted exhibited hyperthermia-induced seizures and epilepsy. Anatomic studies revealed expression of Fgf13 mRNA in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons of hippocampus. Electrophysiological recordings revealed decreased inhibitory and increased excitatory synaptic inputs in hippocampal neurons of Fgf13 mutants. We speculate that reduced expression of Fgf13 impairs excitability of inhibitory interneurons, resulting in enhanced excitability within local circuits of hippocampus and the clinical phenotype of epilepsy. These findings reveal a novel cause of this syndrome and underscore the powerful role of FGF13 in control of neuronal excitability. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/358866-16$15.00/0.

  18. Zebrafish fgf3 and fgf8 encode redundant functions required for otic placode induction.

    PubMed

    Phillips, B T; Bolding, K; Riley, B B

    2001-07-15

    Members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family of peptide ligands have been implicated in otic placode induction in several vertebrate species. Here, we have functionally analyzed the roles of fgf3 and fgf8 in zebrafish otic development. The role of fgf8 was assessed by analyzing acerebellar (ace) mutants. fgf3 function was disrupted by injecting embryos with antisense morpholino oligomers (MO) specifically designed to block translation of fgf3 transcripts. Disruption of either fgf3 or fgf8 causes moderate reduction in the size of the otic vesicle. Injection of fgf3-MO into ace/ace mutants causes much more severe reduction or complete loss of otic tissue. Moreover, preplacode cells fail to express pax8 and pax2.1, indicating disruption of early stages of otic induction in fgf3-depleted ace/ace mutants. Both fgf3 and fgf8 are normally expressed in the germring by 50% epiboly and are induced in the primordium of rhombomere 4 by 80% epibloy. In addition, fgf3 is expressed during the latter half of gastrulation in the prechordal plate and paraxial cephalic mesendoderm, tissues that either pass beneath or persist near the prospective otic ectoderm. Conditions that alter the pattern of expression of fgf3 and/or fgf8 cause corresponding changes in otic induction. Loss of maternal and zygotic one-eyed pinhead (oep) does not alter expression of fgf3 or fgf8 in the hindbrain, but ablates mesendodermal sources of fgf signaling and delays otic induction by several hours. Conversely, treatment of wild-type embryos with retinoic acid greatly expands the periotic domains of expression of fgf3, fgf8, and pax8 and leads to formation of supernumerary and ectopic otic vesicles. These data support the hypothesis that fgf3 and fgf8 cooperate during the latter half of gastrulation to induce differentiation of otic placodes. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

  19. Mutations in DSTYK and dominant urinary tract malformations.

    PubMed

    Sanna-Cherchi, Simone; Sampogna, Rosemary V; Papeta, Natalia; Burgess, Katelyn E; Nees, Shannon N; Perry, Brittany J; Choi, Murim; Bodria, Monica; Liu, Yan; Weng, Patricia L; Lozanovski, Vladimir J; Verbitsky, Miguel; Lugani, Francesca; Sterken, Roel; Paragas, Neal; Caridi, Gianluca; Carrea, Alba; Dagnino, Monica; Materna-Kiryluk, Anna; Santamaria, Giuseppe; Murtas, Corrado; Ristoska-Bojkovska, Nadica; Izzi, Claudia; Kacak, Nilgun; Bianco, Beatrice; Giberti, Stefania; Gigante, Maddalena; Piaggio, Giorgio; Gesualdo, Loreto; Vukic, Durdica Kosuljandic; Vukojevic, Katarina; Saraga-Babic, Mirna; Saraga, Marijan; Gucev, Zoran; Allegri, Landino; Latos-Bielenska, Anna; Casu, Domenica; State, Matthew; Scolari, Francesco; Ravazzolo, Roberto; Kiryluk, Krzysztof; Al-Awqati, Qais; D'Agati, Vivette D; Drummond, Iain A; Tasic, Velibor; Lifton, Richard P; Ghiggeri, Gian Marco; Gharavi, Ali G

    2013-08-15

    Congenital abnormalities of the kidney and the urinary tract are the most common cause of pediatric kidney failure. These disorders are highly heterogeneous, and the etiologic factors are poorly understood. We performed genomewide linkage analysis and whole-exome sequencing in a family with an autosomal dominant form of congenital abnormalities of the kidney or urinary tract (seven affected family members). We also performed a sequence analysis in 311 unrelated patients, as well as histologic and functional studies. Linkage analysis identified five regions of the genome that were shared among all affected family members. Exome sequencing identified a single, rare, deleterious variant within these linkage intervals, a heterozygous splice-site mutation in the dual serine-threonine and tyrosine protein kinase gene (DSTYK). This variant, which resulted in aberrant splicing of messenger RNA, was present in all affected family members. Additional, independent DSTYK mutations, including nonsense and splice-site mutations, were detected in 7 of 311 unrelated patients. DSTYK is highly expressed in the maturing epithelia of all major organs, localizing to cell membranes. Knockdown in zebrafish resulted in developmental defects in multiple organs, which suggested loss of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling. Consistent with this finding is the observation that DSTYK colocalizes with FGF receptors in the ureteric bud and metanephric mesenchyme. DSTYK knockdown in human embryonic kidney cells inhibited FGF-stimulated phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), the principal signal downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases. We detected independent DSTYK mutations in 2.3% of patients with congenital abnormalities of the kidney or urinary tract, a finding that suggests that DSTYK is a major determinant of human urinary tract development, downstream of FGF signaling. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and others.).

  20. Mutations in DSTYK and Dominant Urinary Tract Malformations

    PubMed Central

    Sanna-Cherchi, Simone; Nees, Shannon N.; Perry, Brittany J.; Choi, Murim; Bodria, Monica; Liu, Yan; Weng, Patricia L.; Lozanovski, Vladimir J.; Verbitsky, Miguel; Lugani, Francesca; Sterken, Roel; Paragas, Neal; Caridi, Gianluca; Carrea, Alba; Dagnino, Monica; Materna-Kiryluk, Anna; Santamaria, Giuseppe; Murtas, Corrado; Ristoska-Bojkovska, Nadica; Izzi, Claudia; Kacak, Nilgun; Bianco, Beatrice; Giberti, Stefania; Gigante, Maddalena; Piaggio, Giorgio; Gesualdo, Loreto; Vukic, Durdica Kosuljandic; Vukojevic, Katarina; Saraga-Babic, Mirna; Saraga, Marijan; Gucev, Zoran; Allegri, Landino; Latos-Bielenska, Anna; Casu, Domenica; State, Matthew; Scolari, Francesco; Ravazzolo, Roberto; Kiryluk, Krzysztof; Al-Awqati, Qais; D'Agati, Vivette D.; Drummond, Iain A.; Tasic, Velibor; Lifton, Richard P.; Ghiggeri, Gian Marco; Gharavi, Ali G.

    2013-01-01

    BACKGROUND Congenital abnormalities of the kidney and the urinary tract are the most common cause of pediatric kidney failure. These disorders are highly heterogeneous, and the etiologic factors are poorly understood. METHODS We performed genomewide linkage analysis and whole-exome sequencing in a family with an autosomal dominant form of congenital abnormalities of the kidney or urinary tract (seven affected family members). We also performed a sequence analysis in 311 unrelated patients, as well as histologic and functional studies. RESULTS Linkage analysis identified five regions of the genome that were shared among all affected family members. Exome sequencing identified a single, rare, deleterious variant within these linkage intervals, a heterozygous splice-site mutation in the dual serine–threonine and tyrosine protein kinase gene (DSTYK). This variant, which resulted in aberrant splicing of messenger RNA, was present in all affected family members. Additional, independent DSTYK mutations, including nonsense and splice-site mutations, were detected in 7 of 311 unrelated patients. DSTYK is highly expressed in the maturing epithelia of all major organs, localizing to cell membranes. Knockdown in zebrafish resulted in developmental defects in multiple organs, which suggested loss of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling. Consistent with this finding is the observation that DSTYK colocalizes with FGF receptors in the ureteric bud and metanephric mesenchyme. DSTYK knockdown in human embryonic kidney cells inhibited FGF-stimulated phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), the principal signal downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases. CONCLUSIONS We detected independent DSTYK mutations in 2.3% of patients with congenital abnormalities of the kidney or urinary tract, a finding that suggests that DSTYK is a major determinant of human urinary tract development, downstream of FGF signaling. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and others.) PMID:23862974

  1. FGF23 AND SYNDROMES OF ABNORMAL RENAL PHOSPHATE HANDLING

    PubMed Central

    Bergwitz, Clemens; Jüppner, Harald

    2016-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is part of a previously unrecognized hormonal bone-parathyroid-kidney axis, which is modulated by 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), dietary and circulating phosphate and possibly PTH. FGF23 was discovered as the humoral factor in tumors that causes hypophosphatemia and osteomalacia and through the identification of a mutant form of FGF23 that leads to autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR), a rare genetic disorder. FGF23 appears to be mainly secreted by osteocytes where its expression is up-regulated by 1,25(OH)2D and probably by increased serum phosphate levels. Its synthesis and secretion is reduced through yet unknown mechanisms that involve the phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome (PHEX), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) and ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1). Consequently, loss-of-function mutations in these genes underlie hypophosphatemic disorders that are either X-linked or autosomal recessive. Impaired O-glycosylation of FGF23 due to the lack of UDP-N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosamine:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyl-transferase 3 (GALNT3) or due to certain homozygous FGF23 mutations results in reduced secretion of intact FGF23 and leads to familial hypophosphatemic tumoral calcinosis. FGF23 acts through FGF-receptors and the coreceptor Klotho to reduce 1,25(OH)2D synthesis in the kidney and probably the synthesis of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands. It furthermore synergizes with PTH to increase renal phosphate excretion by reducing expression of the sodium-phosphate cotransporters NaPi-IIa and NaPi-IIc in the proximal tubules. Loss-of-function mutations in these two transporters lead to autosomal recessive Fanconi syndrome or to hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria, respectively. PMID:22396161

  2. Microarray Analyses Reveal Marked Differences in Growth Factor and Receptor Expression Between 8-Cell Human Embryos and Pluripotent Stem Cells

    PubMed Central

    Vlismas, Antonis; Bletsa, Ritsa; Mavrogianni, Despina; Mamali, Georgina; Pergamali, Maria; Dinopoulou, Vasiliki; Partsinevelos, George; Drakakis, Peter; Loutradis, Dimitris

    2016-01-01

    Previous microarray analyses of RNAs from 8-cell (8C) human embryos revealed a lack of cell cycle checkpoints and overexpression of core circadian oscillators and cell cycle drivers relative to pluripotent human stem cells [human embryonic stem cells/induced pluripotent stem (hES/iPS)] and fibroblasts, suggesting growth factor independence during early cleavage stages. To explore this possibility, we queried our combined microarray database for expression of 487 growth factors and receptors. Fifty-one gene elements were overdetected on the 8C arrays relative to hES/iPS cells, including 14 detected at least 80-fold higher, which annotated to multiple pathways: six cytokine family (CSF1R, IL2RG, IL3RA, IL4, IL17B, IL23R), four transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) family (BMP6, BMP15, GDF9, ENG), one fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family [FGF14(FH4)], one epidermal growth factor member (GAB1), plus CD36, and CLEC10A. 8C-specific gene elements were enriched (73%) for reported circadian-controlled genes in mouse tissues. High-level detection of CSF1R, ENG, IL23R, and IL3RA specifically on the 8C arrays suggests the embryo plays an active role in blocking immune rejection and is poised for trophectoderm development; robust detection of NRG1, GAB1, -2, GRB7, and FGF14(FHF4) indicates novel roles in early development in addition to their known roles in later development. Forty-four gene elements were underdetected on the 8C arrays, including 11 at least 80-fold under the pluripotent cells: two cytokines (IFITM1, TNFRSF8), five TGFBs (BMP7, LEFTY1, LEFTY2, TDGF1, TDGF3), two FGFs (FGF2, FGF receptor 1), plus ING5, and WNT6. The microarray detection patterns suggest that hES/iPS cells exhibit suppressed circadian competence, underexpression of early differentiation markers, and more robust expression of generic pluripotency genes, in keeping with an artificial state of continual uncommitted cell division. In contrast, gene expression patterns of the 8C embryo suggest that it is an independent circadian rhythm-competent equivalence group poised to signal its environment, defend against maternal immune rejection, and begin the rapid commitment events of early embryogenesis. PMID:26493868

  3. FGF-23 in fibrous dysplasia of bone and its relationship to renal phosphate wasting

    PubMed Central

    Riminucci, Mara; Collins, Michael T.; Fedarko, Neal S.; Cherman, Natasha; Corsi, Alessandro; White, Kenneth E.; Waguespack, Steven; Gupta, Anurag; Hannon, Tamara; Econs, Michael J.; Bianco, Paolo; Gehron Robey, Pamela

    2003-01-01

    FGF-23, a novel member of the FGF family, is the product of the gene mutated in autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR). FGF-23 has been proposed as a circulating factor causing renal phosphate wasting not only in ADHR (as a result of inadequate degradation), but also in tumor-induced osteomalacia (as a result of excess synthesis by tumor cells). Renal phosphate wasting occurs in approximately 50% of patients with McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) and fibrous dysplasia of bone (FD), which result from postzygotic mutations of the GNAS1 gene. We found that FGF-23 is produced by normal and FD osteoprogenitors and bone-forming cells in vivo and in vitro. In situ hybridization analysis of FGF-23 mRNA expression identified “fibrous” cells, osteogenic cells, and cells associated with microvascular walls as specific cellular sources of FGF-23 in FD. Serum levels of FGF-23 were increased in FD/MAS patients compared with normal age-matched controls and significantly higher in FD/MAS patients with renal phosphate wasting compared with those without, and correlated with disease burden bone turnover markers commonly used to assess disease activity. Production of FGF-23 by FD tissue may play an important role in the renal phosphate–wasting syndrome associated with FD/MAS. PMID:12952917

  4. NF-kappaB mediates FGF signal regulation of msx-1 expression.

    PubMed

    Bushdid, P B; Chen, C L; Brantley, D M; Yull, F; Raghow, R; Kerr, L D; Barnett, J V

    2001-09-01

    The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) family of transcription factors is involved in proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in a stage- and cell-dependent manner. Recent evidence has shown that NF-kappaB activity is necessary for both chicken and mouse limb development. We report here that the NF-kappaB family member c-rel and the homeodomain gene msx-1 have partially overlapping expression patterns in the developing chick limb. In addition, inhibition of NF-kappaB activity resulted in a decrease in msx-1 mRNA expression. Sequence analysis of the msx-1 promoter revealed three potential kappaB-binding sites similar to the interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) kappaB-binding site. These sites bound to c-Rel, as shown by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Furthermore, inhibition of NF-kappaB activity significantly reduced transactivation of the msx-1 promoter in response to FGF-2/-4, known stimulators of msx-1 expression. These results suggest that NF-kappaB mediates the FGF-2/-4 signal regulation of msx-1 gene expression. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

  5. The transcription factor FoxB mediates temporal loss of cellular competence for notochord induction in ascidian embryos.

    PubMed

    Hashimoto, Hidehiko; Enomoto, Takashi; Enomoto, Atsushi; Kumano, Gaku; Nishida, Hiroki

    2011-06-01

    In embryos of the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi, the competence of isolated presumptive notochord blastomeres to respond to fibroblast growth factor (FGF) for induction of the primary notochord decays by 1 hour after cleavage from the 32- to 64-cell stage. This study analyzes the molecular mechanisms responsible for this loss of competence and provides evidence for a novel mechanism. A forkhead family transcription factor, FoxB, plays a role in competence decay by preventing the induction of notochord-specific Brachyury (Bra) gene expression by the FGF/MAPK signaling pathway. Unlike the mechanisms reported previously in other animals, no component in the FGF signal transduction cascade appeared to be lost or inactivated at the time of competence loss. Knockdown of FoxB functions allowed the isolated cells to retain their competence for a longer period, and to respond to FGF with expression of Bra beyond the stage at which competence was normally lost. FoxB acts as a transcription repressor by directly binding to the cis-regulatory element of the Bra gene. Our results suggest that FoxB prevents ectopic induction of the notochord fate within the cells that assume a default nerve cord fate, after the stage when notochord induction has been completed. The merit of this system is that embryos can use the same FGF signaling cascade again for another purpose in the same cell lineage at later stages by keeping the signaling cascade itself available. Temporally and spatially regulated FoxB expression in nerve cord cells was promoted by the ZicN transcription factor and absence of FGF/MAPK signaling.

  6. Exercise-stimulated FGF23 promotes exercise performance via controlling the excess reactive oxygen species production and enhancing mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle.

    PubMed

    Li, Dong-Jie; Fu, Hui; Zhao, Ting; Ni, Min; Shen, Fu-Ming

    2016-05-01

    Physical exercise induces many adaptive changes in skeletal muscle and the whole body and improves metabolic characteristics. Fibroblast growth-factor 23 (FGF23) is a unique member of the FGF family that acts as a hormone regulating phosphate metabolism, calcitriol concentration, and kidney functions. The role of FGF23 in exercise and skeletal muscle is largely unknown yet. C57BL/6J mice were exercised on a motor treadmill. Mice serum FGF23 levels; FGF23 mRNA expression in various organs including the liver, heart, skeletal muscle tissue, and thyroid; and FGF23 receptor Klotho mRNA expression were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblotting, respectively, after a single bout of acute exercise (60min), exhaustive exercise, and chronic prolonged exercise (60min every day for one week). C57BL/6J mice were injected with recombinant FGF23 (100mg/kg, twice per day, i.p.) or vehicle control (saline) for 3days, and then the exercise performance, reactive oxygen species (ROS), H2O2 production, and mitochondrial functional biomarkers in muscle (gene expression of sirtuin 1, PPAR-δ, PGC-1α and mitochondrial transcription factor A [TFAM], and citrate synthase activity) were assayed. Three forms of exercise, acute exercise, exhaustive exercise, and chronic exercise, increased serum FGF23 levels. However, only chronic exercise upregulated FGF23 mRNA and protein expression in skeletal muscle. FGF23 mRNA expression in the heart, liver, and thyroid was not affected. FGF23 protein was mainly located in the cytoplasm in skeletal muscle tissue and the localization of FGF23 was not altered by exercise. Exogenous FGF23 treatment significantly extended the time to exhaustion and reduced the exercise-induced ROS and H2O2 production. FGF23 treatment increased the mRNA level of PPAR-δ and citrate synthase activity, but did not influence the mRNA expression of sirtuin 1, PGC-1α, and TFAM in skeletal muscle. These results demonstrate that exercise-stimulated FGF23 promotes exercise performance via controlling the excess ROS production and enhancing mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle, which reveals an entirely novel role of FGF23 in skeletal muscle. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Small molecule inhibition of fibroblast growth factor receptors in cancer.

    PubMed

    Liang, Guang; Chen, Gaozhi; Wei, Xiaoyan; Zhao, Yunjie; Li, Xiaokun

    2013-10-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) signal through FGF receptors (FGFRs), which are a sub-family of the superfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases, to regulate human development and metabolism. Uncontrolled FGF signaling is responsible for diverse array of developmental disorders, most notably skeletal syndromes due to FGFR gain-of-function mutations. Studies in the last few years have provided significant evidence for the importance of FGF signaling in the pathogenesis of diverse cancers, including endometrial and bladder cancers. FGFs are both potent mitogenic and angiogenic factors and can contribute to carcinogenesis by stimulating cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis. Gene knockout and pharmacological inhibition of FGFRs in in vivo and in vitro models validate FGFRs as a target for cancer treatment. Considerable efforts are being expended to develop specific, small-molecule inhibitors for treating FGFR-driven cancers. Recent reviews on the FGF/FGFR system have focused primarily on signaling, pathophysiology, and functions in cancer. In this article, we review the key roles of FGFR in cancer, provide an update on the status of clinical trials with small-molecule FGFR inhibitors, and discuss how the current structural data on FGFR kinases guide the design and characterization of new FGFR inhibitors. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. FGF7 is a functional niche signal required for stimulation of adult liver progenitor cells that support liver regeneration

    PubMed Central

    Takase, Hinako M.; Itoh, Tohru; Ino, Seitaro; Wang, Ting; Koji, Takehiko; Akira, Shizuo; Takikawa, Yasuhiro; Miyajima, Atsushi

    2013-01-01

    The liver is a unique organ with a remarkably high potential to regenerate upon injuries. In severely damaged livers where hepatocyte proliferation is impaired, facultative liver progenitor cells (LPCs) proliferate and are assumed to contribute to regeneration. An expansion of LPCs is often observed in patients with various types of liver diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of LPC activation still remains largely unknown. Here we show that a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, FGF7, is a critical regulator of LPCs. Its expression was induced concomitantly with LPC response in the liver of mouse models as well as in the serum of patients with acute liver failure. Fgf7-deficient mice exhibited markedly depressed LPC expansion and higher mortality upon toxin-induced hepatic injury. Transgenic expression of FGF7 in vivo led to the induction of cells with characteristics of LPCs and ameliorated hepatic dysfunction. We revealed that Thy1+ mesenchymal cells produced FGF7 and appeared in close proximity to LPCs, implicating a role for those cells as the functional LPC niche in the regenerating liver. These findings provide new insights into the cellular and molecular basis for LPC regulation and identify FGF7 as a potential therapeutic target for liver diseases. PMID:23322300

  9. Exome sequencing reveals FAM20c mutations associated with fibroblast growth factor 23-related hypophosphatemia, dental anomalies, and ectopic calcification.

    PubMed

    Rafaelsen, Silje Hjorth; Raeder, Helge; Fagerheim, Anne Kristine; Knappskog, Per; Carpenter, Thomas O; Johansson, Stefan; Bjerknes, Robert

    2013-06-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) plays a crucial role in renal phosphate regulation, exemplified by the causal role of PHEX and DMP1 mutations in X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets and autosomal recessive rickets type 1, respectively. Using whole exome sequencing we identified compound heterozygous mutations in family with sequence similarity 20, member C (FAM20C) in two siblings referred for hypophosphatemia and severe dental demineralization disease. FAM20C mutations were not found in other undiagnosed probands of a national Norwegian population of familial hypophosphatemia. Our results demonstrate that mutations in FAM20C provide a putative new mechanism in human subjects leading to dysregulated FGF23 levels, hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphaturia, dental anomalies, intracerebral calcifications and osteosclerosis of the long bones in the absence of rickets. Copyright © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

  10. Characterization of a heparin-binding growth factor from adenocarcinoma of the kidney.

    PubMed

    Mydlo, J H; Heston, W D; Fair, W R

    1988-12-01

    A polypeptide isolated from tissue extracts of renal adenocarcinoma was mitogenic for BALB/c 3T3 cells and human umbilical vein (HUV) cells in culture. It also demonstrated angiogenic ability using the chorioallantoic membrane bioassay. Using heparin-sepharose affinity chromatography the purified protein eluted with a NaCl concentration between 1.4 and 1.8 M and demonstrated a molecular weight of approximately 17,000 daltons based on SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Half maximal stimulation of tritiated thymidine incorporation into BALB/c 3T3 cells was achieved by 1.6 ng./ml. of the heparin binding material. Western blot analysis using antibodies specific to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) only or acidic FGF (aFGF) only demonstrated that the purified protein binds to the former and not the latter. The characteristics of this material, in effect the elution profile off heparin-Sepharose, the molecular weight, angiogenic activity and the results of western blot analysis, suggest that this growth factor is similar to the family of basic fibroblast growth factors.

  11. Direct Interactions Between Gli3, Wnt8b, and Fgfs Underlie Patterning of the Dorsal Telencephalon.

    PubMed

    Hasenpusch-Theil, Kerstin; Watson, Julia A; Theil, Thomas

    2017-02-01

    A key step in the development of the cerebral cortex is a patterning process, which subdivides the telencephalon into several molecularly distinct domains and is critical for cortical arealization. This process is dependent on a complex network of interactions between signaling molecules of the Fgf and Wnt gene families and the Gli3 transcription factor gene, but a better knowledge of the molecular basis of the interplay between these factors is required to gain a deeper understanding of the genetic circuitry underlying telencephalic patterning. Using DNA-binding and reporter gene assays, we here investigate the possibility that Gli3 and these signaling molecules interact by directly regulating each other's expression. We show that Fgf signaling is required for Wnt8b enhancer activity in the cortical hem, whereas Wnt/β-catenin signaling represses Fgf17 forebrain enhancer activity. In contrast, Fgf and Wnt/β-catenin signaling cooperate to regulate Gli3 expression. Taken together, these findings indicate that mutual interactions between Gli3, Wnt8b, and Fgf17 are crucial elements of the balance between these factors thereby conferring robustness to the patterning process. Hence, our study provides a framework for understanding the genetic circuitry underlying telencephalic patterning and how defects in this process can affect the formation of cortical areas. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  12. FGF9 and FGF18 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis promote survival and migration and inhibit myofibroblast differentiation of human lung fibroblasts in vitro.

    PubMed

    Joannes, Audrey; Brayer, Stéphanie; Besnard, Valérie; Marchal-Sommé, Joëlle; Jaillet, Madeleine; Mordant, Pierre; Mal, Hervé; Borie, Raphael; Crestani, Bruno; Mailleux, Arnaud A

    2016-04-01

    Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins and fibroblasts in the distal airways. Key developmental lung signaling pathways are reactivated in IPF. For instance, fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) and FGF18, involved in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, are critical for lung development. We evaluated the expression of FGF9, FGF18, and FGF receptors (FGFRs) in lung tissue from controls and IPF patients and assessed their effect on proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation of control and IPF human lung fibroblasts (HLFs). FGF9, FGF18, and all FGFRs were present in the remodeled alveolar epithelium close to the fibroblast foci in IPF lungs. FGFR3 was generally detected in fibroblast foci by immunohistochemistry. In vitro, HLFs mainly expressed mesenchyme-associated FGFR isoforms (FGFR1c and FGFR3c) and FGFR4. FGF9 did not affect fibroblast proliferation, whereas FGF18 inhibited cell growth in control fibroblasts. FGF9 and FGF18 decreased Fas-ligand-induced apoptosis in control but not in IPF fibroblasts. FGF9 prevented transforming growth factor β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation. FGF9 and FGF18 increased the migratory capacities of HLF, and FGF9 actively modulated matrix metalloproteinase activity. In addition, FGFR3 inhibition by small interfering RNA impacted p-ERK activation by FGF9 and FGF18 and their effects on differentiation and migration. These results identify FGF9 as an antiapoptotic and promigratory growth factor on HLF, maintaining fibroblasts in an undifferentiated state. The biological effects of FGF9 and FGF18 were partially driven by FGFR3. FGF18 was a less potent molecule. Both growth factors likely contribute to the fibrotic process in vivo. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

  13. Sprouty2 controls proliferation of palate mesenchymal cells via fibroblast growth factor signaling

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Matsumura, Kaori; Taketomi, Takaharu, E-mail: taketomi@dent.kyushu-u.ac.jp; Yoshizaki, Keigo

    2011-01-28

    Research highlights: {yields} Sprouty2-deficient mice exhibit cleft palate as a result of failure of palatal shelf elevation. {yields} We examined palate cell proliferation in Sprouty2-deficient mice. {yields} Palate mesenchymal cell proliferation was increased in Sprouty2 KO mice. {yields} Sprouty2 plays roles in murine palatogenesis by regulating cell proliferation. -- Abstract: Cleft palate is one of the most common craniofacial deformities. The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) plays a central role in reciprocal interactions between adjacent tissues during palatal development, and the FGF signaling pathway has been shown to be inhibited by members of the Sprouty protein family. In this study, wemore » report the incidence of cleft palate, possibly caused by failure of palatal shelf elevation, in Sprouty2-deficient (KO) mice. Sprouty2-deficient palates fused completely in palatal organ culture. However, palate mesenchymal cell proliferation estimated by Ki-67 staining was increased in Sprouty2 KO mice compared with WT mice. Sprouty2-null palates expressed higher levels of FGF target genes, such as Msx1, Etv5, and Ptx1 than WT controls. Furthermore, proliferation and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) activation in response to FGF was enhanced in palate mesenchymal cells transfected with Sprouty2 small interfering RNA. These results suggest that Sprouty2 regulates palate mesenchymal cell proliferation via FGF signaling and is involved in palatal shelf elevation.« less

  14. A Mutation in the Dmp1 Gene Alters Phosphate Responsiveness in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Gerard-O'Riley, Rita L.; Acton, Dena; McQueen, Amie K.; Strobel, Isabel E.; Witcher, Phillip C.; Feng, Jian Q.; Econs, Michael J.

    2017-01-01

    Mutations in the dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) gene cause autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets (ARHR). Hypophosphatemia in ARHR results from increased circulating levels of the phosphaturic hormone, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Similarly, elevated FGF23, caused by mutations in the PHEX gene, is responsible for the hypophosphatemia in X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH). Previously, we demonstrated that a Phex mutation in mice creates a lower set point for extracellular phosphate, where an increment in phosphorus further stimulates Fgf23 production to maintain low serum phosphorus levels. To test the presence of the similar set point defect in ARHR, we generated 4- and 12-week-old Dmp1/Galnt3 double knockout mice and controls, including Dmp1 knockout mice (a murine model of ARHR), Galnt3 knockout mice (a murine model of familial tumoral calcinosis), and phenotypically normal double heterozygous mice. Galnt3 knockout mice had increased proteolytic cleavage of Fgf23, leading to low circulating intact Fgf23 levels with consequent hyperphosphatemia. In contrast, Dmp1 knockout mice had little Fgf23 cleavage and increased femoral Fgf23 expression, resulting in hypophosphatemia and low femoral bone mineral density (BMD). However, introduction of the Galnt3 null allele to Dmp1 knockout mice resulted in a significant increase in serum phosphorus and normalization of BMD. This increased serum phosphorus was accompanied by markedly elevated Fgf23 expression and circulating Fgf23 levels, an attempt to reduce serum phosphorus in the face of improving phosphorus levels. These data indicate that a Dmp1 mutation creates a lower set point for extracellular phosphate and maintains it through the regulation of Fgf23 cleavage and expression. PMID:28005411

  15. A Mutation in the Dmp1 Gene Alters Phosphate Responsiveness in Mice.

    PubMed

    Ichikawa, Shoji; Gerard-O'Riley, Rita L; Acton, Dena; McQueen, Amie K; Strobel, Isabel E; Witcher, Phillip C; Feng, Jian Q; Econs, Michael J

    2017-03-01

    Mutations in the dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) gene cause autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets (ARHR). Hypophosphatemia in ARHR results from increased circulating levels of the phosphaturic hormone, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Similarly, elevated FGF23, caused by mutations in the PHEX gene, is responsible for the hypophosphatemia in X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH). Previously, we demonstrated that a Phex mutation in mice creates a lower set point for extracellular phosphate, where an increment in phosphorus further stimulates Fgf23 production to maintain low serum phosphorus levels. To test the presence of the similar set point defect in ARHR, we generated 4- and 12-week-old Dmp1/Galnt3 double knockout mice and controls, including Dmp1 knockout mice (a murine model of ARHR), Galnt3 knockout mice (a murine model of familial tumoral calcinosis), and phenotypically normal double heterozygous mice. Galnt3 knockout mice had increased proteolytic cleavage of Fgf23, leading to low circulating intact Fgf23 levels with consequent hyperphosphatemia. In contrast, Dmp1 knockout mice had little Fgf23 cleavage and increased femoral Fgf23 expression, resulting in hypophosphatemia and low femoral bone mineral density (BMD). However, introduction of the Galnt3 null allele to Dmp1 knockout mice resulted in a significant increase in serum phosphorus and normalization of BMD. This increased serum phosphorus was accompanied by markedly elevated Fgf23 expression and circulating Fgf23 levels, an attempt to reduce serum phosphorus in the face of improving phosphorus levels. These data indicate that a Dmp1 mutation creates a lower set point for extracellular phosphate and maintains it through the regulation of Fgf23 cleavage and expression. Copyright © 2017 by the Endocrine Society.

  16. Role of fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling in kidney development

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor receptors (Fgfrs) consist of four signaling family members and one nonsignaling “decoy” receptor, Fgfr-like 1 (Fgfrl1), all of which are expressed in the developing kidney. Several studies have shown that exogenous fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) affect growth and maturation of the metanephric mesenchyme (MM) and ureteric bud (UB) in cultured tissues. Transgenic and conditional knockout approaches in whole animals have shown that Fgfr1 and Fgfr2 (predominantly the IIIc isoform) in kidney mesenchyme are critical for early MM and UB formation. Conditional deletion of the ligand, Fgf8, in nephron precursors or global deletion of Fgfrl1 interrupts nephron formation. Fgfr2 (likely the IIIb isoform signaling downstream of Fgf7 and Fgf10) is critical for ureteric morphogenesis. Moreover, Fgfr2 appears to act independently of Frs2α (the major signaling adapter for Fgfrs) in regulating UB branching. Loss of Fgfr2 in the MM leads to many kidney and urinary tract anomalies, including vesicoureteral reflux. Thus Fgfr signaling is critical for patterning of virtually all renal lineages at early and later stages of development. PMID:21613421

  17. Role of fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling in kidney development.

    PubMed

    Bates, Carlton M

    2011-08-01

    Fibroblast growth factor receptors (Fgfrs) consist of four signaling family members and one nonsignaling "decoy" receptor, Fgfr-like 1 (Fgfrl1), all of which are expressed in the developing kidney. Several studies have shown that exogenous fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) affect growth and maturation of the metanephric mesenchyme (MM) and ureteric bud (UB) in cultured tissues. Transgenic and conditional knockout approaches in whole animals have shown that Fgfr1 and Fgfr2 (predominantly the IIIc isoform) in kidney mesenchyme are critical for early MM and UB formation. Conditional deletion of the ligand, Fgf8, in nephron precursors or global deletion of Fgfrl1 interrupts nephron formation. Fgfr2 (likely the IIIb isoform signaling downstream of Fgf7 and Fgf10) is critical for ureteric morphogenesis. Moreover, Fgfr2 appears to act independently of Frs2α (the major signaling adapter for Fgfrs) in regulating UB branching. Loss of Fgfr2 in the MM leads to many kidney and urinary tract anomalies, including vesicoureteral reflux. Thus Fgfr signaling is critical for patterning of virtually all renal lineages at early and later stages of development.

  18. Understanding the role of growth factors in embryonic development: insights from the lens

    PubMed Central

    Lovicu, F. J.; McAvoy, J. W.; de Iongh, R. U.

    2011-01-01

    Growth factors play key roles in influencing cell fate and behaviour during development. The epithelial cells and fibre cells that arise from the lens vesicle during lens morphogenesis are bathed by aqueous and vitreous, respectively. Vitreous has been shown to generate a high level of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling that is required for secondary lens fibre differentiation. However, studies also show that FGF signalling is not sufficient and roles have been identified for transforming growth factor-β and Wnt/Frizzled families in regulating aspects of fibre differentiation. In the case of the epithelium, key roles for Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signalling have been demonstrated in embryonic development, but it is not known if other factors are required for its formation and maintenance. This review provides an overview of current knowledge about growth factor regulation of differentiation and maintenance of lens cells. It also highlights areas that warrant future study. PMID:21402581

  19. Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization and Treatment of a Cohort with Familial Tumoral Calcinosis/Hyperostosis-Hyperphosphatemia Syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Ramnitz, Mary Scott; Gourh, Pravitt; Goldbach-Mansky, Raphaela; Wodajo, Felasfa; Ichikawa, Shoji; Econs, Michael J.; White, Kenneth; Molinolo, Alfredo; Chen, Marcus Y.; Heller, Theo; Del Rivero, Jaydira; Seo-Mayer, Patricia; Arabshahi, Bita; Jackson, Malaka B.; Hatab, Sarah; McCarthy, Edward; Guthrie, Lori C.; Brillante, Beth A.; Gafni, Rachel I.; Collins, Michael T.

    2016-01-01

    Familial tumoral calcinosis (FTC)/hyperostosis-hyperphosphatemia syndrome (HHS) is a rare disorder caused by mutations in the genes encoding fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 (GALNT3), or KLOTHO. The result is functional deficiency of, or resistance to, intact FGF23 (iFGF23), causing hyperphosphatemia, increased renal tubular reabsorption of phosphorus (TRP), elevated or inappropriately normal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D), ectopic calcifications and/or diaphyseal hyperostosis. Eight subjects with FTC/HHS were studied and treated. Clinical manifestations varied, even within families, ranging from asymptomatic to large, disabling calcifications. All subjects had hyperphosphatemia, increased TRP, and elevated or inappropriately normal 1,25D. C-terminal FGF23 was markedly elevated while iFGF23 was comparatively low, consistent with increased FGF23 cleavage. Radiographs ranged from diaphyseal hyperostosis to massive calcification. Two subjects with severe calcifications also had overwhelming systemic inflammation and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). GALNT3 mutations were identified in 7 subjects; no causative mutation was found in the eighth. Biopsies from 4 subjects showed ectopic calcification and chronic inflammation, with areas of heterotopic ossification observed in 1 subject. Treatment with low phosphate diet, phosphate binders, and phosphaturia-inducing therapies was prescribed with variable response. One subject experienced complete resolution of a calcific mass after 13 months of medical treatment. In the 2 subjects with systemic inflammation, interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonists significantly decreased CRP levels with resolution of calcinosis cutis and peri-lesional inflammation in one subject and improvement of overall well-being in both subjects. This cohort expands the phenotype and genotype of FTC/HHS and demonstrates the range of clinical manifestations despite similar biochemical profiles and genetic mutations. Overwhelming systemic inflammation has not been described previously in FTC/HHS; the response to IL-1 antagonists suggests that anti-inflammatory drugs may be useful adjuvants. In addition, this is the first description of heterotopic ossification reported in FTC/HHS, possibly mediated by the adjacent inflammation. PMID:27164190

  20. High molecular weight FGF2: the biology of a nuclear growth factor

    PubMed Central

    Chlebova, K.; Bryja, V.; Dvorak, P.; Kozubik, A.; Wilcox, W. R.

    2011-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is one of the most studied growth factors to date. Most attention has been dedicated to the smallest, 18kDa FGF2 variant that is released by cells and acts through activation of cell-surface FGF-receptor tyrosine kinases. There are, however, several higher molecular weight (HMW) variants of FGF2 that rarely leave their producing cells, are retained in the nucleus and act independently of FGF-receptors (FGFR). Despite significant evidence documenting the expression and intracellular trafficking of HMW FGF2, many important questions remain about the physiological roles and mechanisms of action of HMW FGF2. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the biology of HMW FGF2, its role in disease and areas for future investigation. PMID:18850066

  1. Fibroblast growth factor 5-short (FGF5s) inhibits the activity of FGF5 in primary and secondary hair follicle dermal papilla cells of cashmere goats.

    PubMed

    He, Xiaolin; Chao, Yuan; Zhou, Guangxian; Chen, Yulin

    2016-01-10

    To determine the relationship between fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) and FGF5-short (FGF5s) in dermal papilla cells of cashmere goat primary and secondary hair follicles. We isolated dermal papilla cells from primary hair follicle (PHF) and secondary hair follicle (SHF) of cashmere goat, and found that the FGF5 receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), was expressed in these two types of dermal papilla cells. Moreover, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of FGF5 could upregulate the mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), versican and noggin that were important for follicle growth maintenance, whereas downregulate the expression of anagen chalone bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in dermal papilla cells. However, these alterations were partly reversed by FGF5s overexpression. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that FGF5s acted as an inhibitor of FGF5 in the regulation of anagen-catagen transition of cashmere goat dermal papilla cells. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Isoforms of receptors of fibroblast growth factors.

    PubMed

    Gong, Siew-Ging

    2014-12-01

    The breadth and scope of Fibroblast Growth Factor signaling is immense, with documentation of its role in almost every organism and system studied so far. FGF ligands signal through a family of four distinct tyrosine kinase receptors, the FGF receptors (FGFRs). One contribution to the diversity of function and signaling of FGFs and their receptors arises from the numerous alternative splicing variants that have been documented in the FGFR literature. The present review discusses the types and roles of alternatively spliced variants of the FGFR family members and the significant impact of alternative splicing on the physiological functions of five broad classes of FGFR isoforms. Some characterized known regulatory mechanisms of alternative splicing and future directions in studies of FGFR alternative splicing are also discussed. Presence, absence, and/or the combination of specific exons within each FGFR protein impart upon each individual isoform its unique function and expression pattern during normal function and in diseased states (e.g., in cancers and birth defects). A better understanding of the diversity of FGF signaling in different developmental contexts and diseased states can be achieved through increased knowledge of the presence of specific FGFR isoforms and their impact on downstream signaling and functions. Modern high-throughput techniques afford an opportunity to explore the distribution and function of isoforms of FGFR during development and in diseases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  3. Expression of Fgf23 in activated dendritic cells and macrophages in response to immunological stimuli in mice.

    PubMed

    Masuda, Yuki; Ohta, Hiroya; Morita, Yumiko; Nakayama, Yoshiaki; Miyake, Ayumi; Itoh, Nobuyuki; Konishi, Morichika

    2015-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) are polypeptide growth factors with diverse biological activities. While several studies have revealed that Fgf23 plays important roles in the regulation of phosphate and vitamin D metabolism, the additional physiological roles of Fgf23 remain unclear. Although it is believed that osteoblasts/osteocytes are the main sources of Fgf23, we previously found that Fgf23 mRNA is also expressed in the mouse thymus, suggesting that it might be involved in the immune system. In this study we examined the potential roles of Fgf23 in immunological responses. Mouse serum Fgf23 levels were significantly increased following inoculation with Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus or intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide. We also identified activated dendritic cells and macrophages that potentially contributed to increased serum Fgf23 levels. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling was essential for the induction of Fgf23 expression in dendritic cells in response to immunological stimuli. Moreover, we examined the effects of recombinant Fgf23 protein on immune cells in vitro. Fgfr1c, a potential receptor for Fgf23, was abundantly expressed in macrophages, suggesting that Fgf23 might be involved in signal transduction in these cells. Our data suggest that Fgf23 potentially increases the number in macrophages and induces expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine. Collectively, these data suggest that Fgf23 might be intimately involved in inflammatory processes.

  4. Conditions that influence the response to Fgf during otic placode induction

    PubMed Central

    Padanad, Mahesh S.; Bhat, Neha; Guo, BiWei; Riley, Bruce B.

    2016-01-01

    Despite the vital importance of Fgf for otic induction, previous attempts to study otic induction through Fgf misexpression have yielded widely varying and contradictory results. There are also discrepancies regarding the ability of Fgf to induce otic tissue in ectopic locations, raising questions about the sufficiency of Fgf and the degree to which other local factors enhance or restrict otic potential. Using heat shock-inducible transgenes to misexpress Fgf3 or Fgf8 in zebrafish, we found that the stage, distribution and level of misexpression strongly influence the response to Fgf. Fgf misexpression during gastrulation can inhibit or promote otic development, depending on context, whereas misexpression after gastrulation leads to expansion of otic markers throughout preplacodal ectoderm surrounding the head. Elevated Fgf also expands expression of the putative competence factor Foxi1, which is required for Fgf to expand other otic markers. Misexpression of downstream factors Pax2a or Pax8 also expands otic markers but cannot bypass the requirement for Fgf or Foxi1. Co-misexpression of Pax2/8 with Fgf8 potentiates formation of ectopic otic vesicles expressing a full range of otic markers. These findings document the variables critically affecting the response to Fgf and clarify the roles of foxi1 and pax2/8 in the otic response. PMID:22327005

  5. Fgf16 is essential for pectoral fin bud formation in zebrafish

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nomura, Ryohei; Kamei, Eriko; Hotta, Yuuhei

    2006-08-18

    Zebrafish pectoral fin bud formation is an excellent model for studying morphogenesis. Fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) and sonic hedgehog (shh) are essential for pectoral fin bud formation. We found that Fgf16 was expressed in the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) of fin buds. A knockdown of Fgf16 function resulted in no fin bud outgrowth. Fgf16 is required for cell proliferation and differentiation in the mesenchyme and the AER of the fin buds, respectively. Fgf16 functions downstream of Fgf10, a mesenchymal factor, signaling to induce the expression of Fgf4 and Fgf8 in the AER. Fgf16 in the AER and shh in themore » zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) interact to induce and/or maintain each other's expression. These findings have revealed that Fgf16, a newly identified AER factor, plays a crucial role in pectoral fin bud outgrowth by mediating the interactions of AER-mesenchyme and AER-ZPA.« less

  6. HSF4 is required for normal cell growth and differentiation during mouse lens development

    PubMed Central

    Fujimoto, Mitsuaki; Izu, Hanae; Seki, Keisuke; Fukuda, Ken; Nishida, Teruo; Yamada, Shu-ichi; Kato, Kanefusa; Yonemura, Shigenobu; Inouye, Sachiye; Nakai, Akira

    2004-01-01

    The heat shock transcription factor (HSF) family consists of three members in mammals and regulates expression of heat shock genes via a heat shock element. HSF1 and HSF2 are required for some developmental processes, but it is unclear how they regulate these processes. To elucidate the mechanisms of developmental regulation by HSFs, we generated mice in which the HSF4 gene is mutated. HSF4-null mice had cataract with abnormal lens fiber cells containing inclusion-like structures, probably due to decreased expression of γ-crystallin, which maintains protein stability. Furthermore, we found increased proliferation and premature differentiation of the mutant lens epithelial cells, which is associated with increased expression of growth factors, FGF-1, FGF-4, and FGF-7. Unexpectedly, HSF1 competed with HSF4 for the expression of FGFs not only in the lens but also in other tissues. These findings reveal the lens-specific role of HSF4, which activates γ-crystallin genes, and also indicate that HSF1 and HSF4 are involved in regulating expression of growth factor genes, which are essential for cell growth and differentiation. PMID:15483628

  7. Neurotrophin and FGF Signaling Adapter Proteins, FRS2 and FRS3, Regulate Dentate Granule Cell Maturation and Excitatory Synaptogenesis.

    PubMed

    Nandi, Sayan; Alviña, Karina; Lituma, Pablo J; Castillo, Pablo E; Hébert, Jean M

    2018-01-15

    Dentate granule cells (DGCs) play important roles in cognitive processes. Knowledge about how growth factors such as FGFs and neurotrophins contribute to the maturation and synaptogenesis of DGCs is limited. Here, using brain-specific and germline mouse mutants we show that a module of neurotrophin and FGF signaling, the FGF Receptor Substrate (FRS) family of intracellular adapters, FRS2 and FRS3, are together required for postnatal brain development. In the hippocampus, FRS promotes dentate gyrus morphogenesis and DGC maturation during developmental neurogenesis, similar to previously published functions for both neurotrophins and FGFs. Consistent with a role in DGC maturation, two-photon imaging revealed that Frs2,3-double mutants have reduced numbers of dendritic branches and spines in DGCs. Functional analysis further showed that double-mutant mice exhibit fewer excitatory synaptic inputs onto DGCs. These observations reveal roles for FRS adapters in DGC maturation and synaptogenesis and suggest that FRS proteins may act as an important node for FGF and neurotrophin signaling in postnatal hippocampal development. Copyright © 2017 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. High levels of serum fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 are associated with increased mortality in long haemodialysis patients.

    PubMed

    Jean, Guillaume; Terrat, Jean-Claude; Vanel, Thierry; Hurot, Jean-Marc; Lorriaux, Christie; Mayor, Brice; Chazot, Charles

    2009-09-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23, a novel bone-derived phosphaturic factor involved in mineral metabolism, is increased in chronic kidney disease (CKD); in dialysis patients, it has been linked to increased mortality rates and vascular calcification (VC). The present investigation aimed to study the factors associated with elevated serum FGF-23 levels in patients treated with long haemodialysis (LHD) sessions and to determine whether a relationship exists between serum FGF-23 levels and patient survival. All patients treated in one haemodialysis centre from September 2006 were included in the study. Standard laboratory values, medical history, cardiovascular events and risk factors, medication and FGF-23 levels [ELISA (C-Term) Immutopics] were recorded. Patients received haemodialysis three times a week, on a 5- to 8-h schedule. Patient data were analysed according to FGF-23 quartiles. The effect of FGF-23 on the 2-year survival rate was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard model, adjusted for confounding variables and according to the serum phosphate tertiles. The study included 219 patients. Serum FGF-23 levels were high: 7060 +/- 13 500 RU/mL (median, 2740 RU/mL). In logistical regressions, only calcaemia (P = 0.002), phosphataemia (P = 0.008) and warfarin use (P = 0.04) were associated with the highest FGF-23 quartile. In the subgroup of patients with an estimated VC score, the third and fourth quartiles of the FGF-23 levels were associated with more severe VC. In multivariate linear regressions, only phosphataemia remained significantly correlated with FGF-23 (P = 0.04). The 2-year mortality rate was significantly higher for haemodialysis patients with serum FGF-23 levels in the higher quartile [P = 0.007; hazard ratio, 2.5 (1.3-5)] than in the first quartile, whereas within the phosphataemia tertiles, the lowest serum FGF-23 quartile was associated with lowered mortality. This study demonstrated a high level of circulating FGF-23 in LHD patients, despite infrequent hyperphosphataemia. However, phosphataemia is still the main factor correlating with serum FGF-23. The association of higher serum FGF-23 levels with mortality and VC, regardless of the serum phosphate levels, has thus been confirmed.

  9. Expression dynamics of self-renewal factors for spermatogonial stem cells in the mouse testis.

    PubMed

    Sakai, Mizuki; Masaki, Kaito; Aiba, Shota; Tone, Masaaki; Takashima, Seiji

    2018-04-16

    Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) are bona fide self-renewal factors for spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Although GDNF is indispensable for the maintenance of SSCs, the role of FGF2 in the testis remains to be elucidated. To clarify this, the expression dynamics and regulatory mechanisms of Fgf2 and Gdnf in the mouse testes were analyzed. It is well known that Sertoli cells express Gdnf, and its receptor is expressed in a subset of undifferentiated spermatogonia, including SSCs. However, we found that Fgf2 was mainly expressed in the germ cells and its receptors were expressed not only in the cultured spermatogonial cell line, but also in testicular somatic cells. Aging, hypophysectomy, retinoic acid treatment, and testicular injury induced distinct Fgf2 and Gdnf expression dynamics, suggesting a difference in the expression mechanism of Fgf2 and Gdnf in the testis. Such differences might cause a dynamic fluctuation of Gdnf/Fgf2 ratio depending on the intrinsic/extrinsic cues. Considering that FGF2-cultured spermatogonia exhibit more differentiated phenotype than those cultured with GDNF, FGF2 might play a role distinct from that of GDNF in the testis, despite the fact that both factors are self-renewal factor for SSC in vitro.

  10. FGF19 functions as autocrine growth factor for hepatoblastoma

    PubMed Central

    Elzi, David J.; Song, Meihua; Blackman, Barron; Weintraub, Susan T.; López-Terrada, Dolores; Chen, Yidong; Tomlinson, Gail E.; Shiio, Yuzuru

    2016-01-01

    Hepatoblastoma is the most common liver cancer in children, accounting for over 65% of all childhood liver malignancies. Hepatoblastoma is distinct from adult liver cancer in that it is not associated with hepatitis virus infection, cirrhosis, or other underlying liver pathology. The paucity of appropriate cell and animal models has been hampering the mechanistic understanding of hepatoblastoma pathogenesis. Consequently, there is no molecularly targeted therapy for hepatoblastoma. To gain insight into cytokine signaling in hepatoblastoma, we employed mass spectrometry to analyze the proteins secreted from Hep293TT hepatoblastoma cell line we established and identified the specific secretion of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), a growth factor for liver cells. We determined that silencing FGF19 by shRNAs or neutralizing secreted FGF19 by anti-FGF19 antibody inhibits the proliferation of hepatoblastoma cells. Furthermore, blocking FGF19 signaling by an FGF receptor kinase inhibitor suppressed hepatoblastoma growth. RNA expression analysis in hepatoblastoma tumors revealed that the high expression of FGF19 signaling pathway components as well as the low expression of FGF19 signaling repression targets correlates with the aggressiveness of the tumors. These results suggest the role of FGF19 as autocrine growth factor for hepatoblastoma. PMID:27382436

  11. Is fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 a suitable target of cancer therapy?

    PubMed

    Heinzle, Christine; Erdem, Zeynep; Paur, Jakob; Grasl-Kraupp, Bettina; Holzmann, Klaus; Grusch, Michael; Berger, Walter; Marian, Brigitte

    2014-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) and their tyrosine kinase receptors (FGFR) support cell proliferation, survival and migration during embryonic development, organogenesis and tissue maintenance and their deregulation is frequently observed in cancer development and progression. Consequently, increasing efforts are focusing on the development of strategies to target FGF/FGFR signaling for cancer therapy. Among the FGFRs the family member FGFR4 is least well understood and differs from FGFRs1-3 in several aspects. Importantly, FGFR4 deletion does not lead to an embryonic lethal phenotype suggesting the possibility that its inhibition in cancer therapy might not cause grave adverse effects. In addition, the FGFR4 kinase domain differs sufficiently from those of FGFRs1-3 to permit development of highly specific inhibitors. The oncogenic impact of FGFR4, however, is not undisputed, as the FGFR4-mediated hormonal effects of several FGF ligands may also constitute a tissue-protective tumor suppressor activity especially in the liver. Therefore it is the purpose of this review to summarize all relevant aspects of FGFR4 physiology and pathophysiology and discuss the options of targeting this receptor for cancer therapy.

  12. L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate and fibroblast growth factor-2 treatment maintains differentiation potential in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells through expression of hepatocyte growth factor.

    PubMed

    Bae, Sung Hae; Ryu, Hoon; Rhee, Ki-Jong; Oh, Ji-Eun; Baik, Soon Koo; Shim, Kwang Yong; Kong, Jee Hyun; Hyun, Shin Young; Pack, Hyun Sung; Im, Changjo; Shin, Ha Cheol; Kim, Yong Man; Kim, Hyun Soo; Eom, Young Woo; Lee, Jong In

    2015-04-01

    l-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (Asc-2P) acts as an antioxidant and a stimulator of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) production. Previously, we reported that depletion of growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, epidermal growth factor (EGF), FGF-4 and HGF during serial passage could induce autophagy, senescence and down-regulation of stemness (proliferation via FGF-2/-4 and differentiation via HGF). In this study, we investigated the proliferation and differentiation potential of BMSCs by FGF-2 and Asc-2P. Co-treatment with FGF-2 and Asc-2P induced optimal proliferation of BMSCs and increased the accumulation rate of BMSC numbers during a 2-month culture period. Moreover, differentiation potential was maintained by co-treatment with FGF-2 and Asc-2P via HGF expression. Adipogenic differentiation potential by FGF-2 and Asc-2P was dramatically suppressed by c-Met inhibitors (SU11274). These data suggest that co-treatment with FGF-2 and Asc-2P would be beneficial in obtaining BMSCs that possess "stemness" during long-term culture.

  13. Conditions that influence the response to Fgf during otic placode induction.

    PubMed

    Padanad, Mahesh S; Bhat, Neha; Guo, Biwei; Riley, Bruce B

    2012-04-01

    Despite the vital importance of Fgf for otic induction, previous attempts to study otic induction through Fgf misexpression have yielded widely varying and contradictory results. There are also discrepancies regarding the ability of Fgf to induce otic tissue in ectopic locations, raising questions about the sufficiency of Fgf and the degree to which other local factors enhance or restrict otic potential. Using heat shock-inducible transgenes to misexpress Fgf3 or Fgf8 in zebrafish, we found that the stage, distribution and level of misexpression strongly influence the response to Fgf. Fgf misexpression during gastrulation can inhibit or promote otic development, depending on context, whereas misexpression after gastrulation leads to expansion of otic markers throughout preplacodal ectoderm surrounding the head. Elevated Fgf also expands expression of the putative competence factor Foxi1, which is required for Fgf to expand other otic markers. Misexpression of downstream factors Pax2a or Pax8 also expands otic markers but cannot bypass the requirement for Fgf or Foxi1. Co-misexpression of Pax2/8 with Fgf8 potentiates formation of ectopic otic vesicles expressing a full range of otic markers. These findings document the variables critically affecting the response to Fgf and clarify the roles of foxi1 and pax2/8 in the otic response. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. FGF23 Neutralizing Antibody Ameliorates Hypophosphatemia and Impaired FGF Receptor Signaling in Kidneys of HMWFGF2 Transgenic Mice.

    PubMed

    Du, E; Xiao, L; Hurley, M M

    2017-03-01

    High molecular weight FGF2 transgenic mice (HMWTg) phenocopy the Hyp mouse, homolog of human X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets with phosphate wasting and abnormal fibroblast growth factor (FGF23), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), Klotho and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling in kidney. In this study, we assessed whether short-term (24 h) in vivo administration of FGF23 neutralizing antibody (FGF23Ab) could rescue hypophosphatemia and impaired FGFR signaling in kidneys of HMWTg male mice. Bone mineral density and bone mineral content in 1-month-old HMWTg mice were significantly reduced compared with Control/VectorTg mice. Serum FGF23 was significantly increased in HMWTg compared with VectorTg. Serum phosphate was significantly reduced in HMWTg and was rescued by FGF23Ab. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) was significantly increased in HMWTg but was not reduced by FGF23Ab. 1, 25(OH) 2 D was inappropriately normal in serum of HMWTg and was significantly increased in both Vector and HMWTg by FGF23Ab. Analysis of HMWTg kidneys revealed significantly increased mRNA expression of the FGF23 co-receptor Klotho, transcription factor mRNAs for early growth response-1 transcription factor (Egr-1), and c-fos were all significantly decreased by FGF23Ab. A significant reduction in the phosphate transporter Npt2a mRNA was also observed in HMWTg kidneys, which was increased by FGF23Ab. FGF23Ab reduced p-FGFR1, p-FGFR3, KLOTHO, p-ERK1/2, C-FOS, and increased NPT2A protein in HMWTg kidneys. We conclude that FGF23 blockade rescued hypophosphatemia by regulating FGF23/FGFR downstream signaling in HMWTg kidneys. Furthermore, HMWFGF2 isoforms regulate PTH expression independent of FGF23/FGFR signaling. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 610-616, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. Possible involvement of SINEs in mammalian-specific brain formation

    PubMed Central

    Sasaki, Takeshi; Nishihara, Hidenori; Hirakawa, Mika; Fujimura, Koji; Tanaka, Mikiko; Kokubo, Nobuhiro; Kimura-Yoshida, Chiharu; Matsuo, Isao; Sumiyama, Kenta; Saitou, Naruya; Shimogori, Tomomi; Okada, Norihiro

    2008-01-01

    Retroposons, such as short interspersed elements (SINEs) and long interspersed elements (LINEs), are the major constituents of higher vertebrate genomes. Although there are many examples of retroposons' acquiring function, none has been implicated in the morphological innovations specific to a certain taxonomic group. We previously characterized a SINE family, AmnSINE1, members of which constitute a part of conserved noncoding elements (CNEs) in mammalian genomes. We proposed that this family acquired genomic functionality or was exapted after retropositioning in a mammalian ancestor. Here we identified 53 new AmnSINE1 loci and refined 124 total loci, two of which were further analyzed. Using a mouse enhancer assay, we demonstrate that one SINE locus, AS071, 178 kbp from the gene FGF8 (fibroblast growth factor 8), is an enhancer that recapitulates FGF8 expression in two regions of the developing forebrain, namely the diencephalon and the hypothalamus. Our gain-of-function analysis revealed that FGF8 expression in the diencephalon controls patterning of thalamic nuclei, which act as a relay center of the neocortex, suggesting a role for FGF8 in mammalian-specific forebrain patterning. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the locus, AS021, 392 kbp from the gene SATB2, controls gene expression in the lateral telencephalon, which is thought to be a signaling center during development. These results suggest important roles for SINEs in the development of the mammalian neuronal network, a part of which was initiated with the exaptation of AmnSINE1 in a common mammalian ancestor. PMID:18334644

  16. Possible involvement of SINEs in mammalian-specific brain formation.

    PubMed

    Sasaki, Takeshi; Nishihara, Hidenori; Hirakawa, Mika; Fujimura, Koji; Tanaka, Mikiko; Kokubo, Nobuhiro; Kimura-Yoshida, Chiharu; Matsuo, Isao; Sumiyama, Kenta; Saitou, Naruya; Shimogori, Tomomi; Okada, Norihiro

    2008-03-18

    Retroposons, such as short interspersed elements (SINEs) and long interspersed elements (LINEs), are the major constituents of higher vertebrate genomes. Although there are many examples of retroposons' acquiring function, none has been implicated in the morphological innovations specific to a certain taxonomic group. We previously characterized a SINE family, AmnSINE1, members of which constitute a part of conserved noncoding elements (CNEs) in mammalian genomes. We proposed that this family acquired genomic functionality or was exapted after retropositioning in a mammalian ancestor. Here we identified 53 new AmnSINE1 loci and refined 124 total loci, two of which were further analyzed. Using a mouse enhancer assay, we demonstrate that one SINE locus, AS071, 178 kbp from the gene FGF8 (fibroblast growth factor 8), is an enhancer that recapitulates FGF8 expression in two regions of the developing forebrain, namely the diencephalon and the hypothalamus. Our gain-of-function analysis revealed that FGF8 expression in the diencephalon controls patterning of thalamic nuclei, which act as a relay center of the neocortex, suggesting a role for FGF8 in mammalian-specific forebrain patterning. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the locus, AS021, 392 kbp from the gene SATB2, controls gene expression in the lateral telencephalon, which is thought to be a signaling center during development. These results suggest important roles for SINEs in the development of the mammalian neuronal network, a part of which was initiated with the exaptation of AmnSINE1 in a common mammalian ancestor.

  17. Human basic fibroblast growth factor fused with Kringle4 peptide binds to a fibrin scaffold and enhances angiogenesis.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Wenxue; Han, Qianqian; Lin, Hang; Sun, Wenjie; Gao, Yuan; Zhao, Yannan; Wang, Bin; Wang, Xia; Chen, Bing; Xiao, Zhifeng; Dai, Jianwu

    2009-05-01

    Appropriate three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds and signal molecules could accelerate tissue regeneration and wound repair. In this work, we targeted human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a potent angiogenic factor, to a fibrin scaffold to improve therapeutic angiogenesis. We fused bFGF to the Kringle4 domain (K4), a fibrin-binding peptide from human plasminogen, to endow bFGF with specific fibrin-binding ability. The recombinant K4bFGF bound specifically to the fibrin scaffold so that K4bFGF was delivered in a site-specific manner, and the fibrin scaffold provided 3D support for cell migration and proliferation. Subcutaneous implantation of the fibrin scaffolds bound with K4bFGF but not with bFGF induced neovascularization. Immunohistochemical analysis showed significantly more proliferation cells in the fibrin scaffolds incorporated with K4bFGF than in those with bFGF. Moreover, the regenerative tissues were integrated well with the fibrin scaffolds, suggesting its good biocompatibility. In summary, targeted delivery of K4bFGF could potentially improve therapeutic angiogenesis.

  18. Fibroblast Growth Factor 10-Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2b Mediated Signaling Is Not Required for Adult Glandular Stomach Homeostasis

    PubMed Central

    Sala, Frederic G.; Ford, Henri R.; Bellusci, Saverio; Grikscheit, Tracy C.

    2012-01-01

    The signaling pathways that are essential for gastric organogenesis have been studied in some detail; however, those that regulate the maintenance of the gastric epithelium during adult homeostasis remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of Fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) and its main receptor, Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (FGFR2b), in adult glandular stomach homeostasis. We first showed that mouse adult glandular stomach expressed Fgf10, its receptors, Fgfr1b and Fgfr2b, and most of the other FGFR2b ligands (Fgf1, Fgf7, Fgf22) except for Fgf3 and Fgf20. Fgf10 expression was mesenchymal whereas FGFR1 and FGFR2 expression were mostly epithelial. Studying double transgenic mice that allow inducible overexpression of Fgf10 in adult mice, we showed that Fgf10 overexpression in normal adult glandular stomach increased epithelial proliferation, drove mucous neck cell differentiation, and reduced parietal and chief cell differentiation. Although a similar phenotype can be associated with the development of metaplasia, we found that Fgf10 overexpression for a short duration does not cause metaplasia. Finally, investigating double transgenic mice that allow the expression of a soluble form of Fgfr2b, FGF10's main receptor, which acts as a dominant negative, we found no significant changes in gastric epithelial proliferation or differentiation in the mutants. Our work provides evidence, for the first time, that the FGF10-FGFR2b signaling pathway is not required for epithelial proliferation and differentiation during adult glandular stomach homeostasis. PMID:23133671

  19. Coupling fibroblast growth factor 23 production and cleavage: iron deficiency, rickets, and kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Wolf, Myles; White, Kenneth E

    2014-07-01

    High levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) cause the rare disorders of hypophosphatemic rickets and are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite major advances in understanding FGF23 biology, fundamental aspects of FGF23 regulation in health and in CKD remain mostly unknown. Autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR) is caused by gain-of-function mutations in FGF23 that prevent its proteolytic cleavage, but affected individuals experience a waxing and waning course of phosphate wasting. This led to the discovery that iron deficiency is an environmental trigger that stimulates FGF23 expression and hypophosphatemia in ADHR. Unlike osteocytes in ADHR, normal osteocytes couple increased FGF23 production with commensurately increased FGF23 cleavage to ensure that normal phosphate homeostasis is maintained in the event of iron deficiency. Simultaneous measurement of FGF23 by intact and C-terminal assays supported these breakthroughs by providing minimally invasive insight into FGF23 production and cleavage in bone. These findings also suggest a novel mechanism of FGF23 elevation in patients with CKD, who are often iron deficient and demonstrate increased FGF23 production and decreased FGF23 cleavage, consistent with an acquired state that mimics the molecular pathophysiology of ADHR. Iron deficiency stimulates FGF23 production, but normal osteocytes couple increased FGF23 production with increased cleavage to maintain normal circulating levels of biologically active hormone. These findings uncover a second level of FGF23 regulation within osteocytes, failure of which culminates in elevated levels of biologically active FGF23 in ADHR and perhaps CKD.

  20. Fibroblast growth factor 21 participates in adaptation to endoplasmic reticulum stress and attenuates obesity-induced hepatic metabolic stress.

    PubMed

    Kim, Seong Hun; Kim, Kook Hwan; Kim, Hyoung-Kyu; Kim, Mi-Jeong; Back, Sung Hoon; Konishi, Morichika; Itoh, Nobuyuki; Lee, Myung-Shik

    2015-04-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine hormone that exhibits anti-diabetic and anti-obesity activity. FGF21 expression is increased in patients with and mouse models of obesity or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the functional role and molecular mechanism of FGF21 induction in obesity or NAFLD are not clear. As endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is triggered in obesity and NAFLD, we investigated whether ER stress affects FGF21 expression or whether FGF21 induction acts as a mechanism of the unfolded protein response (UPR) adaptation to ER stress induced by chemical stressors or obesity. Hepatocytes or mouse embryonic fibroblasts deficient in UPR signalling pathways and liver-specific eIF2α mutant mice were employed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of ER stress on FGF21 expression, respectively. The in vivo importance of FGF21 induction by ER stress and obesity was determined using inducible Fgf21-transgenic mice and Fgf21-null mice with or without leptin deficiency. We found that ER stressors induced FGF21 expression, which was dependent on a PKR-like ER kinase-eukaryotic translation factor 2α-activating transcription factor 4 pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Fgf21-null mice exhibited increased expression of ER stress marker genes and augmented hepatic lipid accumulation after tunicamycin treatment. However, these changes were attenuated in inducible Fgf21-transgenic mice. We also observed that Fgf21-null mice with leptin deficiency displayed increased hepatic ER stress response and liver injury, accompanied by deteriorated metabolic variables. Our results suggest that FGF21 plays an important role in the adaptive response to ER stress- or obesity-induced hepatic metabolic stress.

  1. Fibroblast growth factor-2-induced host stroma reaction during initial tumor growth promotes progression of mouse melanoma via vascular endothelial growth factor A-dependent neovascularization.

    PubMed

    Tsunoda, Satoshi; Nakamura, Toshiyuki; Sakurai, Hiroaki; Saiki, Ikuo

    2007-04-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 has been considered to play a critical role in neovascularization in several tumors; however, its precise role in tumor progression is not fully understood. In the present study, we have characterized the role of FGF-2 in B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells, focusing on effects during the initial phase of tumor growth. FGF-2 was injected at the tumor inoculation site of dorsal skin during the initial phase. FGF-2 induced marked tumor growth and lymph node metastasis. This was well correlated with an increase in neovascularization in the host stroma. FGF-2 also recruited inflammatory and mesenchymal cells in host stroma. Marked tumor growth, pulmonary metastasis and intensive neovascularization in tumor parenchyma were also observed after a single injection of FGF-2 into the footpad inoculation site. In contrast, repeated injections of FGF-2 at a site remote from the footpad tumor were ineffective in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. These promoting activities of FGF-2 were blocked by local injections of a glucocorticoid hormone, suggesting that host inflammatory responses induced by FGF-2 are associated with FGF-2-induced tumor progression. In addition, although FGF-2 did not promote cellular proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) mRNA expression in B16-BL6 cells in vitro, FGF-2 induced VEGFA expression in host stroma rather than tumor tissue, and local injections of a neutralizing antibody against VEGFA inhibited these activities of FGF-2 in vivo. These results indicate that abundant FGF-2 during the initial phase of tumor growth induces VEGFA-dependent intensive neovascularization in host stroma, and supports marked tumor growth and metastasis.

  2. Kidney fibroblast growth factor 23 does not contribute to elevation of its circulating levels in uremia.

    PubMed

    Mace, Maria L; Gravesen, Eva; Nordholm, Anders; Hofman-Bang, Jacob; Secher, Thomas; Olgaard, Klaus; Lewin, Ewa

    2017-07-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) secreted by osteocytes is a circulating factor essential for phosphate homeostasis. High plasma FGF23 levels are associated with cardiovascular complications and mortality. Increases of plasma FGF23 in uremia antedate high levels of phosphate, suggesting a disrupted feedback regulatory loop or an extra-skeletal source of this phosphatonin. Since induction of FGF23 expression in injured organs has been reported we decided to examine the regulation of FGF23 gene and protein expressions in the kidney and whether kidney-derived FGF23 contributes to the high plasma levels of FGF23 in uremia. FGF23 mRNA was not detected in normal kidneys, but was clearly demonstrated in injured kidneys, already after four hours in obstructive nephropathy and at 8 weeks in the remnant kidney of 5/6 nephrectomized rats. No renal extraction was found in uremic rats in contrast to normal rats. Removal of the remnant kidney had no effect on plasma FGF23 levels. Well-known regulators of FGF23 expression in bone, such as parathyroid hormone, calcitriol, and inhibition of the FGF receptor by PD173074, had no impact on kidney expression of FGF23. Thus, the only direct contribution of the injured kidney to circulating FGF23 levels in uremia appears to be reduced renal extraction of bone-derived FGF23. Kidney-derived FGF23 does not generate high plasma FGF23 levels in uremia and is regulated differently than the corresponding regulation of FGF23 gene expression in bone. Copyright © 2017 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Blocking Infralimbic Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF or FGF2) Facilitates Extinction of Drug Seeking After Cocaine Self-Administration.

    PubMed

    Hafenbreidel, Madalyn; Twining, Robert C; Rafa Todd, Carolynn; Mueller, Devin

    2015-12-01

    Drug exposure results in structural and functional changes in brain regions that regulate reward and these changes may underlie the persistence of compulsive drug seeking and relapse. Neurotrophic factors, such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF2), are necessary for neuronal survival, growth, and differentiation, and may contribute to these drug-induced changes. Following cocaine exposure, bFGF is increased in addiction-related brain regions, including the infralimbic medial prefrontal cortex (IL-mPFC). The IL-mPFC is necessary for extinction, but whether drug-induced overexpression of bFGF in this region affects extinction of drug seeking is unknown. Thus, we determined whether blocking bFGF in IL-mPFC would facilitate extinction following cocaine self-administration. Rats were trained to lever press for intravenous infusions of cocaine before extinction. Blocking bFGF in IL-mPFC before four extinction sessions resulted in facilitated extinction. In contrast, blocking bFGF alone was not sufficient to facilitate extinction, as blocking bFGF and returning rats to their home cage had no effect on subsequent extinction. Furthermore, bFGF protein expression increased in IL-mPFC following cocaine self-administration, an effect reversed by extinction. These results suggest that cocaine-induced overexpression of bFGF inhibits extinction, as blocking bFGF during extinction permits rapid extinction. Therefore, targeted reductions in bFGF during therapeutic interventions could enhance treatment outcomes for addiction.

  4. Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 and β-Klotho Regulates Hepatic Fibrosis through the Nuclear Factor-κB and c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Pathways.

    PubMed

    Lee, Kyong Joo; Jang, Yoon Ok; Cha, Seung-Kuy; Kim, Moon Young; Park, Kyu-Sang; Eom, Young Woo; Baik, Soon Koo

    2018-04-27

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 is associated with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. However, little is known regarding the effects of inflammation and fibrosis on the β-Klotho and FGF21 pathway in the liver. Enrolled patients had biopsy-confirmed viral or alcoholic hepatitis. FGF19, FGF21 and β-Klotho levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. Furthermore, we explored the underlying mechanisms for this process by evaluating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway involvement in Huh-7 cells. We observed that the FGF19 and FGF21 serum and mRNA levels in the biopsied liver tissue gradually increased and were correlated with fibrosis stage. Inflammatory markers (interleukin 1β [IL-1β], IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were positively correlated, while β-Klotho expression was negatively correlated with the degree of fibrosis. In Huh-7 cells, IL-1β increased FGF21 levels and decreased β-Klotho levels. NF-κB and JNK inhibitors abolished the effect of IL-1β on both FGF21 and β-Klotho expression. FGF21 protected IL-1β-induced growth retardation in Huh-7 cells. These results indicate that the inflammatory response during fibrogenesis increases FGF21 levels and suppresses β-Klotho via the NF-κB and JNK pathway. In addition, FGF21 likely protects hepatocytes from hepatic inflammation and fibrosis.

  5. Fibroblast growth factor-2 promotes keratan sulfate proteoglycan expression by keratocytes in vitro

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Long, C. J.; Roth, M. R.; Tasheva, E. S.; Funderburgh, M.; Smit, R.; Conrad, G. W.; Funderburgh, J. L.

    2000-01-01

    Keratocytes of the corneal stroma produce a specialized extracellular matrix responsible for corneal transparency. Corneal keratan sulfate proteoglycans (KSPG) are unique products of keratocytes that are down-regulated in corneal wounds and in vitro. This study used cultures of primary bovine keratocytes to define factors affecting KSPG expression in vitro. KSPG metabolically labeled with [(35)S]sulfate decreased during the initial 2-4 days of culture in quiescent cultures with low serum concentrations (0.1%). Addition of fetal bovine serum, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), transforming growth factor beta, or platelet derived growth factor all stimulated cell division, but only FGF-2 stimulated KSPG secretion. Combined with serum, FGF-2 also prevented serum-induced KSPG down-regulation. KSPG secretion was lost during serial subculture with or without FGF-2. Expression of KSPG core proteins (lumican, mimecan, and keratocan) was stimulated by FGF-2, and steady state mRNA pools for these proteins, particularly keratocan, were significantly increased by FGF-2 treatment. KSPG expression therefore is supported by exogenous FGF-2 and eliminated by subculture of the cells in presence of serum. FGF-2 stimulates KSPG core protein expression primarily through an increase in mRNA pools.

  6. Plasticity in interactions of fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) N terminus with FGF receptors underlies promiscuity of FGF1.

    PubMed

    Beenken, Andrew; Eliseenkova, Anna V; Ibrahimi, Omar A; Olsen, Shaun K; Mohammadi, Moosa

    2012-01-27

    Tissue-specific alternative splicing in the second half of Ig-like domain 3 (D3) of fibroblast growth factor receptors 1-3 (FGFR1 to -3) generates epithelial FGFR1b-FGFR3b and mesenchymal FGFR1c-FGFR3c splice isoforms. This splicing event establishes a selectivity filter to restrict the ligand binding specificity of FGFRb and FGFRc isoforms to mesenchymally and epithelially derived fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), respectively. FGF1 is termed the "universal FGFR ligand" because it overrides this specificity barrier. To elucidate the molecular basis for FGF1 cross-reactivity with the "b" and "c" splice isoforms of FGFRs, we determined the first crystal structure of FGF1 in complex with an FGFRb isoform, FGFR2b, at 2.1 Å resolution. Comparison of the FGF1-FGFR2b structure with the three previously published FGF1-FGFRc structures reveals that plasticity in the interactions of the N-terminal region of FGF1 with FGFR D3 is the main determinant of FGF1 cross-reactivity with both isoforms of FGFRs. In support of our structural data, we demonstrate that substitution of three N-terminal residues (Gly-19, His-25, and Phe-26) of FGF2 (a ligand that does not bind FGFR2b) for the corresponding residues of FGF1 (Phe-16, Asn-22, and Tyr-23) enables the FGF2 triple mutant to bind and activate FGFR2b. These findings taken together with our previous structural data on receptor binding specificity of FGF2, FGF8, and FGF10 conclusively show that sequence divergence at the N termini of FGFs is the primary regulator of the receptor binding specificity and promiscuity of FGFs.

  7. Tec-kinase-mediated phosphorylation of fibroblast growth factor 2 is essential for unconventional secretion.

    PubMed

    Ebert, Antje D; Laussmann, Mareike; Wegehingel, Sabine; Kaderali, Lars; Erfle, Holger; Reichert, Jürgen; Lechner, Johannes; Beer, Hans-Dietmar; Pepperkok, Rainer; Nickel, Walter

    2010-06-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a potent mitogen that is exported from cells by an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi-independent mechanism. Unconventional secretion of FGF2 occurs by direct translocation across plasma membranes, a process that depends on the phosphoinositide phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PI(4,5)P(2)) at the inner leaflet as well as heparan sulfate proteoglycans at the outer leaflet of plasma membranes; however, additional core and regulatory components of the FGF2 export machinery have remained elusive. Here, using a highly effective RNAi screening approach, we discovered Tec kinase as a novel factor involved in unconventional secretion of FGF2. Tec kinase does not affect FGF2 secretion by an indirect mechanism, but rather forms a heterodimeric complex with FGF2 resulting in phosphorylation of FGF2 at tyrosine 82, a post-translational modification shown to be essential for FGF2 membrane translocation to cell surfaces. Our findings suggest a crucial role for Tec kinase in regulating FGF2 secretion under various physiological conditions and, therefore, provide a new perspective for the development of a novel class of antiangiogenic drugs targeting the formation of the FGF2/Tec complex.

  8. Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor mRNA in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Mydlo, J H; Michaeli, J; Heston, W D; Fair, W R

    1988-01-01

    In our previous work we demonstrated that prostate-derived growth factor (PrGF) is homologous to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), not acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF). Using Northern blot analysis we now show that the messenger RNA for bFGF but not aFGF is expressed in benign prostatic hyperplastic (BPH) tissue as well as in carcinoma of the prostate (CAP). This not only corroborates our previous results, but suggests that PrGF is produced locally and not merely stored in the prostate. The demonstration of local production of bFGF by prostate tissue may indicate that this growth factor plays a role, either alone or in conjunction with other factors, in the etiology of benign hyperplasia or prostatic cancer.

  9. Fgf3 and Fgf10a work in concert to promote maturation of the epibranchial placodes in zebrafish.

    PubMed

    McCarroll, Matthew N; Nechiporuk, Alex V

    2013-01-01

    Essential cellular components of the paired sensory organs of the vertebrate head are derived from transient thickenings of embryonic ectoderm known as cranial placodes. The epibranchial (EB) placodes give rise to sensory neurons of the EB ganglia that are responsible for relaying visceral sensations form the periphery to the central nervous system. Development of EB placodes and subsequent formation of EB ganglia is a multistep process regulated by various extrinsic factors, including fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs). We discovered that two Fgf ligands, Fgf3 and Fgf10a, cooperate to promote EB placode development. Whereas EB placodes are induced in the absence of Fgf3 and Fgf10a, they fail to express placode specific markers Pax2a and Sox3. Expression analysis and mosaic rescue experiments demonstrate that Fgf3 signal is derived from the endoderm, whereas Fgf10a is emitted from the lateral line system and the otic placode. Further analyses revealed that Fgf3 and Fgf10a activities are not required for cell proliferation or survival, but are required for placodal cells to undergo neurogenesis. Based on these data, we conclude that a combined loss of these Fgf factors results in a failure of the EB placode precursors to initiate a transcriptional program needed for maturation and subsequent neurogenesis. These findings highlight the importance and complexity of reiterated Fgf signaling during cranial placode formation and subsequent sensory organ development.

  10. Fgf3 and Fgf10a Work in Concert to Promote Maturation of the Epibranchial Placodes in Zebrafish

    PubMed Central

    McCarroll, Matthew N.; Nechiporuk, Alex V.

    2013-01-01

    Essential cellular components of the paired sensory organs of the vertebrate head are derived from transient thickenings of embryonic ectoderm known as cranial placodes. The epibranchial (EB) placodes give rise to sensory neurons of the EB ganglia that are responsible for relaying visceral sensations form the periphery to the central nervous system. Development of EB placodes and subsequent formation of EB ganglia is a multistep process regulated by various extrinsic factors, including fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs). We discovered that two Fgf ligands, Fgf3 and Fgf10a, cooperate to promote EB placode development. Whereas EB placodes are induced in the absence of Fgf3 and Fgf10a, they fail to express placode specific markers Pax2a and Sox3. Expression analysis and mosaic rescue experiments demonstrate that Fgf3 signal is derived from the endoderm, whereas Fgf10a is emitted from the lateral line system and the otic placode. Further analyses revealed that Fgf3 and Fgf10a activities are not required for cell proliferation or survival, but are required for placodal cells to undergo neurogenesis. Based on these data, we conclude that a combined loss of these Fgf factors results in a failure of the EB placode precursors to initiate a transcriptional program needed for maturation and subsequent neurogenesis. These findings highlight the importance and complexity of reiterated Fgf signaling during cranial placode formation and subsequent sensory organ development. PMID:24358375

  11. Mesodermal Fgf10b cooperates with other fibroblast growth factors during induction of otic and epibranchial placodes in zebrafish.

    PubMed

    Maulding, Kirstin; Padanad, Mahesh S; Dong, Jennifer; Riley, Bruce B

    2014-10-01

    Vertebrate otic and epibranchial placodes develop in close proximity in response to localized fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling. Although less is known about epibranchial induction, the process of otic induction in highly conserved, with important roles for Fgf3 and Fgf8 reported in all species examined. Fgf10 is also critical for otic induction in mouse, but the only zebrafish ortholog examined to date, fgf10a, is not expressed early enough to play such a role. A second zebrafish ortholog, fgf10b, has not been previously examined. We find that zebrafish fgf10b is expressed at tailbud stage in paraxial cephalic mesoderm beneath prospective epibranchial tissue, lateral to the developing otic placode. Knockdown of fgf10b does not affect initial otic induction but impairs subsequent accumulation of otic cells. Formation of epibranchial placodes and ganglia are also moderately impaired. Combinatorial disruption of fgf10b and fgf3 exacerbates the deficiency of otic cells and eliminates epibranchial induction entirely. Disruption of fgf10b and fgf24 also strongly reduces, but does not eliminate, epibranchial induction. fgf10b participates in a late phase of otic induction and, in combination with fgf3, is especially critical for epibranchial induction. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 and FGF receptor 3 are required for the development of the substantia nigra, and FGF-2 plays a crucial role for the rescue of dopaminergic neurons after 6-hydroxydopamine lesion.

    PubMed

    Timmer, Marco; Cesnulevicius, Konstantin; Winkler, Christian; Kolb, Julia; Lipokatic-Takacs, Esther; Jungnickel, Julia; Grothe, Claudia

    2007-01-17

    Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) is involved in the development and maintenance of the nervous system. Exogenous administration of FGF-2 increased dopaminergic (DA) graft survival in different animal models of Parkinson's disease. To study the physiological function of the endogenous FGF-2 system, we analyzed the nigrostriatal system of mice lacking FGF-2, mice overexpressing FGF-2, and FGF-receptor-3 (FGFR3)-deficient mice both after development and after 6-hydroxydopamine lesion. FGFR3-deficient mice (+/-) displayed a reduced number of DA neurons compared with the respective wild type. Whereas absence of FGF-2 led to significantly increased numbers of DA neurons, enhanced amount of the growth factor in mice overexpressing FGF-2 resulted in less tyrosine hydroxylase expression and a reduced DA cell density. The volumes of the substantia nigra were enlarged in both FGF-2(-/-) and in FGF-2 transgenic mice, suggesting an important role of FGF-2 for the establishment of the proper number of DA neurons and a normal sized substantia nigra during development. In a second set of experiments, the putative relevance of endogenous FGF-2 after neurotoxin application was investigated regarding the number of rescued DA neurons after partial 6-OHDA lesion. Interestingly, the results after lesion were directly opposed to the results after development: significantly less DA neurons survived in FGF-2(-/-) mice compared with wild-type mice. Together, the results indicate that FGFR3 is crucially involved in regulating the number of DA neurons. The lack of FGF-2 seems to be (over)compensated during development, but, after lesion, compensation mechanisms fail. The transgenic mice showed that endogenous FGF-2 protects DA neurons from 6-OHDA neurotoxicity.

  13. Up-regulation of the fibroblast growth factor 8 subfamily in human hepatocellular carcinoma for cell survival and neoangiogenesis.

    PubMed

    Gauglhofer, Christine; Sagmeister, Sandra; Schrottmaier, Waltraud; Fischer, Carina; Rodgarkia-Dara, Chantal; Mohr, Thomas; Stättner, Stefan; Bichler, Christoph; Kandioler, Daniela; Wrba, Fritz; Schulte-Hermann, Rolf; Holzmann, Klaus; Grusch, Michael; Marian, Brigitte; Berger, Walter; Grasl-Kraupp, Bettina

    2011-03-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their high-affinity receptors [fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs)] contribute to autocrine and paracrine growth stimulation in several non-liver cancer entities. Here we report that at least one member of the FGF8 subfamily (FGF8, FGF17, and FGF18) was up-regulated in 59% of 34 human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples that we investigated. The levels of the corresponding receptors (FGFR2, FGFR3, and FGFR4) were also elevated in the great majority of the HCC cases. Overall, 82% of the HCC cases showed overexpression of at least one FGF and/or FGFR. The functional implications of the deregulated FGF/FGFR system were investigated by the simulation of an insufficient blood supply. When HCC-1.2, HepG2, or Hep3B cells were subjected to serum withdrawal or the hypoxia-mimetic drug deferoxamine mesylate, the expression of FGF8 subfamily members increased dramatically. In the serum-starved cells, the incidence of apoptosis was elevated, whereas the addition of FGF8, FGF17, or FGF18 impaired apoptosis, which was associated with phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and ribosomal protein S6. In contrast, down-modulation of FGF18 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly reduced the viability of the hepatocarcinoma cells. siRNA targeting FGF18 also impaired the cells' potential to form clones at a low cell density or in soft agar. With respect to the tumor microenvironment, FGF17 and FGF18 stimulated the growth of HCC-derived myofibroblasts, and FGF8, FGF17, and FGF18 induced the proliferation and tube formation of hepatic endothelial cells. FGF8, FGF17, and FGF18 are involved in autocrine and paracrine signaling in HCC and enhance the survival of tumor cells under stress conditions, malignant behavior, and neoangiogenesis. Thus, the FGF8 subfamily supports the development and progression of hepatocellular malignancy. Copyright © 2010 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

  14. Growth factor expression pattern of homologous feeder layer for culturing buffalo embryonic stem cell-like cells.

    PubMed

    Sharma, Ruchi; George, Aman; Kamble, Nitin M; Chauhan, Manmohan S; Singla, Suresh; Manik, Radhey S; Palta, Prabhat

    2012-01-01

    The present study examined the expression profile of buffalo fetal fibroblasts (BFF) used as a feeder layer for embryonic stem (ES) cell-like cells. The expression of important growth factors was detected in cells at different passages. Mitomycin-C inactivation increased relative expression levels of ACTIVIN-A, TGF-β1, BMP-4 and GREMLIN but not of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). The expression level of ACTIVIN-A, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) and FGF-2 was similar in buffalo fetal fibroblast (BFF) cultured in stem cell medium (SCM), SCM+1000IU mL(-1) leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), SCM+5 ngmL(-1) FGF-2 or SCM+LIF+FGF-2 for 24 h whereas GREMLIN expression was higher in FGF-2-supplemented groups. In spent medium, the concentration of ACTIVIN-A was higher in FGF-2-supplemented groups whereas that of TGF-β1 was similar in SCM and LIF+FGF-2, which was higher than when either LIF or FGF-2 was used alone. Following culture of ES cell-like cells on a feeder layer for 24 h, the TGF-β1 concentration was higher with LIF+FGF-2 than with LIF or FGF-2 alone which, in turn, was higher than that in SCM. In the LIF+FGF-2 group, the concentration of TGF-β1 was lower and that of ACTIVIN-A was higher in spent medium at 24 h than at 48 h of culture. These results suggest that BFF produce signalling molecules that may help in self-renewal of buffalo ES cell-like cells.

  15. Mesothelial- and epithelial-derived FGF9 have distinct functions in the regulation of lung development

    PubMed Central

    Yin, Yongjun; Wang, Fen; Ornitz, David M.

    2011-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 9 is a secreted signaling molecule that is expressed in lung mesothelium and epithelium and is required for lung development. Embryos lacking FGF9 show mesenchymal hypoplasia, decreased epithelial branching and, by the end of gestation, hypoplastic lungs that cannot support life. Mesenchymal FGF signaling interacts with β-catenin-mediated WNT signaling in a feed-forward loop that functions to sustain mesenchymal FGF responsiveness and mesenchymal WNT/β-catenin signaling. During pseudoglandular stages of lung development, Wnt2a and Wnt7b are the canonical WNT ligands that activate mesenchymal WNT/β-catenin signaling, whereas FGF9 is the only known ligand that signals to mesenchymal FGF receptors (FGFRs). Here, we demonstrate that mesothelial- and epithelial-derived FGF9, mesenchymal Wnt2a and epithelial Wnt7b have unique functions in lung development in mouse. Mesothelial FGF9 and mesenchymal WNT2A are principally responsible for maintaining mesenchymal FGF-WNT/β-catenin signaling, whereas epithelial FGF9 primarily affects epithelial branching. We show that FGF signaling is primarily responsible for regulating mesenchymal proliferation, whereas β-catenin signaling is a required permissive factor for mesenchymal FGF signaling. PMID:21750028

  16. Dietary factors and fibroblast growth factor-23 levels in young adults with African ancestry.

    PubMed

    Kosk, Dominique; Kramer, Holly; Luke, Amy; Camacho, Pauline; Bovet, Pascal; Rhule, Jacob Plange; Forrester, Terrence; Wolf, Myles; Sempos, Chris; Melamed, Michal L; Dugas, Lara R; Cooper, Richard; Durazo-Arvizu, Ramon

    2017-11-01

    Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), a phosphaturic hormone secreted mainly by osteocytes, maintains serum phosphate levels within a tight range by promoting phosphaturia. Previous studies have mainly focused on the link between FGF23 levels and dietary intake of phosphate, but other dietary factors may also influence FGF23 levels. This cross-sectional study pooled three populations of young adults with African ancestry (452 in Chicago, IL, USA; 477 in Victoria, Seychelles; and 482 in Kumasi, Ghana) with estimated glomerular filtration rate >80 ml/min/1.73 m 2 to examine the association of dietary factors based on two 24-h recalls with FGF23 levels measured using a C-terminal assay. Linear regression was used to examine the association between log-transformed FGF23 levels and quartiles of calorie-adjusted dietary factors with adjustment for covariates. In the pooled sample of 1411 study participants, the mean age was 35.2 (6.2) years and 45.3% were male. Median plasma C-terminal FGF23 values in relative units (RU)/ml were 59.5 [interquartile range (IQR) 44.1, 85.3] in the USA, 43.2 (IQR 33.1, 57.9) in Seychelles, and 34.0 (IQR 25.2, 50.4) in Ghana. With adjustment for covariates, increasing quartiles of calcium and animal protein and decreasing quartiles of vegetable protein, fiber, and magnesium intake were associated with significantly higher FGF23 levels compared to the lowest quartile. After further adjustment for dietary factors, significant trends in FGF23 levels were noted only for quartiles of calcium, fiber, and magnesium intake (P < 0.001). Dietary factors other than phosphate are associated with FGF23 levels in young adults.

  17. Multivalent conjugates of basic fibroblast growth factor enhance in vitro proliferation and migration of endothelial cells.

    PubMed

    Zbinden, Aline; Browne, Shane; Altiok, Eda I; Svedlund, Felicia L; Jackson, Wesley M; Healy, Kevin E

    2018-05-01

    Growth factors hold great promise for regenerative therapies. However, their clinical use has been halted by poor efficacy and rapid clearance from tissue, necessitating the delivery of extremely high doses to achieve clinical effectiveness which has raised safety concerns. Thus, strategies to either enhance growth factor activity at low doses or to increase their residence time within target tissues are necessary for clinical success. In this study, we generated multivalent conjugates (MVCs) of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a key growth factor involved in angiogenesis and wound healing, to hyaluronic acid (HyA) polymer chains. Multivalent bFGF conjugates (mvbFGF) were fabricated with minimal non-specific interaction observed between bFGF and the HyA chain. The hydrodynamic radii of mvbFGF ranged from ∼50 to ∼75 nm for conjugation ratios of bFGF to HyA chains at low (10 : 1) and high (30 : 1) feed ratios, respectively. The mvbFGF demonstrated enhanced bioactivity compared to unconjugated bFGF in assays of cell proliferation and migration, processes critical to angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. The 30 : 1 mvbFGF outperformed the 10 : 1 conjugate, which could be due to either FGF receptor clustering or interference with receptor mediated internalization and signal deactivation. This study simultaneously investigated the role of both protein to polymer ratio and multivalent conjugate size on their bioactivity, and determined that increasing the protein-to-polymer ratio and conjugate size resulted in greater cell bioactivity.

  18. The B55α Regulatory Subunit of Protein Phosphatase 2A Mediates Fibroblast Growth Factor-Induced p107 Dephosphorylation and Growth Arrest in Chondrocytes

    PubMed Central

    Daempfling, Lea

    2013-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-induced growth arrest of chondrocytes is a unique cell type-specific response which contrasts with the proliferative response of most cell types and underlies several genetic skeletal disorders caused by activating FGF receptor (FGFR) mutations. We have shown that one of the earliest key events in FGF-induced growth arrest is dephosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb) family member p107 by protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a ubiquitously expressed multisubunit phosphatase. In this report, we show that the PP2A-B55α holoenzyme (PP2A containing the B55α subunit) is responsible for this phenomenon. Only the B55α (55-kDa regulatory subunit, alpha isoform) regulatory subunit of PP2A was able to bind p107, and this interaction was induced by FGF in chondrocytes but not in other cell types. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of B55α prevented p107 dephosphorylation and FGF-induced growth arrest of RCS (rat chondrosarcoma) chondrocytes. Importantly, the B55α subunit bound with higher affinity to dephosphorylated p107. Since the p107 region interacting with B55α is also the site of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) binding, B55α association may also prevent p107 phosphorylation by CDKs. FGF treatment induces dephosphorylation of the B55α subunit itself on several serine residues that drastically increases the affinity of B55α for the PP2A A/C dimer and p107. Together these observations suggest a novel mechanism of p107 dephosphorylation mediated by activation of PP2A through B55α dephosphorylation. This mechanism might be a general signal transduction pathway used by PP2A to initiate cell cycle arrest when required by external signals. PMID:23716589

  19. Molecular bases of diseases characterized by hypophosphatemia and phosphaturia: new understanding.

    PubMed

    Ozono, Keiichi; Michigami, Toshimi; Namba, Noriyuki; Nakajima, Shigeo; Yamamoto, Takehisa

    2006-01-01

    Serum phosphate levels are regulated in both calcium-dependent and -independent fashions. Active vitamin D increases while PTH decreases serum phosphate levels in association with the elevation of serum calcium. On the other hand, a calcium-independent phosphaturic factor, historically called phosphatonin is believed to exert a physiological function based on findings in hereditary and tumor-induced diseases characterized by hypophosphatemia with normocalcemia. Among them, autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR) has contributed greatly to its elucidation because the gene responsible for ADHR encodes fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) that has been found to have a phosphaturic effect. In addition, FGF23 has been proved to be involved in most cases of oncogenic osteomalacia and X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets that are also characterized by hypophosphatemia and normocalcemia. Moreover, familial tumoral calcinosis, which represents the metabolic mirror image of hypophosphatemic conditions, is caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the FGF23 gene in some patients. Very recently, hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria has been found to be caused by mutations in the SLC34A1 gene which encodes a type of sodium phosphate cotransporter. These findings may provide new strategies for treating patients with abnormal phosphate metabolism.

  20. Is Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 4 a Suitable Target of Cancer Therapy?

    PubMed Central

    Heinzle, Christine; Erdem, Zeynep; Paur, Jakob; Grasl-Kraupp, Bettina; Holzmann, Klaus; Grusch, Michael; Berger, Walter; Marian, Brigitte

    2017-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) and their tyrosine kinase receptors (FGFR) support cell proliferation, survival and migration during embryonic development, organogenesis and tissue maintenance and their deregulation is frequently observed in cancer development and progression. Consequently, increasing efforts are focusing on the development of strategies to target FGF/FGFR signaling for cancer therapy. Among the FGFRs the family member FGFR4 is least well understood and differs from FGFRs1-3 in several aspects. Importantly, FGFR4 deletion does not lead to an embryonic lethal phenotype suggesting the possibility that its inhibition in cancer therapy might not cause grave adverse effects. In addition, the FGFR4 kinase domain differs sufficiently from those of FGFRs1-3 to permit development of highly specific inhibitors. The oncogenic impact of FGFR4, however, is not undisputed, as the FGFR4-mediated hormonal effects of several FGF ligands may also constitute a tissue-protective tumor suppressor activity especially in the liver. Therefore it is the purpose of this review to summarize all relevant aspects of FGFR4 physiology and pathophysiology and discuss the options of targeting this receptor for cancer therapy. PMID:23944363

  1. Hypoxic Stress Forces Irreversible Differentiation of a Majority of Mouse Trophoblast Stem Cells Despite FGF4.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yu; Arenas-Hernandez, Marcia; Gomez-Lopez, Nardhy; Dai, Jing; Parker, Graham C; Puscheck, Elizabeth E; Rappolee, Daniel A

    2016-11-01

    Hypoxic, hyperosmotic, and genotoxic stress slow mouse trophoblast stem cell (mTSC) proliferation, decrease potency/stemness, and increase differentiation. Previous reports suggest a period of reversibility in stress-induced mTSC differentiation. Here we show that hypoxic stress at 0.5% O 2 decreased potency factor protein by ∼60%-90% and reduced growth to nil. Hypoxia caused a 35-fold increase in apoptosis at Day 3 and a 2-fold increase at Day 6 above baseline. The baseline apoptosis rate was only 0.3%. Total protein was never less than baseline during hypoxic treatment, suggesting 0.5% O 2 is a robust, nonmorbid stressor. Hypoxic stress induced ∼50% of trophoblast giant cell (TGC) differentiation with a simultaneous 5- to 6-fold increase in the TGC product antiluteolytic prolactin family 3, subfamily d, member 1 (PRL3D1), despite the presence of fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4). Hypoxia-induced TGC differentiation was also supported by potency and differentiation mRNA marker analysis. FGF4 removal at 20% O 2 committed cell fate towards irreversible differentiation at 2 days, with similar TGC percentages after an additional 3 days of culture under potency conditions when FGF4 was readded or under differentiation conditions without FGF4. However, hypoxic stress required 4 days to irreversibly differentiate cells. Runted stem cell growth, forced differentiation of fewer cells, and irreversible differentiation limit total available stem cell population. Were mTSCs to respond to stress in a similar mode in vivo, miscarriage might occur as a result, which should be tested in the future. © 2016 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

  2. [Investigation of mechanisms of action of growth factors of autologous platelet-rich plasma used to treat erectile dysfunction].

    PubMed

    Epifanova, M V; Chalyi, M E; Krasnov, A O

    2017-09-01

    To determine the quantitative and qualitative composition of growth factors (PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, VEGF, VEGF-D, FGF-acid, FGF-basic) and platelets in various modifications of APRP. Blood of 12 male volunteers (control group) and 12 patients with ED was used to prepare APRP and the subsequently determine the concentration of growth factors. The growth factor concentrations (FGF acid, FGF basic, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, VEGF, VEGF-D) was determined using a flow cytometry-based xMAP Luminex (Gen-Probe) system. Concentration of platelets in APRP obtained by two stage centrifugation, reached 1480 (1120-1644) in the control group and 1232 (956-1502) in patients with ED. The concentration of growth factors in the samples prepared without preliminary freezing was: PDGF-AA 842 (22-3700), PDGF-BB 2837 (1460-4100), FGF-basic 7.9 (0.28-127), FGF-acid 3, 4 (0.14-11), VEGF 19 (4.6-46), VEGF-D 21 (14-38). After thawing, the concentration of all growth factors in the samples increased. The study findings suggest that the mechanism of erectile function recovery following the use of APRP is through the active substances detected in APRP, i.e. FGF-basic, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, VEGF, VEGF-D and FGF-acid. Also, the study showed that the content of growth factors in APRP after of freezing/thawing is higher than in APRP that has not been frozen. This is due to the cell membrane destruction at extremely low temperatures during freezing.

  3. Membrane and Integrative Nuclear Fibroblastic Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) Regulation of FGF-23*

    PubMed Central

    Han, Xiaobin; Xiao, Zhousheng; Quarles, L. Darryl

    2015-01-01

    Fibroblastic growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) signaling pathways are implicated in the regulation of FGF-23 gene transcription, but the molecular pathways remain poorly defined. We used low molecular weight (LMW, 18 kDa) FGF-2 and high molecular weight (HMW) FGF-2 isoforms, which, respectively, activate cell surface FGF receptors and intranuclear FGFR1, to determine the roles of membrane FGFRs and integrative nuclear FGFR1 signaling (INFS) in the regulation of FGF-23 gene transcription in osteoblasts. We found that LMW-FGF-2 induced NFAT and Ets1 binding to conserved cis-elements in the proximal FGF-23 promoter and stimulated FGF-23 promoter activity through PLCγ/calcineurin/NFAT and MAPK pathways in SaOS-2 and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. In contrast, HMW-FGF-2 stimulated FGF-23 promoter activity in osteoblasts through a cAMP-dependent binding of FGFR1 and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) to a conserved cAMP response element (CRE) contiguous with the NFAT binding site in the FGF-23 promoter. Mutagenesis of the NFAT and CRE binding sites, respectively, inhibited the effects of LMW-FGF-2 and HMW-FGF-23 to stimulate FGF-23 promoter activity. FGF-2 activation of both membrane FGFRs and INFS-dependent FGFR1 pathways may provide a means to integrate systemic and local regulation of FGF-23 transcription under diverse physiological and pathological conditions. PMID:25752607

  4. FGF23 associated bone diseases.

    PubMed

    Liao, Eryuan

    2013-03-01

    Recently, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has sparked widespread interest because of its potential role in regulating phosphate and vitamin D metabolism. In this review, we summarized the FGF superfamily, the mechanism of FGF23 on phosphate and vitamin D metabolism, and the FGF23 related bone disease.

  5. FAP finds FGF21 easy to digest.

    PubMed

    Gillum, Matthew P; Potthoff, Matthew J

    2016-05-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine hormone that regulates carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In humans, circulating FGF21 is inactivated by proteolytic cleavage of its C-terminus, thereby preventing signalling through a receptor complex. The mechanism for this cleavage event and the factors contributing to the post-translational regulation of FGF21 activity has previously been unknown. In a recent issue of the Biochemical Journal, Zhen et al. have identified fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as the endopeptidase responsible for this site-specific cleavage of human FGF21 (hFGF21), and propose that inhibition of FAP may be a therapeutic strategy to increase endogenous levels of active FGF21. © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Portland Press Limited on behalf of the Biochemical Society.

  6. Lack of Day/Night variation in fibroblast growth factor 21 levels in young healthy men.

    PubMed

    Foo, J-P; Aronis, K N; Chamberland, J P; Mantzoros, C S

    2015-06-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 is an endocrine factor with an emerging role as a metabolic regulator. We previously reported the presence of a significant day/night variation of FGF-21 in energy-replete, healthy female subjects. However the day/night patterns of secretion in male subjects remain to be fully elucidated. To elucidate day/night pattern of FGF-21 levels in male subjects in the energy-replete state, its relationship to FFA and to investigate whether a sexual dimorphism exists in FGF-21 physiology. Eight healthy lean male subjects were studied for up to 5 days while on an isocaloric diet. Blood samples were obtained for measurement of FGF-21 and free fatty acids (FFA) hourly from 0800 AM on day 4 till 0800AM on day 5. FGF-21 did not exhibit any statistically significant day/night variation pattern of circulating FGF-21 levels during the isocaloric fed state in male subjects. FGF-21 levels in male subjects are closely cross-correlated with FFA levels, similar to female subjects. A sexual dimorphism exists in FGF-21 physiology; that as opposed to female subjects, no significant day/night variation exists in FGF-21 rhythm in male subjects in the energy-replete state. Circulating pattern of FGF-21, similar to the female subjects, was highly cross-correlated to the FFA levels in the male subjects, signifying that the sexual dimorphism in FGF-21 physiology may be related to the differing lipid metabolism in both the genders.

  7. PDGF-BB induces vascular smooth muscle cell expression of high molecular weight FGF-2, which accumulates in the nucleus.

    PubMed

    Pintucci, Giuseppe; Yu, Pey-Jen; Saponara, Fiorella; Kadian-Dodov, Daniella L; Galloway, Aubrey C; Mignatti, Paolo

    2005-08-15

    Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are implicated in vascular remodeling secondary to injury. Both growth factors control vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration, and survival through overlapping intracellular signaling pathways. In vascular smooth muscle cells PDGF-BB induces FGF-2 expression. However, the effect of PDGF on the different forms of FGF-2 has not been elucidated. Here, we report that treatment of vascular aortic smooth muscle cells with PDGF-BB rapidly induces expression of 20.5 and 21 kDa, high molecular weight (HMW) FGF-2 that accumulates in the nucleus and nucleolus. Conversely, PDGF treatment has little or no effect on 18 kDa, low-molecular weight FGF-2 expression. PDGF-BB-induced upregulation of HMW FGF-2 expression is controlled by sustained activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2 and is abolished by actinomycin D. These data describe a novel interaction between PDGF-BB and FGF-2, and indicate that the nuclear forms of FGF-2 may mediate the effect of PDGF activity on vascular smooth muscle cells.

  8. A basic fibroblast growth factor analog for protection and mitigation against acute radiation syndromes.

    PubMed

    Casey-Sawicki, Kate; Zhang, Mei; Kim, Sunghee; Zhang, Amy; Zhang, Steven B; Zhang, Zhenhuan; Singh, Ravi; Yang, Shanmin; Swarts, Steven; Vidyasagar, Sadasivan; Zhang, Lurong; Zhang, Aiguo; Okunieff, Paul

    2014-06-01

    The effects of fibroblast growth factors and their potential as broad-spectrum agents to treat and mitigate radiation injury have been studied extensively over the past two decades. This report shows that a peptide mimetic of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-P) protects and mitigates against acute radiation syndromes. FGF-P attenuates both sepsis and bleeding in a radiation-induced bone marrow syndrome model and reduces the severity of gastrointestinal and cutaneous syndromes; it should also mitigate combined injuries. FGF-2 and FGF-P induce little or no deleterious inflammation or vascular leakage, which distinguishes them from most other growth factors, angiogenic factors, and cytokines. Although recombinant FGFs have proven safe in several ongoing clinical trials, they are expensive to synthesize, can only be produced in limited quantity, and have limited shelf life. FGF-P mimics the advantageous features of FGF-2 without these disadvantages. This paper shows that FGF-P not only has the potential to be a potent yet safe broad-spectrum medical countermeasure that mitigates acute radiotoxicity but also holds promise for thermal burns, ischemic wound healing, tissue engineering, and stem-cell regeneration.

  9. Growth Factor FGF2 Cooperates with Interleukin-17 to Repair Intestinal Epithelial Damage.

    PubMed

    Song, Xinyang; Dai, Dai; He, Xiao; Zhu, Shu; Yao, Yikun; Gao, Hanchao; Wang, Jingjing; Qu, Fangfang; Qiu, Ju; Wang, Honglin; Li, Xiaoxia; Shen, Nan; Qian, Youcun

    2015-09-15

    The intestinal epithelial barrier plays a critical role in the mucosal immunity. However, it remains largely unknown how the epithelial barrier is maintained after damage. Here we show that growth factor FGF2 synergized with interleukin-17 (IL-17) to induce genes for repairing of damaged epithelium. FGF2 or IL-17 deficiency resulted in impaired epithelial proliferation, increased pro-inflammatory microbiota outgrowth, and consequently worse pathology in a DSS-induced colitis model. The dysregulated microbiota in the model induced transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) expression, which in turn induced FGF2 expression mainly in regulatory T cells. Act1, an essential adaptor in IL-17 signaling, suppressed FGF2-induced ERK activation through binding to adaptor molecule GRB2 to interfere with its association with guanine nucleotide exchange factor SOS1. Act1 preferentially bound to IL-17 receptor complex, releasing its suppressive effect on FGF2 signaling. Thus, microbiota-driven FGF2 and IL-17 cooperate to repair the damaged intestinal epithelium through Act1-mediated direct signaling cross-talk. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Mitogenic and chondrogenic effects of fibroblast growth factor-2 in adipose-derived mesenchymal cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chiou, Michael; Xu Yue; Longaker, Michael T.

    2006-05-05

    Adipose-derived mesenchymal cells (AMCs) have demonstrated a great capacity for differentiating into bone, cartilage, and fat. Studies using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells (BMSCs) have shown that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, a potent mitogenic factor, plays an important role in tissue engineering due to its effects in proliferation and differentiation for mesenchymal cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of FGF-2 in AMC chondrogenic differentiation and its possible contributions to cell-based therapeutics in skeletal tissue regeneration. Data demonstrated that FGF-2 significantly promoted the proliferation of AMCs and enhanced chondrogenesis in three-dimensional micromass culture. Moreover, priming AMCs withmore » treatment of FGF-2 at 10 ng/ml demonstrated that cells underwent chondrogenic phenotypic differentiation, possibly by inducing N-Cadherin, FGF-receptor 2, and transcription factor Sox9. Our results indicated that FGF-2 potentiates chondrogenesis in AMCs, similar to its functions in BMSCs, suggesting the versatile potential applications of FGF-2 in skeletal regeneration and cartilage repair.« less

  11. The role of growth factors in maintenance of stemness in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Eom, Young Woo; Oh, Ji-Eun; Lee, Jong In

    2014-02-28

    Highlights: • Expression of FGF-2, FGF-4, EGF, and HGF decreased during long-term culture of BMSCs. • Loss of growth factors induced autophagy, senescence and decrease of stemness. • FGF-2 increased proliferation potential via AKT and ERK activation in BMSCs. • FGF-2 suppressed LC3-II expression and down-regulated senescence of BMSCs. • HGF was important in maintenance of the differentiation potential of BMSCs. - Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an active topic of research in regenerative medicine due to their ability to secrete a variety of growth factors and cytokines that promote healing of damaged tissues and organs. In addition, thesemore » secreted growth factors and cytokines have been shown to exert an autocrine effect by regulating MSC proliferation and differentiation. We found that expression of EGF, FGF-4 and HGF were down-regulated during serial passage of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Proliferation and differentiation potentials of BMSCs treated with these growth factors for 2 months were evaluated and compared to BMSCs treated with FGF-2, which increased proliferation of BMSCs. FGF-2 and -4 increased proliferation potentials at high levels, about 76- and 26-fold, respectively, for 2 months, while EGF and HGF increased proliferation of BMSCs by less than 2.8-fold. Interestingly, differentiation potential, especially adipogenesis, was maintained only by HGF treatment. Treatment with FGF-2 rapidly induced activation of AKT and later induced ERK activation. The basal level of phosphorylated ERK increased during serial passage of BMSCs treated with FGF-2. The expression of LC3-II, an autophagy marker, was gradually increased and the population of senescent cells was increased dramatically at passage 7 in non-treated controls. But FGF-2 and FGF-4 suppressed LC3-II expression and down-regulated senescent cells during long-term (i.e. 2 month) cultures. Taken together, depletion of growth factors during serial passage could induce autophagy, senescence and down-regulation of stemness (proliferation via FGF-2/-4 and differentiation via HGF) through suppression of AKT and ERK signaling.« less

  12. Immunohistochemical study of the growth factors, aFGF, bFGF, PDGF-AB, VEGF-A and its receptor (Flk-1) during arteriogenesis.

    PubMed

    Wu, Song; Wu, Xiaoqiong; Zhu, Wu; Cai, Wei-Jun; Schaper, Jutta; Schaper, Wolfgang

    2010-10-01

    Growth factors are viewed as main arteriogenic stimulators for collateral vessel growth. However, the information about their native expression and distribution in collateral vessels is still limited. This study was designed to profile expression of acidic and basic FGF, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-AB) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and its receptor, fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1) during arteriogenesis by confocal immunofluorescence in both dog ameroid constrictor model and rabbit arteriovenous shunt model of arteriogenesis. We found that: (1) in normal arteries (NA) in dog heart, aFGF, bFGF, and PDGF-AB all were mainly expressed in endothelial cells (EC) and media smooth muscle cells (SMC), but the expression of aFGF was very weak, with those of the other two being moderate; (2) in collateral arteries (CAs), aFGF, bFGF, and PDGF-AB all were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05); they were present in all the layers of the vascular wall and were 2.1, 1.7, and 1.9 times higher than that in NA, respectively; and (3) in NA in rabbit hind limb, VEGF-A was absent, Flk-1 was only weakly present in endothelial cells, but in one week CAs VEGF-A and Flk-1 were significantly increased in both shunt and ligation sides; this was more evident in the shunt-side CAs, 2.3, and 2 times higher than that in the ligation side, respectively. In conclusion, our data demonstrate for the first time that growth factors, aFGF, bFGF, and PDGF-AB are significantly upregulated in collateral vessels in dog heart, and enhanced VEGF-A and its receptor, Flk-1, are associated with rapid and lasting increased shear stress. These findings suggest that endogenous production of growth factors could be an important factor promoting collateral vessel growth.

  13. Fibroblast growth factor-23: what we know, what we don't know, and what we need to know.

    PubMed

    Kovesdy, Csaba P; Quarles, Leigh Darryl

    2013-09-01

    Traditional risk factors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and obesity are paradoxically associated with better outcomes in dialysis patients, and the few trials of interventions targeting modifiable traditional risk factors have yielded disappointing results in this patient population. Non-traditional risk factors such as inflammation, anemia and abnormalities in bone and mineral metabolism have been proposed as potential explanations for the excess mortality seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but without clear understanding of what the most important pathophysiologic mechanisms of these risk factors are, which ones might be ideal treatment targets and which therapeutic interventions may be effective and safe in targeting them. Among the novel risk factors, fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) has recently emerged as one of the most powerful predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with CKD and ESRD. FGF23 is a hormone produced by osteoblasts/osteocytes in bone that acts on the kidney to regulate phosphate and vitamin D metabolism through activation of FGF receptor/α-Klotho co-receptor complexes. It is possible that elevated FGF23 may exert its negative impact through distinct mechanisms of action independent from its role as a regulator of phosphorus homeostasis. Elevated circulating FGF23 concentrations have been associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and it has been suggested that FGF23 exerts a direct effect on the myocardium. While it is possible that 'off target' effects of FGF23 present in very high concentrations could induce LVH, this possibility is controversial, since α-klotho is not expressed in the myocardium. Another possibility is that FGF23's effect on the heart is mediated indirectly, via 'on target' activation of other humoral pathways. We will review the physiology and pathophysiology of FGF23, the outcomes associated with elevated FGF23 levels, and describe putative mechanisms of action responsible for its negative effects and potential therapeutic strategies to treat these.

  14. Epidemiological survey of idiopathic scoliosis and sequence alignment analysis of multiple candidate genes.

    PubMed

    Yang, Tao; Jia, Quanzhang; Guo, Hong; Xu, Jianzhong; Bai, Yun; Yang, Kai; Luo, Fei; Zhang, Zehua; Hou, Tianyong

    2012-06-01

    To investigate the effects of genetic factors on idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and genetic modes through genetic epidemiological survey on IS in Chongqing City, China, and to determine whether SH3GL1, GADD45B, and FGF22 in the chromosome 19p13.3 are the pathogenic genes of IS through genetic sequence analysis. 214 nuclear families were investigated to analyse the age incidence, familial aggregation, and heritability. SH3GL1, GADD45B, and FGF22 were chosen as candidate genes for mutation screening in 56 IS patients of 214 families. The sequence alignment analysis was performed to determine mutations and predict the protein structure. The average age of onset of 10.8 years suggests that IS is a early onset disease. Incidences of IS in first-, second-, third-degree relatives and the overall incidence in families (5.68%) were also significantly higher than that of the general population (1.04%). The U test indicated a significant difference, suggesting that IS has a familial aggregation. The heritability of first-degree relatives (77.68 ±10.39%), second-degree relatives (69.89 ±3.14%), and third-degree relatives (62.14 ±11.92%) illustrated that genetic factors play an important role in IS pathogenesis. The incidence of first-degree relatives (10.01%), second-degree relatives (2.55%) and third-degree relatives (1.76%) illustrated that IS is not in simple accord with monogenic Mendel's law but manifests as traits of multifactorial hereditary diseases. Sequence alignment of exons of SH3GL1, GADD45B, and FGF22 showed 17 base mutations, of which 16 mutations do not induce open reading frame (ORF) shift or amino acid changes whereas one mutation (C→T)occurred in SH3GL1 results in formation of the termination codon, which induces variation of protein reading frame. Prediction analysis of protein sequence showed that the SH3GL1 mutant encoded a truncated protein, thus affecting the protein structure. IS is a multifactorial genetic disease and SH3GL1 may be one of the pathogenic genes for IS.

  15. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Kook Hwan; Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 50 Irwon-dong Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-710; Jeong, Yeon Taek

    Highlights: •Metformin induces FGF21 expression in an AMPK independent manner. •Metformin enhances FGF21 expression by inhibiting mitochondrial complex I activity. •The PERK-eIF2α-ATF4 axis is required for metformin-induced FGF21 expression. •Metformin activates the ATF4-FGF21 axis in the liver of mouse. •Metformin increases serum FGF21 level in diabetic human subjects. -- Abstract: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine hormone that exhibits anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects. Because metformin is widely used as a glucose-lowering agent in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), we investigated whether metformin modulates FGF21 expression in cell lines, and in mice or human subjects. We found thatmore » metformin increased the expression and release of FGF21 in a diverse set of cell types, including rat hepatoma FaO, primary mouse hepatocytes, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Intriguingly, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was dispensable for the induction of FGF21 by metformin. Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), which are additional targets of metformin, were not involved in metformin-induced FGF21 expression. Importantly, inhibition of mitochondrial complex I activity by metformin resulted in FGF21 induction through PKR-like ER kinase (PERK)-eukaryotic translation factor 2α (eIF2α)-activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). We showed that metformin activated ATF4 and increased FGF21 expression in the livers of mice, which led to increased serum levels of FGF21. We also found that serum FGF21 level was increased in human subjects with T2D after metformin therapy for 6 months. In conclusion, our results indicate that metformin induced expression of FGF21 through an ATF4-dependent mechanism by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration independently of AMPK. Therefore, FGF21 induction by metformin might explain a portion of the beneficial metabolic effects of metformin.« less

  16. Decreased serum fibroblast growth factor - 2 levels in pre- and post-treatment patients with major depressive disorder.

    PubMed

    He, Shen; Zhang, Tianhong; Hong, Bo; Peng, Daihui; Su, Hui; Lin, Zhiguang; Fang, Yiru; Jiang, Kaida; Liu, Xiaohua; Li, Huafang

    2014-09-05

    Increasing evidence indicates that neurotrophic factor dysfunction might be involved in the pathophysiology and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, one of the major neurotrophins, plays an important role in the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to explore whether the FGF-2 in serum was associated with MDD and to evaluate the effects of antidepressant treatment on serum FGF-2 levels. Serum FGF-2 levels were determined in 28 pre- and post-treatment MDD patients and 30 healthy controls using ELISA. The results of the current study revealed that serum FGF-2 levels in MDD patients were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (p=0.005), and the serum FGF-2 levels decreased significantly but marginally following treatment for 8 weeks (p=0.005). These findings demonstrate that the lower serum FGF-2 levels contribute to the pathophysiology of MDD and that FGF-2 may be used as a peripheral biological marker for MDD. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. FGF21 is induced in cisplatin nephrotoxicity to protect against kidney tubular cell injury.

    PubMed

    Li, Fanghua; Liu, Zhiwen; Tang, Chengyuan; Cai, Juan; Dong, Zheng

    2018-01-22

    Cisplatin, a widely used cancer therapy drug, induces nephrotoxicity or acute kidney injury (AKI), but the underlying mechanism remains unclear, and renal protective approaches are not available. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)21 is an endocrine factor that regulates glucose uptake, metabolism, and energy expenditure. However, recent work has also implicated FGF21 in cellular stress response under pathogenic conditions. The role and regulation of FGF21 in AKI are unclear. Here, we show that FGF21 was dramatically induced during cisplatin treatment of renal tubular cells in vitro and mouse kidneys in vivo. The inductive response was suppressed by pifithrin (a pharmacological inhibitor of P53), suggesting a role of P53 in FGF21 induction. In cultured renal tubular cells, knockdown of FGF21 aggravated cisplatin-induced apoptosis, whereas supplementation of recombinant FGF21 was protective. Consistently, recombinant FGF21 alleviated cisplatin-induced kidney dysfunction, tissue damage, and tubular apoptosis in mice. Mechanistically, FGF21 suppressed P53 induction and activation during cisplatin treatment. Together, these results indicate that FGF21 is induced during cisplatin nephrotoxicity to protect renal tubules, and recombinant FGF21 may have therapeutic potential.-Li, F., Liu, Z., Tang, C., Cai, J., Dong, Z. FGF21 is induced in cisplatin nephrotoxicity to protect against kidney tubular cell injury.

  18. FGF9, activin and TGFβ promote testicular characteristics in an XX gonad organ culture model.

    PubMed

    Gustin, Sonja E; Stringer, Jessica M; Hogg, Kirsten; Sinclair, Andrew H; Western, Patrick S

    2016-11-01

    Testis development is dependent on the key sex-determining factors SRY and SOX9, which activate the essential ligand FGF9. Although FGF9 plays a central role in testis development, it is unable to induce testis formation on its own. However, other growth factors, including activins and TGFβs, also present testis during testis formation. In this study, we investigated the potential of FGF9 combined with activin and TGFβ to induce testis development in cultured XX gonads. Our data demonstrated differing individual and combined abilities of FGF9, activin and TGFβ to promote supporting cell proliferation, Sertoli cell development and male germ line differentiation in cultured XX gonads. FGF9 promoted proliferation of supporting cells in XX foetal gonads at rates similar to those observed in vivo during testis cord formation in XY gonads but was insufficient to initiate testis development. However, when FGF9, activin and TGFβ were combined, aspects of testicular development were induced, including the expression of Sox9, morphological reorganisation of the gonad and deposition of laminin around germ cells. Enhancing β-catenin activity diminished the testis-promoting activities of the combined growth factors. The male promoting activity of FGF9 and the combined growth factors directly or indirectly extended to the germ line, in which a mixed phenotype was observed. FGF9 and the combined growth factors promoted male germ line development, including mitotic arrest, but expression of pluripotency genes was maintained, rather than being repressed. Together, our data provide evidence that combined signalling by FGF9, activin and TGFβ can induce testicular characteristics in XX gonads. © 2016 Society for Reproduction and Fertility.

  19. Fibroblast growth factor 10 enhances bovine oocyte maturation and developmental competence in vitro.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Kun; Hansen, Peter J; Ealy, Alan D

    2010-12-01

    The ability of oocytes to resume meiosis, become fertilized, and generate viable pregnancies is controlled during folliculogenesis by several endocrine and paracrine factors. The aim of this work is to determine whether fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) is an oocyte competent factor. Transcripts for each of the four FGF receptor types (FGFR) were present in cumulus and oocytes after their extraction from the follicles. FGFR1 transcripts predominated in cumulus cells whereas FGFR2 was most abundant in oocytes. Exposing the cumulus-oocyte complexes to FGF10 during in vitro maturation did not affect cleavage rates, but increases (P<0.05) in the percentage of embryos at the 8-16-cell stage on day 3 and at the blastocyst stage on day 7, which were evident in FGF10-supplemented oocytes. The progression of oocytes through meiosis and cumulus expansion was increased (P<0.05) by FGF10. The importance of the endogenous sources of FGFs was examined by adding anti-FGF10 IgG during oocyte maturation. Blocking endogenous FGF10 activity decreased (P<0.05) the percentage of oocytes developing into blastocysts and limited (P<0.05) cumulus expansion. Expression profiles of putative cumulus and oocyte competency markers were examined for their involvement in FGF10-mediated responses. FGF10 influenced the expression of CTSB and SPRY2 in cumulus cells and BMP15 in oocytes. In summary, this work provides new insight into the importance of FGFRs and locally derived FGF10 during oocyte maturation in cattle. Its subsequent impact on in vitro embryo development implicates it as a noteworthy oocyte competent factor.

  20. Suramin blocks interaction between human FGF1 and FGFR2 D2 domain and reduces downstream signaling activity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Wu, Zong-Sian, E-mail: gary810426@hotmail.com; Liu, Che Fu, E-mail: s9823002@m98.nthu.edu.tw; Fu, Brian, E-mail: brianfu9@gmail.com

    2016-09-02

    The extracellular portion of the human fibroblast growth factor receptor2 D2 domain (FGFR2 D2) interacts with human fibroblast growth factor 1 (hFGF1) to activate a downstream signaling cascade that ultimately affects mitosis and differentiation. Suramin is an antiparasiticdrug and a potent inhibitor of FGF-induced angiogenesis. Suramin has been shown to bind to hFGF1, and might block the interaction between hFGF1 and FGFR2 D2. Here, we titrated hFGF1 with FGFR2 D2 and suramin to elucidate their interactions using the detection of NMR. The docking results of both hFGF1-FGFR2 D2 domain and hFGF1-suramin complex were superimposed. The results indicate that suramin blocksmore » the interaction between hFGF1 and FGFR2 D2. We used the PyMOL software to show the hydrophobic interaction of hFGF1-suramin. In addition, we used a Water-soluble Tetrazolium salts assay (WST1) to assess hFGF1 bioactivity. The results will be useful for the development of new antimitogenic activity drugs. - Highlights: • The interfacial residues on hFGF1-FGFR2 D2 and hFGF1-Suramin contact surface were mapped by {sup 1}H-{sup 15}N HSQC experiments. • hFGF1-FGFR2 D2 and hFGF1-Suramin complex models were generated from NMR restraints by using HADDOCK program. • We analyzed hFGF1-Suramin complex models and found the interaction between hFGF1-Suramin is hydrophobic. • The bioactivity of the hFGF1-FGFR2 D2 and hFGF1-Suramin complex was studied by using WST1 assay.« less

  1. Fibroblast growth factor-23 levels in maintenance hemodialysis patients in India.

    PubMed

    Anandh, U; Mandavkar, P; Das, B; Rao, S

    2017-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) levels start rising early in patients with chronic kidney disease and is implicated in cardiovascular and overall mortality of hemodialysis patients. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study in stable dialysis patients looking into the levels of FGF-23 in hemodialysis patients and its association with various demographic and biochemical variables and mortality. A total of 91 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean FGF-23 levels were very high (1152.7 pg/ml). FGF-23 levels were significantly associated with serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in univariate and multivariate analysis. No significant association between FGF-23 and cardiovascular comorbidities and overall mortality was seen. FGF-23 levels rise exponentially in maintenance hemodialysis patients. There is a strong association between FGF-23 and phosphorus and PTH levels. No association between FGF-23 and mortality was noted in our patients.

  2. Carboxyl‐terminal Heparin‐binding Fragments of Platelet Factor 4 Retain the Blocking Effect on the Receptor Binding of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

    PubMed Central

    Waki, Michinori; Ohno, Motonori; Kuwano, Michihiko; Sakata, Toshiie

    1993-01-01

    Platelet factor 4 (PF‐4) blocks the binding of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to its receptor. In the present study, we constructed carboxyl‐terminal fragments, which represent the heparin‐binding region of the PF‐4 molecule, and examined whether these synthetic peptides retain the blocking effects on the receptor binding of bFGF. Synthetic peptides inhibited the receptor binding of bFGF. Furthermore, they inhibited the migration and tube formation of bovine capillary endothelial cells in culture (these phenomena are dependent on endogenous bFGF). PMID:8320164

  3. Fibroblast growth factor 22 is not essential for skin development and repair but plays a role in tumorigenesis.

    PubMed

    Jarosz, Monika; Robbez-Masson, Luisa; Chioni, Athina-Myrto; Cross, Barbara; Rosewell, Ian; Grose, Richard

    2012-01-01

    Fibroblast Growth Factors play critical roles during development, tissue homeostasis and repair by controlling cell proliferation, survival, migration and differentiation. Of the 22 mammalian FGFs, FGF22, a member of the FGF7/10/22 subfamily, has been shown to have a clear role in synaptogenesis, but its roles in other tissues have not been studied. We have investigated the in vivo functions of FGF22 in mice. Fgf22 null animals were viable, fertile and did not display any obvious abnormalities. Despite the known expression profile of FGF22 in the skin, no differences in either skin or pelage were observed, demonstrating that FGF22 is dispensable during embryogenesis and in unchallenged adult skin. Mice lacking FGF22 were able to heal acute wounds just as efficiently as wild type mice. However, classical two-step skin carcinogenesis challenge revealed that FGF22 null mice developed fewer papillomas than wild type controls, suggesting a potential pro-oncogenic role for FGF22 in the skin.

  4. Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 Concentration in Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease.

    PubMed

    Harjes, L M; Parker, V J; Dembek, K; Young, G S; Giovaninni, L H; Kogika, M M; Chew, D J; Toribio, R E

    2017-05-01

    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hyperphosphatemia, decreased vitamin D metabolite concentrations, and hyperparathyroidism. This syndrome is known as CKD-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Recently, it has been shown that an increase in fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) concentration is an early biomarker of CKD in people. It is an independent risk factor for both progression of renal disease and survival time in humans and cats with CKD. Information about FGF-23 in healthy dogs and those with CKD is lacking. To measure FGF-23 concentration in dogs with different stages of CKD and determine its association with factors involved in CKD-MBD, including serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. A secondary aim was to validate an ELISA for measurement of plasma FGF-23 concentration in dogs. Thirty-two client-owned dogs with naturally occurring CKD and 10 healthy control dogs. Prospective cross-sectional study. An FGF-23 ELISA was used to measure plasma FGF-23 concentration in dogs and their association with serum creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, and PTH concentrations. Plasma FGF-23 concentrations increased with severity of CKD and were significantly different between IRIS stages 1 and 2 versus stages 3 and 4 (P < .0001). Increases in FGF-23 concentrations were more frequent than hyperparathyroidism or hyperphosphatemia in this cohort. Serum creatinine and phosphorus concentrations were the strongest independent predictors of FGF-23 concentration. Plasma FGF-23 concentrations increase in dogs with CKD as disease progresses. Plasma FGF-23 concentrations appear to be useful for further study of the pathophysiology of CKD-MBD in dogs. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  5. Cloning and characterization of FGF23 as a causative factor of tumor-induced osteomalacia.

    PubMed

    Shimada, T; Mizutani, S; Muto, T; Yoneya, T; Hino, R; Takeda, S; Takeuchi, Y; Fujita, T; Fukumoto, S; Yamashita, T

    2001-05-22

    Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is one of the paraneoplastic diseases characterized by hypophosphatemia caused by renal phosphate wasting. Because removal of responsible tumors normalizes phosphate metabolism, an unidentified humoral phosphaturic factor is believed to be responsible for this syndrome. To identify the causative factor of TIO, we obtained cDNA clones that were abundantly expressed only in a tumor causing TIO and constructed tumor-specific cDNA contigs. Based on the sequence of one major contig, we cloned 2,270-bp cDNA, which turned out to encode fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Administration of recombinant FGF23 decreased serum phosphate in mice within 12 h. When Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing FGF23 were s.c. implanted into nude mice, hypophosphatemia with increased renal phosphate clearance was observed. In addition, a high level of serum alkaline phosphatase, low 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, deformity of bone, and impairment of body weight gain became evident. Histological examination showed marked increase of osteoid and widening of growth plate. Thus, continuous production of FGF23 reproduced clinical, biochemical, and histological features of TIO in vivo. Analyses for recombinant FGF23 products produced by Chinese hamster ovary cells indicated proteolytic cleavage of FGF23 at the RXXR motif. Recent genetic study indicates that missense mutations in this RXXR motif of FGF23 are responsible for autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets, another hypophosphatemic disease with similar features to TIO. We conclude that overproduction of FGF23 causes TIO, whereas mutations in the FGF23 gene result in autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets possibly by preventing proteolytic cleavage and enhancing biological activity of FGF23.

  6. Cloning and characterization of FGF23 as a causative factor of tumor-induced osteomalacia

    PubMed Central

    Shimada, Takashi; Mizutani, Satoru; Muto, Takanori; Yoneya, Takashi; Hino, Rieko; Takeda, Shu; Takeuchi, Yasuhiro; Fujita, Toshiro; Fukumoto, Seiji; Yamashita, Takeyoshi

    2001-01-01

    Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is one of the paraneoplastic diseases characterized by hypophosphatemia caused by renal phosphate wasting. Because removal of responsible tumors normalizes phosphate metabolism, an unidentified humoral phosphaturic factor is believed to be responsible for this syndrome. To identify the causative factor of TIO, we obtained cDNA clones that were abundantly expressed only in a tumor causing TIO and constructed tumor-specific cDNA contigs. Based on the sequence of one major contig, we cloned 2,270-bp cDNA, which turned out to encode fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Administration of recombinant FGF23 decreased serum phosphate in mice within 12 h. When Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing FGF23 were s.c. implanted into nude mice, hypophosphatemia with increased renal phosphate clearance was observed. In addition, a high level of serum alkaline phosphatase, low 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, deformity of bone, and impairment of body weight gain became evident. Histological examination showed marked increase of osteoid and widening of growth plate. Thus, continuous production of FGF23 reproduced clinical, biochemical, and histological features of TIO in vivo. Analyses for recombinant FGF23 products produced by Chinese hamster ovary cells indicated proteolytic cleavage of FGF23 at the RXXR motif. Recent genetic study indicates that missense mutations in this RXXR motif of FGF23 are responsible for autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets, another hypophosphatemic disease with similar features to TIO. We conclude that overproduction of FGF23 causes TIO, whereas mutations in the FGF23 gene result in autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets possibly by preventing proteolytic cleavage and enhancing biological activity of FGF23. PMID:11344269

  7. Myostatin downregulates the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor gene in HeLa cells.

    PubMed

    Liu, H Z; Luo, P; Chen, S H; Shang, J H

    2012-01-01

    Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF-2), a potent tumorigenic cytokine, improves cells proliferation and angiogenesis in tumor and also plays vital roles in tumor growth, metastasis as well as prognosis. Screening and application of effective cytokines against bFGF tumorigenic activity would be helpful to oncologic therapy. Myostatin, a member of transforming growth factor β superfamily, recently showed an antitumor activity and was reported to induce HeLa cells apoptosis through mitochondrion pathway. The above data raised our assumption that expression level of endogenous bFGF gene may be suppressed by exogenous myostatin in myostatin-treated HeLa cells. To test the hypothesis, myostatin was employed to stimulate HeLa cells and expressional level of endogenous bFGF gene in HeLa cells was detected with real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. Results of the suppressed expression level of bFGF gene in Hela cells implied that myostatin may be regarded as an effective cytokine against bFGF to treat certain cancers (Fig. 3, Ref. 26).

  8. Carbon nanotubes functionalized with fibroblast growth factor accelerate proliferation of bone marrow-derived stromal cells and bone formation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hirata, Eri; Ménard-Moyon, Cécilia; Venturelli, Enrica; Takita, Hiroko; Watari, Fumio; Bianco, Alberto; Yokoyama, Atsuro

    2013-11-01

    Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized with fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and the advantages of their use as scaffolds for bone augmentation were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The activity of FGF was assessed by measuring the effect on the proliferation of rat bone marrow stromal cells (RBMSCs). The presence of FGF enhanced the proliferation of RBMSCs and the FGF covalently conjugated to the nanotubes (FGF-CNT) showed the same effect as FGF alone. In addition, FGF-CNT coated sponges were implanted between the parietal bone and the periosteum of rats and the formation of new bone was investigated. At day 14 after implantation, a larger amount of newly formed bone was clearly observed in most pores of FGF-CNT coated sponges. These findings indicated that MWCNTs accelerated new bone formation in response to FGF, as well as the integration of particles into new bone during its formation. Scaffolds coated with FGF-CNT could be considered as promising novel substituting materials for bone regeneration in future tissue engineering applications.

  9. FGF21 regulates melanogenesis in alpaca melanocytes via ERK1/2-mediated MITF downregulation.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ruiwei; Chen, Tianzhi; Zhao, Bingling; Fan, Ruiwen; Ji, Kaiyuan; Yu, Xiuju; Wang, Xianjun; Dong, Changsheng

    2017-08-19

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is known as a metabolic regulator to regulate the metabolism of glucose and lipids. However, the underlying mechanism of FGF21 on melanin synthesis remains unknown. Therefore, the current study investigates the effect of FGF21 on melanogenesis in alpaca melanocytes. We transfected the FGF21 into alpaca melanocytes, then detected the melanin contents, protein and mRNA levels of pigmentation-related genes in order to determine the melanogenesis-regulating pathway of FGF21. The results showed that FGF21 overexpression suppressed melanogenesis and decreased the expression of the major target genes termed microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and its downstream genes, including tyrosinase (TYR) and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP2). However FGF21 increased the expression of phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-Erk1/2). In contrast, FGF21-siRNA, a small interference RNA mediating FGF21 silencing, abolished the inhibition of melanogenesis. Altogether, FGF21 may decrease melanogenesis in alpaca melanocytes via ERK activation and subsequent MITF downregulation, which is then followed by the suppression of melanogenic enzymes and melanin production. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  10. [Epidemiology of FGF23-related hypophosophatemic diseases].

    PubMed

    Endo, Itsuro

    2016-02-01

    Through the studies of patients with hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia, fibroblast growth factor 23(FGF23)has emerged as a humoral factor that reduces serum phosphate. Discovery of FGF23 as an essential regulator of phosphate homeostasis has markedly improved our understanding of phosphate homeostasis and hypophosphatemic or hyperphosphatemic disorders. A nationwide epidemiologic survey of FGF23-related hypophosphatemic diseases indicated that the patients showed FGF23 levels of above 30 pg/mL by intact assay in the presence of hypophosphatemia. The survey also showed that prevalence and biochemical data before and after treatment of the diseases. Novel therapeutic methods for these disorders may be developed by elucidation of the mechanism of action of FGF23.

  11. Effect of local neutralization of basic fibroblast growth factor or vascular endothelial growth factor by a specific antibody on the development of the corpus luteum in the cow.

    PubMed

    Yamashita, Hiromichi; Kamada, Daichi; Shirasuna, Koumei; Matsui, Motozumi; Shimizu, Takashi; Kida, Katsuya; Berisha, Bajram; Schams, Dieter; Miyamoto, Akio

    2008-09-01

    Active angiogenesis and progesterone (P) synthesis occur in parallel during development of the corpus luteum (CL). Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are known to stimulate angiogenesis and P synthesis in vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of bFGF or VEGF on the CL development in the cow by using a specific antibody against bFGF or VEGF. bFGF antibody, VEGF antibody, or saline as a control (n = 4 cows/treatment) were injected directly into the CL immediately after ovulation (Day 1), and the treatment was continued for 3 times/day over 7 days. Luteal biopsies were applied on Day 8 of the estrous cycle to determine the expression of genes associated with P synthesis and angiogenesis. Intraluteal injections with the bFGF antibody or the VEGF antibody markedly decreased the CL volume, plasma P concentration and StAR mRNA expression. bFGF antibody treatment decreased the mRNA expression of bFGF, FGF receptor-1, VEGF120, and angiopoietin (ANPT)-1, and increased ANPT-2/ANPT-1 ratio. However, VEGF antibody treatment decreased ANPT-2 mRNA expression and ANPT-2/ANPT-1 ratio. These results indicate that local neutralization of bFGF or VEGF changes genes regulating angiogenesis and P synthesis, and remarkably suppresses the CL size and P secretion during the development of CL in the cow, supporting the concept that bFGF and VEGF control the CL formation and function.

  12. Plasma FGF23 and the risk of stroke

    PubMed Central

    Dong, Chuanhui; Stark, Matthew; Silverberg, Shonni; Rundek, Tatjana; Elkind, Mitchell S.V.; Sacco, Ralph L.; Mendez, Armando; Wolf, Myles

    2014-01-01

    Objective: To examine fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) as a risk factor for incident stroke in a racially/ethnically diverse population-based urban cohort. Methods: Stroke-free Northern Manhattan Study participants with FGF23 measurements (n = 2,525) were followed for a mean of 12 (±5) years to detect incident strokes. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the association of baseline FGF23 with incident total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic stroke. Results: Median FGF23 was 57 relative units (RU)/mL (interquartile range = 44–81 RU/mL). Each unit increase of natural log-transformed FGF23 conferred a 40% greater overall stroke risk after adjusting for estimated glomerular filtration rate and sociodemographic and vascular risk factors (hazard ratio = 1.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1–1.6, p = 0.004). Penalized spline analysis revealed a linear association with overall stroke risk at ≥90 RU/mL FGF23, compared with <90 RU/mL (hazard ratio = 1.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.2–2.1, p = 0.004). Greater FGF23 conferred a doubling of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) risk but no significant increased risk of ischemic stroke. The associations of elevated FGF23 levels with greater risks of overall stroke and ICH events were independent of phosphate and parathyroid hormone levels and were similar among participants without chronic kidney disease. Conclusions: Elevated FGF23 was a risk factor for overall stroke and ICH events, in particular in a racially and ethnically diverse urban community, independent of chronic kidney disease. PMID:24706015

  13. Cell proliferation by silk gut incorporating FGF-2 protein microcrystals.

    PubMed

    Kotani, Eiji; Yamamoto, Naoto; Kobayashi, Isao; Uchino, Keiro; Muto, Sayaka; Ijiri, Hiroshi; Shimabukuro, Junji; Tamura, Toshiki; Sezutsu, Hideki; Mori, Hajime

    2015-06-08

    Silk gut processed from the silk glands of the silkworm could be an ideal biodegradable carrier for cell growth factors. We previously demonstrated that polyhedra, microcrystals of Cypovirus 1 polyhedrin, can serve as versatile carrier proteins. Here, we report the generation of a transgenic silkworm that expresses polyhedrin together with human basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) in its posterior silk glands to utilize silk gut as a proteinaceous carrier to protect and slowly release active cell growth factors. In the posterior silk glands, polyhedrin formed polyhedral microcrystals, and FGF-2 became encapsulated within the polyhedra due to a polyhedron-immobilization signal. Silk gut powder prepared from posterior silk glands containing polyhedron-encapsulated FGF-2 stimulated the phosphorylation of p44/p42 MAP kinase and induced the proliferation of serum-starved NIH3T3 cells by releasing bioactive FGF-2. Even after a one-week incubation at 25 °C, significantly higher biological activity of FGF-2 was observed for silk gut powder incorporating polyhedron-encapsulated FGF-2 relative to silk gut powder with non-encapsulated FGF-2. Our results demonstrate that posterior silk glands incorporating polyhedron-encapsulated FGF-2 are applicable to the preparation of biodegradable silk gut, which can protect and release FGF-2 that is produced in a virus- and serum-free expression system with significant application potential.

  14. Fibroblast growth factor-2 stimulates adipogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kakudo, Natsuko; Shimotsuma, Ayuko; Kusumoto, Kenji

    2007-07-27

    Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have demonstrated a capacity for differentiating into a variety of lineages, including bone, cartilage, or fat, depending on the inducing stimuli and specific growth and factors. It is acknowledged that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) promotes chondrogenic and inhibits osteogenic differentiation of ASCs, but thorough investigations of its effects on adipogenic differentiation are lacking. In this study, we demonstrate at the cellular and molecular levels the effect of FGF-2 on adipogenic differentiation of ASCs, as induced by an adipogenic hormonal cocktail consisting of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), dexamethasone, insulin, and indomethacin. FGF-2 significantly enhances the adipogenic differentiation of humanmore » ASCs. Furthermore, in cultures receiving FGF-2 before adipogenic induction, mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma}2 (PPAR{gamma}2), a key transcription factor in adipogenesis, was upregulated. The results of FGF-2 supplementation suggest the potential applications of FGF-2 and ASCs in adipose tissue regeneration.« less

  15. A novel fibroblast growth factor receptor family member promotes neuronal outgrowth and synaptic plasticity in aplysia.

    PubMed

    Pollak, Daniela D; Minh, Bui Quang; Cicvaric, Ana; Monje, Francisco J

    2014-11-01

    Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) Receptors (FGFRs) regulate essential biological processes, including embryogenesis, angiogenesis, cellular growth and memory-related long-term synaptic plasticity. Whereas canonical FGFRs depend exclusively on extracellular Immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains for ligand binding, other receptor types, including members of the tropomyosin-receptor-kinase (Trk) family, use either Ig-like or Leucine-Rich Repeat (LRR) motifs, or both. Little is known, however, about the evolutionary events leading to the differential incorporation of LRR domains into Ig-containing tyrosine kinase receptors. Moreover, although FGFRs have been identified in many vertebrate species, few reports describe their existence in invertebrates. Information about the biological relevance of invertebrate FGFRs and evolutionary divergences between them and their vertebrate counterparts is therefore limited. Here, we characterized ApLRRTK, a neuronal cell-surface protein recently identified in Aplysia. We unveiled ApLRRTK as the first member of the FGFRs family deprived of Ig-like domains that instead contains extracellular LRR domains. We describe that ApLRRTK exhibits properties typical of canonical vertebrate FGFRs, including promotion of FGF activity, enhancement of neuritic outgrowth and signaling via MAPK and the transcription factor CREB. ApLRRTK also enhanced the synaptic efficiency of neurons known to mediate in vivo memory-related defensive behaviors. These data reveal a novel molecular regulator of neuronal function in invertebrates, provide the first evolutionary linkage between LRR proteins and FGFRs and unveil an unprecedented mechanism of FGFR gene diversification in primeval central nervous systems.

  16. Comprehensive analysis of fibroblast growth factor receptor expression patterns during chick forelimb development.

    PubMed

    Sheeba, Caroline J; Andrade, Raquel P; Duprez, Delphine; Palmeirim, Isabel

    2010-01-01

    Specific interactions between fibroblast growth factors (Fgf1-22) and their tyrosine kinase receptors (FgfR1-4) activate different signalling pathways that are responsible for the biological processes in which Fgf signalling is implicated during embryonic development. In the chick, several Fgf ligands (Fgf2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 18) and the four FgfRs (FgfR 1, 2, 3 and 4) have been reported to be expressed in the developing limb. The precise spatial and temporal expression of these transcripts is important to guide the limb bud to develop into a wing/leg. In this paper, we present a detailed and systematic analysis of the expression patterns of FgfR1, 2, 3 and 4 throughout chick wing development, by in situ hybridisation on whole mounts and sections. Moreover, we characterize for the first time the different isoforms of FGFR1-3 by analysing their differential expression in limb ectoderm and mesodermal tissues, using RT-PCR and in situ hybridisation on sections. Finally, isoform-specific sequences for FgfR1IIIb, FgfR1IIIc, FgfR3IIIb and FgfR3IIIc were determined and deposited in GenBank with the following accession numbers: GU053725, GU065444, GU053726, GU065445, respectively.

  17. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 inhibits IGF-1-induced proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by controlling bFGF and PDGF autocrine/paracrine loops

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ma, Yang; Han, Chen-chen; Li, Yifan

    Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) produced by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells are responsible for the growth of HCC cells. Accumulating evidence shows that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) suppresses HCC cell proliferation in both IGF-dependent and independent manners. It's unknown, however, whether treatment with exogenous IGFBP-3 inhibits bFGF and PDGF production in HCC cells. The present study demonstrates that IGFBP-3 suppressed IGF-1-induced bFGF and PDGF expression while it does not affect their expression in the absence of IGF-1. To delineate the underlying mechanism, western-blot and RT-PCR assays confirmed that the transcription factor early growth responsemore » protein 1 (EGR1) is involved in IGFBP-3 regulation of bFGF and PDGF. IGFBP-3 inhibition of type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R), ERK and AKT activation is IGF-1-dependent. Furthermore, transient transfection with constitutively activated AKT or MEK partially blocks the IGFBP-3 inhibition of EGR1, bFGF and PDGF expression. In conclusion, these findings suggest that IGFBP-3 suppresses transcription of EGR1 and its target genes bFGF and PDGF through inhibiting IGF-1-dependent ERK and AKT activation. It demonstrates the importance of IGFBP-3 in the regulation of HCC cell proliferation, suggesting that IGFBP-3 could be a target for the treatment of HCC. - Highlights: • IGFBP-3 plays an inhibition role in IGF1-induced HCC cell growth. • IGFBP-3 inhibits bFGF and PDGF production in the IGF-dependent manner. • EGR1 is involved in IGFBP-3 regulation of bFGF and PDGF in HCC cells. • IGFBP-3 suppresses EGR1 and its target genes bFGF and PDGF through inhibiting IGF-1-dependent ERK and AKT activation.« less

  18. Serum concentrations of fibroblast growth factors 19 and 21 in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: association with insulin resistance, adiponectin, and polycystic ovary syndrome history.

    PubMed

    Wang, Dongyu; Zhu, Wenjing; Li, Jieming; An, Chongyou; Wang, Zilian

    2013-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and FGF21 are considered to be novel adipokines that improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. In the current study, we investigated serum FGF19 and FGF21 levels in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and explored their relationships with anthropometric and endocrine parameters. Serum FGF19 and FGF21 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in patients with GDM (n = 30) and healthy pregnant controls (n = 60) matched for maternal and gestational age. Serum FGF19 and FGF21 levels were correlated with anthropometric, metabolic, and endocrine parameters. Circulating levels of FGF19 were significantly reduced in patients with GDM relative to healthy pregnant subjects, whereas FGF21 levels were increased in GDM patients. Serum FGF19 levels independently and inversely correlated with insulin resistance (increased homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, HOMA-IR) and were positively related to serum adiponectin in both groups. In contrast, serum FGF21 levels independently and positively correlated with insulin resistance and serum triglycerides and were inversely related to serum adiponectin. In addition, in the combined population of both groups, those women with preconception polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) history had the lowest levels of FGF19, which were significantly lower than those in GDM patients without PCOS history and those in controls without PCOS history. Circulating FGF19 levels are reduced in GDM patients, in contrast with FGF21 levels. Both serum FGF19 and FGF21 levels are strongly related to insulin resistance and serum levels of adiponectin. Considering the different situation between FGF19 and FGF21, we suggest that reduced serum FGF19 levels could be involved in the pathophysiology of GDM, while increased serum FGF21 levels could be in a compensatory response to this disease.

  19. Quantification of a Non-conventional Protein Secretion: The Low-Molecular-Weight FGF-2 Example.

    PubMed

    Arcondéguy, Tania; Touriol, Christian; Lacazette, Eric

    2016-01-01

    Quantification of secreted factors is most often measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western Blot, or more recently with antibody arrays. However, some of these, like low-molecular-weight fibroblast growth factor-2 (LMW FGF-2; the 18 kDa form), exemplify a set of secreted but almost non-diffusible molecular actors. It has been proposed that phosphorylated FGF-2 is secreted via a non-vesicular mechanism and that heparan sulfate proteoglycans function as extracellular reservoir but also as actors for its secretion. Heparan sulfate is a linear sulfated polysaccharide present on proteoglycans found in the extracellular matrix or anchored in the plasma membrane (syndecan). Moreover the LMW FGF-2 secretion appears to be activated upon FGF-1 treatment. In order to estimate quantification of such factor export across the plasma membrane, technical approaches are presented (evaluation of LMW FGF-2: (1) secretion, (2) extracellular matrix reservoir, and (3) secretion modulation by surrounding factors) and the importance of such procedures in the comprehension of the biology of these growth factors is underlined.

  20. Deletion of fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF22) causes a depression-like phenotype in adult mice.

    PubMed

    Williams, Aislinn J; Yee, Patricia; Smith, Mitchell C; Murphy, Geoffrey G; Umemori, Hisashi

    2016-07-01

    Specific growth factors induce formation and differentiation of excitatory and inhibitory synapses, and are essential for brain development and function. Fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF22) is important for specifying excitatory synapses during development, including in the hippocampus. Mice with a genetic deletion of FGF22 (FGF22KO) during development subsequently have fewer hippocampal excitatory synapses in adulthood. As a result, FGF22KO mice are resistant to epileptic seizure induction. In addition to playing a key role in learning, the hippocampus is known to mediate mood and anxiety. Here, we explored whether loss of FGF22 alters affective, anxiety or social cognitive behaviors in mice. We found that relative to control mice, FGF22KO mice display longer duration of floating and decreased latency to float in the forced swim test, increased immobility in the tail suspension test, and decreased preference for sucrose in the sucrose preference test, which are all suggestive of a depressive-like phenotype. No differences were observed between control and FGF22KO mice in other behavioral assays, including motor, anxiety, or social cognitive tests. These results suggest a novel role for FGF22 specifically in affective behaviors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Fibroblast growth factor 2 is an essential cardioprotective factor in a closed‐chest model of cardiac ischemia‐reperfusion injury

    PubMed Central

    House, Stacey L.; Wang, Joy; Castro, Angela M.; Weinheimer, Carla; Kovacs, Attila; Ornitz, David M.

    2015-01-01

    Abstract Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is cardioprotective in in vivo models of myocardial infarction; however, whether FGF2 has a protective role in in vivo ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury, a model that more closely mimics acute myocardial infarction in humans, is not known. To assess the cardioprotective efficacy of endogenous FGF2, mice lacking a functional Fgf2 gene (Fgf2−/−) and wild‐type controls were subjected to closed‐chest regional cardiac IR injury (90 min ischemia, 7 days reperfusion). Fgf2−/− mice had significantly increased myocardial infarct size and significantly worsened cardiac function compared to wild‐type controls at both 1 and 7 days post‐IR injury. Pathophysiological analysis showed that at 1 day after IR injury Fgf2−/− mice have worsened cardiac strain patterns and increased myocardial cell death. Furthermore, at 7 days post‐IR injury, Fgf2−/− mice showed a significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophic response, decreased cardiac vessel density, and increased vessel diameter in the peri‐infarct area compared to wild‐type controls. These data reveal both acute cardioprotective and a longer term proangiogenic potential of endogenous FGF2 in a clinically relevant, in vivo, closed‐chest regional cardiac IR injury model that mimics acute myocardial infarction. PMID:25626875

  2. Potential Predictors of Plasma Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Concentrations: Cross-Sectional Analysis in the EPIC-Germany Study

    PubMed Central

    di Giuseppe, Romina; Kühn, Tilman; Hirche, Frank; Buijsse, Brian; Dierkes, Jutta; Fritsche, Andreas; Kaaks, Rudolf; Boeing, Heiner; Stangl, Gabriele I.; Weikert, Cornelia

    2015-01-01

    Background Increased fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a bone-derived hormone involved in the regulation of phosphate and vitamin D metabolism, has been related to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in chronic kidney disease patients and in the general population. However, what determines higher FGF23 levels is still unclear. Also, little is known about the influence of diet on FGF23. The aim of this study was therefore to identify demographic, clinical and dietary correlates of high FGF23 concentrations in the general population. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis within a randomly selected subcohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Germany comprising 2134 middle-aged men and women. The Human FGF23 (C-Terminal) ELISA kit was used to measure FGF23 in citrate plasma. Dietary data were obtained at baseline via validated food frequency questionnaires including up to 148 food items. Results Multivariable adjusted logistic regression showed that men had a 66% lower and smokers a 64% higher probability of having higher FGF23 (≥ 90 RU/mL) levels compared, respectively, with women and nonsmokers. Each doubling in parathyroid hormone, creatinine, and C-reactive protein was related to higher FGF23. Among the dietary factors, each doubling in calcium and total energy intake was related, respectively, to a 1.75 and to a 4.41 fold increased probability of having higher FGF23. Finally, each doubling in the intake of iron was related to an 82% lower probability of having higher FGF23 levels. Results did not substantially change after exclusion of participants with lower kidney function. Conclusions In middle-aged men and women traditional and non-traditional CVD risk factors were related to higher FGF23 concentrations. These findings may contribute to the understanding of the potential mechanisms linking increased FGF23 to increased CVD risk. PMID:26193703

  3. Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 in Long-Duration Spaceflight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bokhari, R.; Zwart, S. R.; Fields, E.; Heer, M.; Sibonga, J.; Smith, S. M.

    2015-01-01

    Many nutritional factors influence bone, from the basics of calcium and vitamin D, to factors which influence bone through acid/base balance, including protein, sodium, and more. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a recently identified factor, secreted from osteocytes, which is involved in classic (albeit complex) feedback loops controlling phosphorus homeostasis through both vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1, 2). As osteocytes are gravity sensing cells, it is important to determine if there are changes in FGF23 during spaceflight. In extreme cases, such as chronic kidney disease, FGF23 levels are highly elevated. FGF23 imbalances, secondary to dietary influences, may contribute to skeletal demineralization and kidney stone risk during spaceflight.

  4. bFGF Regulates PI3-Kinase-Rac1-JNK Pathway and Promotes Fibroblast Migration in Wound Healing

    PubMed Central

    Kanazawa, Shigeyuki; Fujiwara, Toshihiro; Matsuzaki, Shinsuke; Shingaki, Kenta; Taniguchi, Manabu; Miyata, Shingo; Tohyama, Masaya; Sakai, Yasuo; Yano, Kenji; Hosokawa, Ko; Kubo, Tateki

    2010-01-01

    Fibroblast proliferation and migration play important roles in wound healing. bFGF is known to promote both fibroblast proliferation and migration during the process of wound healing. However, the signal transduction of bFGF-induced fibroblast migration is still unclear, because bFGF can affect both proliferation and migration. Herein, we investigated the effect of bFGF on fibroblast migration regardless of its effect on fibroblast proliferation. We noticed involvement of the small GTPases of the Rho family, PI3-kinase, and JNK. bFGF activated RhoA, Rac1, PI3-kinase, and JNK in cultured fibroblasts. Inhibition of RhoA did not block bFGF-induced fibroblast migration, whereas inhibition of Rac1, PI3-kinase, or JNK blocked the fibroblast migration significantly. PI3-kinase-inhibited cells down-regulated the activities of Rac1 and JNK, and Rac1-inhibited cells down-regulated JNK activity, suggesting that PI3-kinase is upstream of Rac1 and that JNK is downstream of Rac1. Thus, we concluded that PI3-kinase, Rac1, and JNK were essential for bFGF-induced fibroblast migration, which is a novel pathway of bFGF-induced cell migration. PMID:20808927

  5. Fibroblast growth factor 21 has no direct role in regulating fertility in female mice.

    PubMed

    Singhal, Garima; Douris, Nicholas; Fish, Alan J; Zhang, Xinyao; Adams, Andrew C; Flier, Jeffrey S; Pissios, Pavlos; Maratos-Flier, Eleftheria

    2016-08-01

    Reproduction is an energetically expensive process. Insufficient calorie reserves, signaled to the brain through peripheral signals such as leptin, suppress fertility. Recently, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) was implicated as a signal from the liver to the hypothalamus that directly inhibits the hypothalamic-gonadotropin axis during fasting and starvation. However, FGF21 itself increases metabolic rate and can induce weight loss, which suggests that the effects of FGF21 on fertility may not be direct and may reflect changes in energy balance. To address this important question, we evaluated fertility in several mouse models with elevated FGF21 levels including ketogenic diet fed mice, fasted mice, mice treated with exogenous FGF21 and transgenic mice over-expressing FGF21. We find that ketogenic diet fed mice remain fertile despite significant elevation in serum FGF21 levels. Absence of FGF21 does not alter transient infertility induced by fasting. Centrally infused FGF21 does not suppress fertility despite its efficacy in inducing browning of inguinal white adipose tissue. Furthermore, a high fat diet (HFD) can restore fertility of female FGF21-overexpressing mice, a model of growth restriction, even in the presence of supraphysiological serum FGF21 levels. We conclude that FGF21 is not a direct physiological regulator of fertility in mice. The infertility observed in FGF21 overexpressing mice is likely driven by the increased energy expenditure and consequent excess calorie requirements resulting from high FGF21 levels.

  6. FGF23 Deficiency Leads to Mixed Hearing Loss and Middle Ear Malformation in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Lysaght, Andrew C.; Yuan, Quan; Fan, Yi; Kalwani, Neil; Caruso, Paul; Cunnane, MaryBeth; Lanske, Beate; Stanković, Konstantina M.

    2014-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a circulating hormone important in phosphate homeostasis. Abnormal serum levels of FGF23 result in systemic pathologies in humans and mice, including renal phosphate wasting diseases and hyperphosphatemia. We sought to uncover the role FGF23 plays in the auditory system due to shared molecular mechanisms and genetic pathways between ear and kidney development, the critical roles multiple FGFs play in auditory development and the known hearing phenotype in mice deficient in klotho (KL), a critical co-factor for FGF23 signaling. Using functional assessments of hearing, we demonstrate that Fgf mice are profoundly deaf. Fgf mice have moderate hearing loss above 20 kHz, consistent with mixed conductive and sensorineural pathology of both middle and inner ear origin. Histology and high-voltage X-ray computed tomography of Fgf mice demonstrate dysplastic bulla and ossicles; Fgf mice have near-normal morphology. The cochleae of mutant mice appear nearly normal on gross and microscopic inspection. In wild type mice, FGF23 is ubiquitously expressed throughout the cochlea. Measurements from Fgf mice do not match the auditory phenotype of Kl −/− mice, suggesting that loss of FGF23 activity impacts the auditory system via mechanisms at least partially independent of KL. Given the extensive middle ear malformations and the overlap of initiation of FGF23 activity and Eustachian tube development, this work suggests a possible role for FGF23 in otitis media. PMID:25243481

  7. Iron and fibroblast growth factor 23 in X-linked hypophosphatemia

    PubMed Central

    Imel, Erik A.; Gray, Amie; Padgett, Leah; Econs, Michael J.

    2014-01-01

    Background Excess fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) causes hypophosphatemia in autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR) and X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). Iron status influences C-terminal FGF23 (incorporating fragments plus intact FGF23) in ADHR and healthy subjects, and intact FGF23 in ADHR. We hypothesized that in XLH serum iron would inversely correlate to C-terminal FGF23, but not to intact FGF23, mirroring the relationships in normal controls. Methods Subjects included 25 untreated outpatients with XLH at a tertiary medical center and 158 healthy adult controls. Serum iron and plasma intact FGF23 and C-terminal FGF23 were measured in stored samples. Results Intact FGF23 was greater than the control mean in 100% of XLH patients, and >2SD above the control mean in 88%, compared to 71% and 21% respectively for C-terminal FGF23. In XLH, iron correlated negatively to log-C-terminal FGF23 (r= −0.523, p<0.01), with a steeper slope than in controls (p<0.001). Iron was not related to log-intact FGF23 in either group. The log-ratio of intact FGF23 to C-terminal FGF23 was higher in XLH (0.00 ± 0.44) than controls (−0.28 ± 0.21, p<0.01), and correlated positively to serum iron (controls r= 0.276, p<0.001; XLH r= 0.428, p<0.05), with a steeper slope in XLH (p<0.01). Conclusion Like controls, serum iron in XLH is inversely related to C-terminal FGF23 but not intact FGF23. XLH patients are more likely to have elevated intact FGF23 than C-terminal FGF23. The relationships of iron to FGF23 in XLH suggest altered regulation of FGF23 cleaving may contribute to maintaining hypophosphatemia around an abnormal set-point. PMID:24325979

  8. Production of an aminoterminally truncated, stable type of bioactive mouse fibroblast growth factor 4 in Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Sugawara, Saiko; Ito, Toshihiko; Sato, Shiori; Sato, Yuki; Kasuga, Kano; Kojima, Ikuo; Kobayashi, Masayuki

    2014-05-01

    In mice, fibroblast growth factor 4 (Fgf4) is a crucial gene for the generation of trophectoderm, progenitor cells of the placenta. Therefore, exogenous FGF4 promotes the isolation and maintenance of trophoblast stem cells from preimplantation embryos. We previously produced a 6× histidine (His)-tagged, mouse FGF4 (Pro(31)-Leu(202)) without a secretory signal peptide at the amino-terminus, referred to as HismFGF4, in Escherichia coli. Here, we found that HismFGF4 was unstable, such as in phosphate-buffered saline. In these conditions, site-specific cleavage between Ser(50) and Leu(51) was identified. In order to generate stable mouse FGF4 derivatives, a 6× His-tagged mouse FGF4 (Leu(51)-Leu(202)), termed HismFGF4L, was expressed in E. coli. HismFGF4L could be purified from the supernatant of cell lysates by heparin column chromatography. In phosphate-buffered saline, HismFGF4L was relatively stable. HismFGF4L exerted significant mitogenic activities at concentrations as low as 0.01 nM (P < 0.01) in mouse embryonic fibroblast Balb/c 3T3 cells expressing FGF receptor 2. In the presence of PD173074, an FGF receptor inhibitor, the growth-promoting activity of HismFGF4L was abolished. Taken together, we suggest that aminoterminally truncated HismFGF4L is capable of promoting the proliferation of mouse-derived cells via an authentic FGF signaling pathway. We consider that HismFGF4L is useful as a derivative of mouse FGF4 protein for analyzing the effects of mouse FGF4 and for stimulating cell growth of mouse-derived cells, such as trophoblast stem cells. Our study provides a simple method for the production of a bioactive, stable mouse FGF4 derivative in E. coli. Copyright © 2013 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Preliminary results comparing the recovery of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) in adipose tissue and benign and malignant renal tissue.

    PubMed

    Mydlo, J H; Kral, J G; Macchia, R J

    1998-06-01

    Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF-2) is mitogenic to numerous epithelial, mesodermal and endothelial cells, and thus may play a role in the neovascularity and progression of several tumors. Furthermore, FGF-2 is reported to be elevated in the serum and urine of patients with various cancers, including renal cancer. Obesity, with increased body fat, is a risk factor for renal cancer through unknown mechanisms. Since adipose tissue is a source of FGF-2, we determined the quantity and quality of activity of FGF-2 in omental adipose tissue and compared it to normal and cancerous renal tissue. Using heparin-Sepharose chromatography we extracted proteins from human omental adipose tissue, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and benign renal tissue (BRT). Using FGF-2 antisera we performed western blot analysis to confirm their homology to FGF-2. We also assessed recovery, mitogenicity and angiogenicity of each of the proteins using thymidine incorporation into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Each of the three purified mitogenic proteins eluted with NaCl concentrations between 1.4 M. and 1.8 M., similar to control FGF-2. There was greater recovery of FGF-2 from omental adipose tissue compared with renal cell carcinoma or benign renal tissue (42 microg. vs. 24 microg. and 18 microg., respectively; ANOVA p <0.05). Moreover, FGF-2 from adipose tissue had greater mitogenic activity (96.% versus 68% and 38%; p <0.05) and greater angiogenic activity (5.5 vessels versus 2.7 and 1.6 vessels; p <0.05) on the CAM assay. We suggest that human omental adipose tissue FGF-2 may demonstrate greater mitogenic and angiogenic activity than either benign or cancerous renal tissue FGF-2. It is not known if FGF-2 from adipose tissue may play a role in the relationship between obesity and renal cancer.

  10. FGF2 High Molecular Weight Isoforms Contribute to Osteoarthropathy in Male Mice

    PubMed Central

    Meo Burt, Patience; Xiao, Liping; Dealy, Caroline; Fisher, Melanie C.

    2016-01-01

    Humans with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) and Hyp mice, the murine homolog of the disease, develop severe osteoarthropathy and the precise factors that contribute to this joint degeneration remain largely unknown. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a key regulatory growth factor in osteoarthritis. Although there are multiple FGF2 isoforms the potential involvement of specific FGF2 isoforms in joint degradation has not been investigated. Mice that overexpress the high molecular weight FGF2 isoforms in bone (HMWTg mice) phenocopy Hyp mice and XLH subjects and Hyp mice overexpress the HMWFGF2 isoforms in osteoblasts and osteocytes. Given that Hyp mice and XLH subjects develop osteoarthropathies we examined whether HMWTg mice also develop knee joint degeneration at 2, 8, and 18 mo compared with VectorTg (control) mice. HMWTg mice developed spontaneous osteoarthropathy as early as age 2 mo with thinning of subchondral bone, osteophyte formation, decreased articular cartilage thickness, abnormal mineralization within the joint, increased cartilage degradative enzymes, hypertrophic markers, and angiogenesis. FGF receptors 1 and 3 and fibroblast growth factor 23 were significantly altered compared with VectorTg mice. In addition, gene expression of growth factors and cytokines including bone morphogenetic proteins, Insulin like growth factor 1, Interleukin 1 beta, as well as transcription factors Sex determining region Y box 9, hypoxia inducible factor 1, and nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1 were differentially modulated in HMWTg compared with VectorTg. This study demonstrates that overexpression of the HMW isoforms of FGF2 in bone results in catabolic activity in joint cartilage and bone that leads to osteoarthropathy. PMID:27732085

  11. Fibroblast growth factor 2 restrains Ras-driven proliferation of malignant cells by triggering RhoA-mediated senescence.

    PubMed

    Costa, Erico T; Forti, Fábio L; Matos, Tatiana G F; Dermargos, Alexandre; Nakano, Fábio; Salotti, Jacqueline; Rocha, Kátia M; Asprino, Paula F; Yoshihara, Celina K; Koga, Marianna M; Armelin, Hugo A

    2008-08-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is considered to be a bona fide oncogenic factor, although results from our group and others call this into question. Here, we report that exogenous recombinant FGF2 irreversibly inhibits proliferation by inducing senescence in Ras-dependent malignant mouse cells, but not in immortalized nontumorigenic cell lines. We report the following findings in K-Ras-dependent malignant Y1 adrenocortical cells and H-Ras V12-transformed BALB-3T3 fibroblasts: (a) FGF2 inhibits clonal growth and tumor onset in nude and immunocompetent BALB/c mice, (b) FGF2 irreversibly blocks the cell cycle, and (c) FGF2 induces the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase with no accompanying signs of apoptosis or necrosis. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor PD173074 completely protected malignant cells from FGF2. In Y1 adrenal cells, reducing the constitutively high levels of K-Ras-GTP using the dominant-negative RasN17 mutant made cells resistant to FGF2 cytotoxicity. In addition, transfection of the dominant-negative RhoA-N19 into either Y1 or 3T3-B61 malignant cell lines yielded stable clonal transfectants that were unable to activate RhoA and were resistant to the FGF2 stress response. We conclude that in Ras-dependent malignant cells, FGF2 interacts with its cognate receptors to trigger a senescence-like process involving RhoA-GTP. Surprisingly, attempts to select FGF2-resistant cells from the Y1 and 3T3-B61 cell lines yielded only rare clones that (a) had lost the overexpressed ras oncogene, (b) were dependent on FGF2 for proliferation, and (c) were poorly tumorigenic. Thus, FGF2 exerted a strong negative selection that Ras-dependent malignant cells could rarely overcome.

  12. Erythropoietin induces bone marrow and plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 during acute kidney injury.

    PubMed

    Toro, Luis; Barrientos, Víctor; León, Pablo; Rojas, Macarena; Gonzalez, Magdalena; González-Ibáñez, Alvaro; Illanes, Sebastián; Sugikawa, Keigo; Abarzúa, Néstor; Bascuñán, César; Arcos, Katherine; Fuentealba, Carlos; Tong, Ana María; Elorza, Alvaro A; Pinto, María Eugenia; Alzamora, Rodrigo; Romero, Carlos; Michea, Luis

    2018-05-01

    It is accepted that osteoblasts/osteocytes are the major source for circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). However, erythropoietic cells of bone marrow also express FGF23. The modulation of FGF23 expression in bone marrow and potential contribution to circulating FGF23 has not been well studied. Moreover, recent studies show that plasma FGF23 may increase early during acute kidney injury (AKI). Erythropoietin, a kidney-derived hormone that targets erythropoietic cells, increases in AKI. Here we tested whether an acute increase of plasma erythropoietin induces FGF23 expression in erythropoietic cells of bone marrow thereby contributing to the increase of circulating FGF23 in AKI. We found that erythroid progenitor cells of bone marrow express FGF23. Erythropoietin increased FGF23 expression in vivo and in bone marrow cell cultures via the homodimeric erythropoietin receptor. In experimental AKI secondary to hemorrhagic shock or sepsis in rodents, there was a rapid increase of plasma erythropoietin, and an induction of bone marrow FGF23 expression together with a rapid increase of circulating FGF23. Blockade of the erythropoietin receptor fully prevented the induction of bone marrow FGF23 and partially suppressed the increase of circulating FGF23. Finally, there was an early increase of both circulating FGF23 and erythropoietin in a cohort of patients with severe sepsis who developed AKI within 48 hours of admission. Thus, increases in plasma erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor activation are mechanisms implicated in the increase of plasma FGF23 in AKI. Copyright © 2017 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Stem cells with FGF4-bFGF fused gene enhances the expression of bFGF and improves myocardial repair in rats

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chen, Xiang-Qi; Chen, Liang-Long, E-mail: xhzlyx@126.com; Fan, Lin

    Highlights: • BFGF exists only in the cytoplasm of live cells. • BFGF cannot be secreted into the extracellular space to promote cell growth. • We combine the secretion-promoting signal peptide of FGF4. • We successfully modified BMSCs with the fused genes of FGF4-bFGF. • We promoted the therapeutic effects of transplanted BMSCs in myocardial infarction. - Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the modification of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with the fused FGF4 (fibroblast growth factor 4)-bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) gene could improve the expression and secretion of BFGF, and increase themore » efficacies in repairing infarcted myocardium. We used In-Fusion technique to construct recombinant lentiviral vectors containing the individual gene of bFGF, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), or genes of FGF4-bFGF and EGFP, and then transfected these lentiviruses into rat BMSCs. We conducted an in vitro experiment to compare the secretion of bFGF in BMSCs infected by these lentiviruses and also examined their therapeutic effects in the treatment of myocardial infraction in a rodent study. Sixty rats were tested in the following five conditions: Group-SHAM received only sham operation as controls; Group-AMI received only injection of placebo PBS buffer; Group-BMSC, Group-bFGF and Group-FGF4-bFGF received implantation of BMSCs with empty lentivirus, bFGF lentivirus, and FGF4-bFGF lentivirus, respectively. Our results found out that the transplanted FGF4-bFGF BMSCs had the highest survival rate, and also the highest myocardial expression of bFGF and microvascular density as evidenced by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. As compared to other groups, the Group-FGF4-BFGF rats had the lowest myocardial fibrotic fraction, and the highest left ventricular ejection fraction. These results suggest that the modification of BMSCs with the FGF4-bFGF fused gene can not only increase the expression of bFGF but also improve its secretion. The FGF4-bFGF BMSCs thus can enhance the survival of the transplanted cells, diminish myocardial fibrosis, promote myocardial angiogenesis, and improve cardiac functions.« less

  14. Differential growth factor control of bone formation through osteoprogenitor differentiation.

    PubMed

    Chaudhary, L R; Hofmeister, A M; Hruska, K A

    2004-03-01

    The osteogenic factors bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-7), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) regulate the recruitment of osteoprogenitor cells and their proliferation and differentiation into mature osteoblasts. However, their mechanisms of action on osteoprogenitor cell growth, differentiation, and bone mineralization remain unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that these osteogenic agents were capable of regulating osteoblast differentiation and bone formation in vitro. Normal human bone marrow stromal (HBMS) cells were treated with BMP-7 (40 ng ml(-1)), PDGF-BB (20 ng ml(-1)), FGF-2 (20 ng ml(-1)), or FGF-2 plus BMP-7 for 28 days in a serum-containing medium with 10 mM beta-glycerophosphate and 50 microg ml(-1) ascorbic acid. BMP-7 stimulated a morphological change to cuboidal-shaped cells, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) activity, bone sialoprotein (BSP) gene expression, and alizarin red S positive nodule formation. Hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal deposition in the nodules was demonstrated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy only in BMP-7- and dexamethasone (DEX)-treated cells. DEX-treated cells appeared elongated and fibroblast-like compared to BMP-7-treated cells. FGF-2 did not stimulate ALKP, and cell morphology was dystrophic. PDGF-BB had little or no effect on ALKP activity and biomineralization. Alizarin Red S staining of cells and calcium assay indicated that BMP-7, DEX, and FGF-2 enhanced calcium mineral deposition, but FTIR spectroscopic analysis demonstrated no formation of HA similar to human bone in control, PDGF-BB-, and FGF-2-treated samples. Thus, FGF-2 stimulated amorphous octacalcium phosphate mineral deposition that failed to mature into HA. Interestingly, FGF-2 abrogated BMP-7-induced ALKP activity and HA formation. Results demonstrate that BMP-7 was competent as a sole factor in the differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells to bone-forming osteoblasts confirmed by FTIR examination of mineralized matrix. Other growth factors, PDGF, and FGF-2 were incompetent as sole factors, and FGF-2 inhibited BMP-7-stimulated osteoblast differentiation.

  15. Fibroblast Growth Factor 22 Is Not Essential for Skin Development and Repair but Plays a Role in Tumorigenesis

    PubMed Central

    Jarosz, Monika; Robbez-Masson, Luisa; Chioni, Athina-Myrto; Cross, Barbara; Rosewell, Ian; Grose, Richard

    2012-01-01

    Fibroblast Growth Factors play critical roles during development, tissue homeostasis and repair by controlling cell proliferation, survival, migration and differentiation. Of the 22 mammalian FGFs, FGF22, a member of the FGF7/10/22 subfamily, has been shown to have a clear role in synaptogenesis, but its roles in other tissues have not been studied. We have investigated the in vivo functions of FGF22 in mice. Fgf22 null animals were viable, fertile and did not display any obvious abnormalities. Despite the known expression profile of FGF22 in the skin, no differences in either skin or pelage were observed, demonstrating that FGF22 is dispensable during embryogenesis and in unchallenged adult skin. Mice lacking FGF22 were able to heal acute wounds just as efficiently as wild type mice. However, classical two-step skin carcinogenesis challenge revealed that FGF22 null mice developed fewer papillomas than wild type controls, suggesting a potential pro-oncogenic role for FGF22 in the skin. PMID:22737238

  16. Berberine-induced activation of AMPK increases hepatic FGF21 expression via NUR77.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Feiye; Bai, Mengyao; Zhang, Yuqing; Zhu, Qin; Zhang, Linlin; Zhang, Qi; Wang, Shushu; Zhu, Kecheng; Liu, Yun; Wang, Xiao; Zhou, Libin

    2018-01-08

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a hormone-like protein mainly derived from liver, exhibits multiple beneficial effect on energy metabolism. Similar to FGF21, berberine exerts anti-hyperglycemic and anti-dyslipidemic properties. Previous studies revealed that the beneficial metabolic effect of berberine was attributed to the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Here we investigated the effect of berberine on FGF21 expression in primary mouse hepatocytes. As expected, berberine induced hepatic FGF21 expression in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, along with the increased expression of NUR77, a proved transcription factor of FGF21. Berberine stimulated the phosphorylations of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in primary mouse hepatocytes. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of constitutively active AMPK triggered hepatic FGF21 and NUR77 expressions. The inhibition of AMPK by compound C abolished berberine-stimulated FGF21 and NUR77 expressions. These results suggest that berberine-induced activation of AMPK may contribute to hepatic FGF21 expression via NUR77. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Endothelial MMP14 is required for endothelial-dependent growth support of human airway basal cells

    PubMed Central

    Ding, Bi-Sen; Gomi, Kazunori; Rafii, Shahin; Crystal, Ronald G.; Walters, Matthew S.

    2015-01-01

    ABSTRACT Human airway basal cells are the stem (or progenitor) population of the airway epithelium, and play a central role in anchoring the epithelium to the basement membrane. The anatomic position of basal cells allows for potential paracrine signaling between them and the underlying non-epithelial stromal cells. In support of this, we have previously demonstrated that endothelial cells support growth of basal cells during co-culture through vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)-mediated signaling. Building on these findings, we found, by RNA sequencing analysis, that basal cells expressed multiple fibroblast growth factor (FGF) ligands (FGF2, FGF5, FGF11 and FGF13) and that only FGF2 and FGF5 were capable of functioning in a paracrine manner to activate classical FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling. Antibody-mediated blocking of FGFR1 during basal-cell–endothelial-cell co-culture significantly reduced the endothelial-cell-dependent basal cell growth. Stimulation of endothelial cells with basal-cell-derived growth factors induced endothelial cell expression of matrix metallopeptidase 14 (MMP14), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of endothelial cell MMP14 significantly reduced the endothelial-cell-dependent growth of basal cells. Overall, these data characterize a new growth-factor-mediated reciprocal ‘crosstalk’ between human airway basal cells and endothelial cells that regulates proliferation of basal cells. PMID:26116571

  18. Heparin affin regulatory peptide/pleiotrophin mediates fibroblast growth factor 2 stimulatory effects on human prostate cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Hatziapostolou, Maria; Polytarchou, Christos; Katsoris, Panagiotis; Courty, Jose; Papadimitriou, Evangelia

    2006-10-27

    Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a pleiotropic growth factor that has been implicated in prostate cancer formation and progression. In the present study we found that exogenous FGF2 significantly increased human prostate cancer LNCaP cell proliferation and migration. Heparin affin regulatory peptide (HARP) or pleiotrophin seems to be an important mediator of FGF2 stimulatory effects, since the latter had no effect on stably transfected LNCaP cells that did not express HARP. Moreover, FGF2, through FGF receptors (FGFRs), significantly induced HARP expression and secretion by LNCaP cells and increased luciferase activity of a reporter gene vector carrying the full-length promoter of HARP gene. Using a combination of Western blot analyses, as well as genetic and pharmacological inhibitors, we found that activation of FGFR by FGF2 in LNCaP cells leads to NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent hydrogen peroxide production, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38, activation of AP-1, increased expression and secretion of HARP, and, finally, increased cell proliferation and migration. These results establish the role and the mode of activity of FGF2 in LNCaP cells and support an interventional role of HARP in FGF2 effects, providing new insights on the interplay among growth factor pathways within prostate cancer cells.

  19. Fibroblast growth factor 21 attenuates hepatic fibrogenesis through TGF-β/smad2/3 and NF-κB signaling pathways

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Xu, Pengfei; Zhang, Yingjie; Liu, Yunye

    2016-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) is a secreted protein, which has anti-diabetic and lipocaic effects, but its ability to protect against hepatic fibrosis has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the ability of FGF-21 to attenuate dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced hepatic fibrogenesis in mice and the mechanism of its action. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by injection of DMN, FGF-21 was administered to the mice once daily in association with DMN injection till the end of the experiment. Histopathological examination, tissue 4-hydroxyproline content and expressions of smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA) and collagen I were measured to assess hepatic fibrosis. Ethanol/PDGF-BB-activated hepaticmore » stellate cells (HSCs) were used to understand the mechanisms of FGF-21 inhibited hepatic fibrogenesis. Results showed that FGF-21 treatment attenuated hepatic fibrogenesis and was associated with a significant decrease in intrahepatic fibrogenesis, 4-hydroxyproline accumulation, α-SMA expression and collagen I deposition. FGF-21 treatment inhibited the activation of HSCs via down-regulating the expression of TGF-β, NF-κB nuclear translocation, phosphorylation levels of smad2/3 and IκBα. Besides, FGF-21 treatment caused activated HSC apoptosis with increasing expression of Caspase-3, and decreased the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax. In conclusion, FGF-21 attenuates hepatic fibrogenesis and inhibits the activation of HSC warranting the use of FGF-21 as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. - Highlights: • Fibroblast growth factor 21 attenuates hepatic fibrogenesis. • Fibroblast growth factor 21 attenuates hepatic fibrogenesis via TGF-β/smad2/3 signaling pathways. • Fibroblast growth factor 21 attenuates hepatic fibrogenesis via NF-κB signaling pathways.« less

  20. Fibroblast growth factor-2 up-regulates the expression of nestin through the Ras–Raf–ERK–Sp1 signaling axis in C6 glioma cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chang, Kai-Wei; Huang, Yuan-Li; Wong, Zong-Ruei

    Highlights: •Nestin expression in C6 glioma cells is induced by FGF-2. •Nestin expression is induced by FGF-2 via de novo RNA and protein synthesis. •The FGFR inhibitor SU5402 blocks the FGF-2-induced nestin expression. •The mRNA of FGFR1 and 3 are detected in C6 glioma cells. •Ras–Raf–ERK–Sp1 signaling pathway is responsibe for FGF-2-induced nestin expression. -- Abstract: Nestin is a 240-kDa intermediate filament protein expressed mainly in neural and myogenic stem cells. Although a substantial number of studies have focused on the expression of nestin during development of the central nervous system, little is known about the factors that induce andmore » regulate its expression. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is an effective mitogen and stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of a subset of nestin-expressing cells, including neural progenitor cells, glial precursor cells, and smooth muscle cells. To assess whether FGF-2 is a potent factor that induces the expression of nestin, C6 glioma cells were used. The results showed that nestin expression was up-regulated by FGF-2 via de novo RNA and protein synthesis. Our RT-PCR results showed that C6 glioma cells express FGFR1/3, and FGFRs is required for FGF-2-induced nestin expression. Further signaling analysis also revealed that FGF-2-induced nestin expression is mediated through FGFR–MAPK–ERK signaling axis and the transcriptional factor Sp1. These findings provide new insight into the regulation of nestin in glial system and enable the further studies on the function of nestin in glial cells.« less

  1. Low Endogenous Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Levels Are Associated With Heightened Conditioned Fear Expression in Rats and Humans.

    PubMed

    Graham, Bronwyn M; Zagic, Dino; Richardson, Rick

    2017-10-15

    Hippocampal concentrations of the neurotrophic factor fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) are negatively associated with the expression of fear following conditioning in rats. Heightened conditioned fear expression may be a prospective risk factor for the development of human anxiety and trauma disorders. However, the relationship between conditioned fear expression and FGF2 is yet to be established in humans. Using a cross-species approach, we first investigated the relationship between serum concentrations of FGF2 and individual differences in conditioned fear expression in rats (n = 19). We then subjected 88 human participants, who were recruited from university and community advertisements, to a differential fear conditioning procedure and assessed the relationship between salivary concentrations of FGF2 and fear expression to a conditioned stimulus (CS) (a stimulus paired with a shock) and a CS that was never paired with shock. Rats with low serum levels of FGF2 exhibited significantly more freezing than rats with high serum levels of FGF2. Similarly, relative to those with high salivary FGF2, human participants with low salivary FGF2 exhibited significantly heightened skin conductance responses to the CS without shock during fear conditioning and to both the CS with shock and CS without shock during fear recall. These studies establish that peripheral markers of FGF2 concentrations are negatively associated with fear expression in both rats and humans. To the extent that conditioned fear expression predicts anxiety and trauma disorder vulnerability, FGF2 may be a clinically useful biomarker in the prediction and eventual prevention of these disorders. Copyright © 2017 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Fibroblast growth factor-2 expression in the preimplantation equine conceptus and endometrium of pregnant and cyclic mares.

    PubMed

    de Ruijter-Villani, Marta; van Boxtel, Paula R M; Stout, Tom A E

    2013-12-01

    Uterine-derived growth factors and cytokines play essential roles in regulating preimplantation conceptus development. In several species, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) promotes embryogenesis, trophoblast cell migration, and adhesion. This study investigated mRNA expression for FGF2, its receptors (FGFR1-4), the activating factor FGF binding protein (FGF-BP) in equine endometrium and trophectoderm during early pregnancy and the estrous cycle, and localized FGF2 protein in both endometrium and conceptus tissues. FGF2, FGFRs1-4, and FGFBP mRNAs were expressed in endometrium throughout the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, and in days 14 to 28 conceptus membranes. FGF2 transcription was higher during estrus than on days 7 or 14 of diestrus, suggesting estrogen dependency. Endometrial expression of FGF2 mRNA and protein increased as pregnancy progressed from days 21 and day 28; FGF2 protein was localized predominantly in the luminal and glandular epithelium. FGF2 mRNA was detectable in trophectoderm from as early as day 14, and transcription and translation increased in day 21 and 28 allantochorion. FGF2 protein was localized mainly in the trophectoderm up to day 21 but was present in both trophectoderm and endoderm of day 28 allantochorion. FGFR1 mRNA was down-regulated in the endometrium at day 7 of diestrus but increased again by day 14. Gene expression for all of the FGFR2 splice variants, including FGFR2IIIc, was up-regulated during estrus. During early pregnancy, endometrial FGFR1 expression decreased, whereas FGFR2IIIc expression did not change. Conceptus mRNA expression for all FGFRs increased as pregnancy progressed. FGFBP expression remained unchanged in endometrium, but increased in the conceptus between days 14 and 28, suggesting a role in regulating FGF2 activity in the developing conceptus. We conclude that during weeks 3 and 4 of pregnancy, the equine endometrial epithelium produces FGF2, which may play a role in trophoblast development and adhesion. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. The roles of the FGF signal in zebrafish embryos analyzed using constitutive activation and dominant-negative suppression of different FGF receptors.

    PubMed

    Ota, Satoshi; Tonou-Fujimori, Noriko; Yamasu, Kyo

    2009-01-01

    The roles of the FGF family growth factors and their receptors (FGFRs) in zebrafish embryos were examined using variously modified versions of the four FGFR genes (fgfr1-4). Constitutively active forms of all of the examined FGFRs (ca-FGFRs) caused dorsalization, brain caudalization, and secondary axis formation, indicating that the main FGF signal transduction downstream of the receptor is highly similar among FGFRs. All of the membrane-bound type of dominant-negative FGFRs (mdn-FGFRs) derived from the four fgfr genes, which interfere with endogenous FGFRs, produced posterior truncation, as previously reported in both Xenopus and zebrafish. mdn-FGFR3c had the strongest effects on embryos, progressively disrupting the posterior structure as the dose increased. At the highest dose, only the forebrain was formed. At lower doses, mdn-FGFR3c mainly suppressed the paraxial mesoderm. The co-injection of mRNA for different mdn-FGFRs and FGFs resulted in diverse suppression spectra of the respective FGFRs against FGFs. Only mdn-FGFR3c severely suppressed all of the FGFs examined. We also examined the effects of the secretory type of dominant-negative FGFRs (sdn-FGFRs), which are released from cells and trap FGF ligands. Only sdn-FGFR3c resulted in the characteristic effect of selectively disrupting the isthmic development, as well as the tailbud. The co-injection of the mRNA for sdn-FGFRs and FGFs suggested that sdn-FGFR3c inhibits FGFs of the FGF8 subfamily, which is consistent with its specific effects on development. We discuss the implications of our findings obtained in the present study.

  4. Transgenic mice expressing human fibroblast growth factor-19 display increased metabolic rate and decreased adiposity.

    PubMed

    Tomlinson, Elizabeth; Fu, Ling; John, Linu; Hultgren, Bruce; Huang, Xiaojian; Renz, Mark; Stephan, Jean Philippe; Tsai, Saio Ping; Powell-Braxton, Lyn; French, Dorothy; Stewart, Timothy A

    2002-05-01

    The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), and the corresponding receptors, are implicated in more than just the regulation of epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Specifically, FGF23 is a regulator of serum inorganic phosphate levels, and mice deficient in FGF receptor-4 have altered cholesterol metabolism. The recently described FGF19 is unusual in that it is nonmitogenic and appears to interact only with FGF receptor-4. Here, we report that FGF19 transgenic mice had a significant and specific reduction in fat mass that resulted from an increase in energy expenditure. Further, the FGF19 transgenic mice did not become obese or diabetic on a high fat diet. The FGF19 transgenic mice had increased brown adipose tissue mass and decreased liver expression of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 2, providing two mechanisms by which FGF19 may increase energy expenditure. Consistent with the reduction in expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase 2, liver triglyceride levels were reduced.

  5. Single ingestion of soy β-conglycinin induces increased postprandial circulating FGF21 levels exerting beneficial health effects.

    PubMed

    Hashidume, Tsutomu; Kato, Asuka; Tanaka, Tomohiro; Miyoshi, Shoko; Itoh, Nobuyuki; Nakata, Rieko; Inoue, Hiroyasu; Oikawa, Akira; Nakai, Yuji; Shimizu, Makoto; Inoue, Jun; Sato, Ryuichiro

    2016-06-17

    Soy protein β-conglycinin has serum lipid-lowering and anti-obesity effects. We showed that single ingestion of β-conglycinin after fasting alters gene expression in mouse liver. A sharp increase in fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) gene expression, which is depressed by normal feeding, resulted in increased postprandial circulating FGF21 levels along with a significant decrease in adipose tissue weights. Most increases in gene expressions, including FGF21, were targets for the activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), but not for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. Overexpression of a dominant-negative form of ATF4 significantly reduced β-conglycinin-induced increases in hepatic FGF21 gene expression. In FGF21-deficient mice, β-conglycinin effects were partially abolished. Methionine supplementation to the diet or primary hepatocyte culture medium demonstrated its importance for activating liver or hepatocyte ATF4-FGF21 signaling. Thus, dietary β-conglycinin intake can impact hepatic and systemic metabolism by increasing the postprandial circulating FGF21 levels.

  6. FGF1 protects neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells from p53-dependent apoptosis through an intracrine pathway regulated by FGF1 phosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Pirou, Caroline; Montazer-Torbati, Fatemeh; Jah, Nadège; Delmas, Elisabeth; Lasbleiz, Christelle; Mignotte, Bernard; Renaud, Flore

    2017-01-01

    Neuroblastoma, a sympathetic nervous system tumor, accounts for 15% of cancer deaths in children. In contrast to most human tumors, p53 is rarely mutated in human primary neuroblastoma, suggesting impaired p53 activation in neuroblastoma. Various studies have shown correlations between fgf1 expression levels and both prognosis severity and tumor chemoresistance. As we previously showed that fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) inhibited p53-dependent apoptosis in neuron-like PC12 cells, we initiated the study of the interaction between the FGF1 and p53 pathways in neuroblastoma. We focused on the activity of either extracellular FGF1 by adding recombinant rFGF1 in media, or of intracellular FGF1 by overexpression in human SH-SY5Y and mouse N2a neuroblastoma cell lines. In both cell lines, the genotoxic drug etoposide induced a classical mitochondrial p53-dependent apoptosis. FGF1 was able to inhibit p53-dependent apoptosis upstream of mitochondrial events in SH-SY5Y cells by both extracellular and intracellular pathways. Both rFGF1 addition and etoposide treatment increased fgf1 expression in SH-SY5Y cells. Conversely, rFGF1 or overexpressed FGF1 had no effect on p53-dependent apoptosis and fgf1 expression in neuroblastoma N2a cells. Using different FGF1 mutants (that is, FGF1K132E, FGF1S130A and FGF1S130D), we further showed that the C-terminal domain and phosphorylation of FGF1 regulate its intracrine anti-apoptotic activity in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. This study provides the first evidence for a role of an intracrine growth factor pathway on p53-dependent apoptosis in neuroblastoma, and could lead to the identification of key regulators involved in neuroblastoma tumor progression and chemoresistance. PMID:29048426

  7. A low-protein diet induces body weight loss and browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue through enhanced expression of hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21).

    PubMed

    Pérez-Martí, Albert; Garcia-Guasch, Maite; Tresserra-Rimbau, Anna; Carrilho-Do-Rosário, Alexandra; Estruch, Ramon; Salas-Salvadó, Jordi; Martínez-González, Miguel Ángel; Lamuela-Raventós, Rosa; Marrero, Pedro F; Haro, Diego; Relat, Joana

    2017-08-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is considered a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of obesity. Since FGF21 production is regulated by various nutritional factors, we analyze the impact of low protein intake on circulating levels of this growth hormone in mice and in a sub cohort of the PREDIMED (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea) trial. We also describe the role of hepatic FGF21 in metabolic adaptation to a low-protein diet (LPD). We fed control and liver-specific Fgf21 knockout (LFgf21KO) mice a LPD. This diet increased FGF21 production by inducing its overexpression in liver, and this correlated with a body weight decrease without changes in food intake. The LPD also caused FGF21-dependent browning in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT), as indicated by an increase in the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). In a subgroup of 78 individuals from the PREDIMED trial, we observed an inverse correlation between protein intake and circulating FGF21 levels. Our results reinforce the involvement of FGF21 in coordinating energy homeostasis under a range of nutritional conditions. Moreover, here we describe an approach to increase the endogenous production of FGF21, which if demonstrated functional in humans, could generate a treatment for obesity. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  8. Efficient delivery to human lung fibroblasts (WI-38) of pirfenidone incorporated into liposomes modified with truncated basic fibroblast growth factor and its inhibitory effect on collagen synthesis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Togami, Kohei; Miyao, Aki; Miyakoshi, Kei; Kanehira, Yukimune; Tada, Hitoshi; Chono, Sumio

    2015-01-01

    In the present in vitro study, we assessed the delivery of pirfenidone incorporated into liposomes modified with truncated basic fibroblast growth factor (tbFGF) to lung fibroblasts and investigated the anti-fibrotic effect of the drug. The tbFGF peptide, KRTGQYKLC, was used to modify the surface of liposomes (tbFGF-liposomes). We used the thin-layer evaporation method, followed by sonication, to prepare tbFGF-liposomes containing pirfenidone. The cellular accumulation of tbFGF-liposomes was 1.7-fold greater than that of non-modified liposomes in WI-38 cells used as a model of lung fibroblasts. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that tbFGF-liposomes were widely localized in WI-38 cells. The inhibitory effects of pirfenidone incorporated into tbFGF-liposomes on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced collagen synthesis in WI-38 cells were evaluated by measuring the level of intracellular hydroxyproline, a major component of the protein collagen. Pirfenidone incorporated into tbFGF-liposomes at concentrations of 10, 30, and 100 µM significantly decreased the TGF-β1-induced hydroxyproline content in WI-38 cells. The anti-fibrotic effect of pirfenidone incorporated into tbFGF-liposomes was enhanced compared with that of pirfenidone solution. These results indicate that tbFGF-liposomes are a useful drug delivery system of anti-fibrotic drugs to lung fibroblasts for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

  9. Dual Delivery of bFGF- and NGF-Binding Coacervate Confers Neuroprotection by Promoting Neuronal Proliferation.

    PubMed

    Wu, Yanqing; Wang, Zhouguang; Cai, Pingtao; Jiang, Ting; Li, Yiyang; Yuan, Yuan; Li, Rui; Khor, Sinan; Lu, Yingfeng; Wang, Jian; Chen, Daqing; Zeng, Qiqiang; Zhong, Ruisheng; Zhang, Hongyu; Lin, Yuan; Li, Xiaokun; Xiao, Jian

    2018-06-12

    Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are essential for proper development, survival, growth, and maintenance of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, because bFGF and NGF have short half-life and rapid diffusion rate, they have limited clinical efficacy. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop an effective delivery system to protect bFGF and NGF from proteolysis while maintaining their normal bioactivities. To more efficiently deliver bFGF and NGF, we used a coacervate (synthesized with heparin and a biodegradable polycation at mass ratio of 500: 100). The maximal package loads of GFs in coacervate were determined by Western Blotting; release efficiency of bFGF and NGF was measured by ELISA. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of bFGF and NGF on the viability, survival, and proliferation of neurons by MTT assay, BrdU cell proliferation, and calcein staining. Our coacervate incorporated bFGF and NGF and continuously released them for at least three weeks. This enhanced the growth and proliferation of PC12 cells and SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, co-delivery of bFGF and NGF using coacervate was more neuroprotective than free application of both factors or coacervate delivery of each GF separately. Dual delivery of bFGF and NGF binding coacervate was neuroprotective via stimulating the growth and proliferation of neurons. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

  10. Plasma FGF21 concentrations, adipose fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 and β-klotho expression decrease with fasting in northern elephant seals.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Miwa; Lee, Andrew Y; Vázquez-Medina, José Pablo; Viscarra, Jose A; Crocker, Daniel E; Ortiz, Rudy M

    2015-05-15

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 is secreted from the liver, pancreas, and adipose in response to prolonged fasting/starvation to facilitate lipid and glucose metabolism. Northern elephant seals naturally fast for several months, maintaining a relatively elevated metabolic rate to satisfy their energetic requirements. Thus, to better understand the impact of prolonged food deprivation on FGF21-associated changes, we analyzed the expression of FGF21, FGF receptor-1 (FGFR1), β-klotho (KLB; a co-activator of FGFR) in adipose, and plasma FGF21, glucose and 3-hydroxybutyrate in fasted elephant seal pups. Expression of FGFR1 and KLB mRNA decreased 98% and 43%, respectively, with fasting duration. While the 80% decrease in mean adipose FGF21 mRNA expression with fasting did not reach statistical significance, it paralleled the 39% decrease in plasma FGF21 concentrations suggesting that FGF21 is suppressed with fasting in elephant seals. Data demonstrate an atypical response of FGF21 to prolonged fasting in a mammal suggesting that FGF21-mediated mechanisms have evolved differentially in elephant seals. Furthermore, the typical fasting-induced, FGF21-mediated actions such as the inhibition of lipolysis in adipose may not be required in elephant seals as part of a naturally adapted mechanism to support their unique metabolic demands during prolonged fasting. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Plasma FGF21 Concentrations, Adipose Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-1 and β-Klotho Expression Decrease with Fasting in Northern Elephant Seals

    PubMed Central

    Suzuki, Miwa; Lee, Andrew; Vázquez-Medina, Jose Pablo; Viscarra, Jose A.; Crocker, Daniel E.; Ortiz, Rudy M.

    2015-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 is secreted from the liver, pancreas, and adipose in response to prolonged fasting/starvation to facilitate lipid and glucose metabolism. Northern elephant seals naturally fast for several months, maintaining a relatively elevated metabolic rate to satisfy their energetic requirements. Thus, to better understand the impact of prolonged food deprivation on FGF21-associated changes, we analyzed the expression of FGF21, FGF receptor-1 (FGFR1), β-klotho (KLB; a co-activator of FGFR) in adipose, and plasma FGF21, glucose and 3-hydroxybutyrate in fasted elephant seal pups. Expression of FGFR1 and KLB mRNA decreased 98% and 43%, respectively, with fasting duration. While the 80% decrease in mean adipose FGF21 mRNA expression with fasting did not reach statistical significance, it paralleled the 39% decrease in plasma FGF21 concentrations suggesting that FGF21 is suppressed with fasting in elephant seals. Data demonstrate an atypical response of FGF21 to prolonged fasting in a mammal suggesting that FGF21-mediated mechanisms have evolved differentially in elephant seals. Furthermore, the typical fasting-induced, FGF21-mediated actions such as the inhibition of lipolysis in adipose may not be required in elephant seals as part of a naturally adapted mechanism to support their unique metabolic demands during prolonged fasting. PMID:25857751

  12. High Molecular Weight Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 in the Human Heart Is a Potential Target for Prevention of Cardiac Remodeling

    PubMed Central

    Santiago, Jon-Jon; McNaughton, Leslie J.; Koleini, Navid; Ma, Xin; Bestvater, Brian; Nickel, Barbara E.; Fandrich, Robert R.; Wigle, Jeffrey T.; Freed, Darren H.; Arora, Rakesh C.; Kardami, Elissavet

    2014-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is a multifunctional protein synthesized as high (Hi-) and low (Lo-) molecular weight isoforms. Studies using rodent models showed that Hi- and Lo-FGF-2 exert distinct biological activities: after myocardial infarction, rat Lo-FGF-2, but not Hi-FGF-2, promoted sustained cardioprotection and angiogenesis, while Hi-FGF-2, but not Lo-FGF-2, promoted myocardial hypertrophy and reduced contractile function. Because there is no information regarding Hi-FGF-2 in human myocardium, we undertook to investigate expression, regulation, secretion and potential tissue remodeling-associated activities of human cardiac (atrial) Hi-FGF-2. Human patient-derived atrial tissue extracts, as well as pericardial fluid, contained Hi-FGF-2 isoforms, comprising, respectively, 53%(±20 SD) and 68% (±25 SD) of total FGF-2, assessed by western blotting. Human atrial tissue-derived primary myofibroblasts (hMFs) expressed and secreted predominantly Hi-FGF-2, at about 80% of total. Angiotensin II (Ang II) up-regulated Hi-FGF-2 in hMFs, via activation of both type 1 and type 2 Ang II receptors; the ERK pathway; and matrix metalloprotease-2. Treatment of hMFs with neutralizing antibodies selective for human Hi-FGF-2 (neu-AbHi-FGF-2) reduced accumulation of proteins associated with fibroblast-to-myofibroblast conversion and fibrosis, including α-smooth muscle actin, extra-domain A fibronectin, and procollagen. Stimulation of hMFs with recombinant human Hi-FGF-2 was significantly more potent than Lo-FGF-2 in upregulating inflammation-associated proteins such as pro-interleukin-1β and plasminogen-activator-inhibitor-1. Culture media conditioned by hMFs promoted cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, an effect that was prevented by neu-AbHi-FGF-2 in vitro. In conclusion, we have documented that Hi-FGF-2 represents a substantial fraction of FGF-2 in human cardiac (atrial) tissue and in pericardial fluid, and have shown that human Hi-FGF-2, unlike Lo-FGF-2, promotes deleterious (pro-fibrotic, pro-inflammatory, and pro-hypertrophic) responses in vitro. Selective targeting of Hi-FGF-2 production may, therefore, reduce pathological remodelling in the human heart. PMID:24827991

  13. High molecular weight fibroblast growth factor-2 in the human heart is a potential target for prevention of cardiac remodeling.

    PubMed

    Santiago, Jon-Jon; McNaughton, Leslie J; Koleini, Navid; Ma, Xin; Bestvater, Brian; Nickel, Barbara E; Fandrich, Robert R; Wigle, Jeffrey T; Freed, Darren H; Arora, Rakesh C; Kardami, Elissavet

    2014-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is a multifunctional protein synthesized as high (Hi-) and low (Lo-) molecular weight isoforms. Studies using rodent models showed that Hi- and Lo-FGF-2 exert distinct biological activities: after myocardial infarction, rat Lo-FGF-2, but not Hi-FGF-2, promoted sustained cardioprotection and angiogenesis, while Hi-FGF-2, but not Lo-FGF-2, promoted myocardial hypertrophy and reduced contractile function. Because there is no information regarding Hi-FGF-2 in human myocardium, we undertook to investigate expression, regulation, secretion and potential tissue remodeling-associated activities of human cardiac (atrial) Hi-FGF-2. Human patient-derived atrial tissue extracts, as well as pericardial fluid, contained Hi-FGF-2 isoforms, comprising, respectively, 53%(±20 SD) and 68% (±25 SD) of total FGF-2, assessed by western blotting. Human atrial tissue-derived primary myofibroblasts (hMFs) expressed and secreted predominantly Hi-FGF-2, at about 80% of total. Angiotensin II (Ang II) up-regulated Hi-FGF-2 in hMFs, via activation of both type 1 and type 2 Ang II receptors; the ERK pathway; and matrix metalloprotease-2. Treatment of hMFs with neutralizing antibodies selective for human Hi-FGF-2 (neu-AbHi-FGF-2) reduced accumulation of proteins associated with fibroblast-to-myofibroblast conversion and fibrosis, including α-smooth muscle actin, extra-domain A fibronectin, and procollagen. Stimulation of hMFs with recombinant human Hi-FGF-2 was significantly more potent than Lo-FGF-2 in upregulating inflammation-associated proteins such as pro-interleukin-1β and plasminogen-activator-inhibitor-1. Culture media conditioned by hMFs promoted cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, an effect that was prevented by neu-AbHi-FGF-2 in vitro. In conclusion, we have documented that Hi-FGF-2 represents a substantial fraction of FGF-2 in human cardiac (atrial) tissue and in pericardial fluid, and have shown that human Hi-FGF-2, unlike Lo-FGF-2, promotes deleterious (pro-fibrotic, pro-inflammatory, and pro-hypertrophic) responses in vitro. Selective targeting of Hi-FGF-2 production may, therefore, reduce pathological remodelling in the human heart.

  14. Effects of enamel matrix derivative and basic fibroblast growth factor with μ-tricalcium phosphate on periodontal regeneration in one-wall intrabony defects: an experimental study in dogs.

    PubMed

    Shirakata, Yoshinori; Takeuchi, Naoshi; Yoshimoto, Takehiko; Taniyama, Katsuyoshi; Noguchi, Kazuyuki

    2013-01-01

    This study evaluated the effects of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) with μ-tricalcium phosphate (μ-TCP) on periodontal healing in intrabony defects in dogs. One-wall intrabony defects created in dogs were treated with μ-TCP alone (μ-TCP), EMD with μ-TCP (EMD/μ-TCP), bFGF with μ-TCP (bFGF/μ-TCP), and a combination of each (EMD/bFGF/μ-TCP). The amount of new bone formation was not significant for any group. The EMD/bFGF/μ-TCP group induced significantly greater new cementum formation than the μ-TCP and bFGF/μ-TCP groups and, although not significantly, formed more new cementum than the EMD/μ-TCP group. These findings indicate that EMD/bFGF/μ-TCP treatment is effective for cementum regeneration.

  15. Regulation of bile acid homeostasis by the intestinal Diet1–FGF15/19 axis

    PubMed Central

    Reue, Karen; Lee, Jessica M.; Vergnes, Laurent

    2015-01-01

    Purpose of review Hepatic bile acid synthesis is controlled, in part, by a complex enterohepatic feedback regulatory mechanism. In this review, we focus on the role of the intestinal FGF15/19 hormone in modulating bile acid levels, and additional metabolic effects on glucose metabolism, non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD), and liver regeneration. We also highlight the newly identified intestinal protein, Diet1, which is a modulator of FGF15/19 levels. Recent findings Low FGF19 levels are associated with bile acid diarrhea and NAFLD. In contrast, high FGF19 levels are associated with diabetes remission following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, suggesting new therapeutic approaches against type 2 diabetes. The effect of FGF15/19 on liver plasticity is a double-edged sword: whereas elevated FGF15/19 levels improve survival of mice after partial hepatectomy, FGF19 mitogenic activity is associated with liver carcinoma. Finally, a recent study has identified Diet1, an intestinal factor that influences FGF15/19 levels in mouse intestine and human enterocytes. Diet1 represents the first factor shown to influence FGF15/19 levels at a post-transcriptional level. Summary The biological effects of FGF15/19 make it an attractive target for treating metabolic dysregulation underlying conditions such as fatty liver and type 2 diabetes. Further elucidation of the role of Diet1 in FGF15/19 secretion may provide a control point for pharmacological modulation of FGF15/19 levels. PMID:24535283

  16. Combined use of bFGF and GDF-5 enhances the healing of medial collateral ligament injury

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Saiga, Kenta; Furumatsu, Takayuki, E-mail: matino@md.okayama-u.ac.jp; Yoshida, Aki

    Research highlights: {yields} bFGF/GDF-5 treatment increases cellular proliferation and migration of MCL fibroblasts. {yields} bFGF/GDF-5 hydrogels stimulate the healing of MCL injury in vivo. {yields} bFGF/GDF-5 hydrogels stimulate Col1a1 expression and type I collagen synthesis. {yields} Combined use of bFGF/GDF-5 enhances MCL healing. -- Abstract: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and growth and differentiation factor (GDF)-5 stimulate the healing of medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. However, the effect of isolated and combined use of bFGF/GDF-5 remains still unclear. We investigated cellular proliferation and migration responding to bFGF/GDF-5 using rabbit MCL fibroblasts. Rabbit MCL injury was treated by bFGF and/or GDF-5more » with peptide hydrogels. Gene expression and deposition of collagens in healing tissues were evaluated. bFGF/GDF-5 treatment additively enhanced cell proliferation and migration. bFGF/GDF-5 hydrogels stimulated Col1a1 expression without increasing Col3a1 expression. Combined use of bFGF/GDF-5 stimulated type I collagen deposition and the reorganization of fiber alignment, and induced better morphology of fibroblasts in healing MCLs. Our study indicates that combined use of bFGF/GDF-5 might enhance MCL healing by increasing proliferation and migration of MCL fibroblasts, and by regulating collagen synthesis and connective fiber alignment.« less

  17. Association between circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 and mortality in end-stage renal disease.

    PubMed

    Kohara, Marina; Masuda, Takahiro; Shiizaki, Kazuhiro; Akimoto, Tetsu; Watanabe, Yuko; Honma, Sumiko; Sekiguchi, Chuji; Miyazawa, Yasuharu; Kusano, Eiji; Kanda, Yoshinobu; Asano, Yasushi; Kuro-O, Makoto; Nagata, Daisuke

    2017-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine factor that regulates glucose and lipid metabolism. Circulating FGF21 predicts cardiovascular events and mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus, including early-stage chronic kidney disease, but its impact on clinical outcomes in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients remains unclear. This study enrolled 90 ESRD patients receiving chronic hemodialysis who were categorized into low- and high-FGF21 groups by the median value. We investigated the association between circulating FGF21 levels and the cardiovascular event and mortality during a median follow-up period of 64 months. A Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the mortality rate was significantly higher in the high-FGF21 group than in the low-FGF21 group (28.3% vs. 9.1%, log-rank, P = 0.034), while the rate of cardiovascular events did not significantly differ between the two groups (30.4% vs. 22.7%, log-rank, P = 0.312). In multivariable Cox models adjusted a high FGF21 level was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 3.98; 95% confidence interval: 1.39-14.27, P = 0.009). Higher circulating FGF21 levels were associated with a high mortality rate, but not cardiovascular events in patient with ESRD, suggesting that circulating FGF21 levels serve as a predictive marker for mortality in these subjects.

  18. Paradoxical Regulation of Human FGF21 by Both Fasting and Feeding Signals: Is FGF21 a Nutritional Adaptation Factor?

    PubMed Central

    Uebanso, Takashi; Taketani, Yutaka; Yamamoto, Hironori; Amo, Kikuko; Ominami, Hirokazu; Arai, Hidekazu; Takei, Yuichiro; Masuda, Masashi; Tanimura, Ayako; Harada, Nagakatsu; Yamanaka-Okumura, Hisami; Takeda, Eiji

    2011-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has recently emerged as a metabolic hormone involved in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism in mouse, but the regulatory mechanisms and actions of FGF21 in humans remain unclear. Here we have investigated the regulatory mechanisms of the human FGF21 gene at the transcriptional level. A deletion study of the human FGF21 promoter (−1672 to +230 bp) revealed two fasting signals, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and glucagon signals, that independently induced human FGF21 gene transcription in mouse primary hepatocytes. In addition, two feeding signals, glucose and xylitol, also dose-dependently induced human FGF21 gene transcription and mRNA expression in both human HepG2 cells and mouse primary hepatocytes. FGF21 protein expression and secretion were also induced by high glucose stimulation. The human FGF21 promoter (−1672 to +230 bp) was found to have a carbohydrate-responsive element at −380 to −366 bp, which is distinct from the PPAR response element (PPRE). Knock-down of the carbohydrate response element binding protein by RNAi diminished glucose-induced human FGF21 transcription. Moreover, we found that a region from −555 to −443 bp of the human FGF21 promoter region exerts an important role in the activation of basic transcription. In conclusion, human FGF21 gene expression is paradoxically and independently regulated by both fasting and feeding signals. These regulatory mechanisms suggest that human FGF21 is increased with nutritional crisis, including starvation and overfeeding. PMID:21829679

  19. Signaling by Fibroblast Growth Factors (Fgf) and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (Fgfr2)–Activating Mutations Blocks Mineralization and Induces Apoptosis in Osteoblasts

    PubMed Central

    Mansukhani, Alka; Bellosta, Paola; Sahni, Malika; Basilico, Claudio

    2000-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) play a critical role in bone growth and development affecting both chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. During the process of intramembranous ossification, which leads to the formation of the flat bones of the skull, unregulated FGF signaling can produce premature suture closure or craniosynostosis and other craniofacial deformities. Indeed, many human craniosynostosis disorders have been linked to activating mutations in FGF receptors (FGFR) 1 and 2, but the precise effects of FGF on the proliferation, maturation and differentiation of the target osteoblastic cells are still unclear. In this report, we studied the effects of FGF treatment on primary murine calvarial osteoblast, and on OB1, a newly established osteoblastic cell line. We show that FGF signaling has a dual effect on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. FGFs activate the endogenous FGFRs leading to the formation of a Grb2/FRS2/Shp2 complex and activation of MAP kinase. However, immature osteoblasts respond to FGF treatment with increased proliferation, whereas in differentiating cells FGF does not induce DNA synthesis but causes apoptosis. When either primary or OB1 osteoblasts are induced to differentiate, FGF signaling inhibits expression of alkaline phosphatase, and blocks mineralization. To study the effect of craniosynostosis-linked mutations in osteoblasts, we introduced FGFR2 carrying either the C342Y (Crouzon syndrome) or the S252W (Apert syndrome) mutation in OB1 cells. Both mutations inhibited differentiation, while dramatically inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, we could also show that overexpression of FGF2 in transgenic mice leads to increased apoptosis in their calvaria. These data provide the first biochemical analysis of FGF signaling in osteoblasts, and show that FGF can act as a cell death inducer with distinct effects in proliferating and differentiating osteoblasts. PMID:10851026

  20. A pro-angiogenic degradable Mg-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) implant combined with rhbFGF in a rat limb ischemia model.

    PubMed

    Bao, Hanmei; Lv, Feng; Liu, Tianjun

    2017-12-01

    Site-specific controlled release of exogenous angiogenic growth factors, such as recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (rhbFGF), has become a promising approach to improve peripheral vascular disease. Here, we have developed an implant composed of spiral magnesium (Mg) and a coating made using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with encapsulated rhbFGF (Mg-PLGA-rhbFGF). The encapsulated protein could release continually for 4weeks with well preserved bioactivity. We compared the angiogenic effect produced by Mg-PLGA-rhbFGF with that of a PLGA implant loaded with rhbFGF (PLGA-rhbFGF). The incorporation of Mg in the implant raised the microclimate pH in the polymer, which preserved the stability of rhbFGF. Mg-PLGA-rhbFGF exhibited advantages over PLGA-rhbFGF implant in terms of a cytocompatibility evaluation. An in vivo angiogenesis test further confirmed the efficacy of released rhbFGF. HE, CD31 and α-SMA staining revealed that the controlled release of rhbFGF from the Mg-PLGA-rhbFGF implant was superior in promoting angiogenesis compared with that of the PLGA-rhbFGF implant. Four weeks post-implantation, the capillary density of the Mg-PLGA-rhbFGF group was significantly higher than that of the PLGA-rhbFGF, control and the normal group (p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.01, respectively). Furthermore, the limb blood perfusion ratios of the Mg-PLGA-rhbFGF and PLGA-rhbFGF groups were dramatically increased, at 99.1±2.9% and 80.7±3.2%, respectively, whereas the ischemic limb did not recover in the control group. The biocompatibility of the implants was also evaluated. In conclusion, Mg-PLGA-based, sustained local delivery of rhbFGF promotes post-ischemic angiogenesis and blood flow recovery. The results suggest potential therapeutic usefulness of Mg-PLGA-rhbFGF for tissue ischemia. Magnesium (Mg)-based implant has been already used in patients with critical limb ischemia. Site-specific controlled release of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (rhbFGF), has become a promising approach to improve peripheral vascular disease. We report here on a novel combination implant composed of spiral magnesium and a coating made using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with encapsulated rhbFGF (Mg-PLGA-rhbFGF). The preparation method does not involve any complex processes and results in a high encapsulation efficiency (approximately 100%). The degradation of metal Mg raise the microclimate pH in the PLGA polymer, which could well preserve the bioactivity of rhbFGF incorporated in the implant. Mg-PLGA-based, sustained local delivery of rhbFGF promotes post-ischemic angiogenesis and blood flow recovery in rat limb ischemic model. This work marks the first report for controlled release of rhbFGF in combination with metal Mg, and suggests potential therapeutic usefulness of Mg-PLGA-rhbFGF for tissue ischemia. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Basic fibroblast growth factor in an animal model of spontaneous mammary tumor progression.

    PubMed

    Kao, Steven; Mo, Jeffrey; Baird, Andrew; Eliceiri, Brian P

    2012-06-01

    Although basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) was the first pro-angiogenic molecule discovered, it has numerous activities on the growth and differentiation of non-vascular cell types. FGF2 is both stimulatory and inhibitory, depending on the cell type evaluated, the experimental design used and the context in which it is tested. Here, we investigated the effects of manipulating endogenous FGF2 on the development of mammary cancer to determine whether its endogenous contribution in vivo is pro- or anti-tumorigenic. Specifically, we examined the effects of FGF2 gene dosing in a cross between a spontaneous breast tumor model (PyVT+ mice) and FGF2-/- (FGF KO) mice. Using these mice, the onset and progression of mammary tumors was determined. As predicted, female FGF2 WT mice developed mammary tumors starting around 60 days after birth and by 80 days, 100% of FGF2 WT female mice had mammary tumors. In contrast, 80% of FGF2 KO female mice had no palpable tumors until nearly three weeks later (85 days) at times when 100% of the WT cohort was tumor positive. All FGF KO mice were tumor-bearing by 115 days. When we compared the onset of mammary tumor development and the tumor progression curves between FGF het and FGF KO mice, we observed a difference, which suggested a gene dosing effect. Analysis of the tumors demonstrated that there were significant differences in tumor size depending on FGF2 status. The delay in tumor onset supports a functional role for FGF2 in mammary tumor progression, but argues against an essential role for FGF2 in overall mammary tumor progression.

  2. Required, tissue-specific roles for Fgf8 in outflow tract formation and remodeling.

    PubMed

    Park, Eon Joo; Ogden, Lisa A; Talbot, Amy; Evans, Sylvia; Cai, Chen-Leng; Black, Brian L; Frank, Deborah U; Moon, Anne M

    2006-06-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8) is a secreted signaling protein expressed in numerous temporospatial domains that are potentially relevant to cardiovascular development. However, the pathogenesis of complex cardiac and outflow tract defects observed in Fgf8-deficient mice, and the specific source(s) of Fgf8 required for outflow tract formation and subsequent remodeling are unknown. A detailed examination of the timing and location of Fgf8 production revealed previously unappreciated expression in a subset of primary heart field cells; Fgf8 is also expressed throughout the anterior heart field (AHF) mesoderm and in pharyngeal endoderm at the crescent and early somite stages. We used conditional mutagenesis to examine the requirements for Fgf8 function in these different expression domains during heart and outflow tract morphogenesis. Formation of the primary heart tube and the addition of right ventricular and outflow tract myocardium depend on autocrine Fgf8 signaling in cardiac crescent mesoderm. Loss of Fgf8 in this domain resulted in decreased expression of the Fgf8 target gene Erm, and aberrant production of Isl1 and its target Mef2c in the anterior heart field, thus linking Fgf8 signaling with transcription factor networks that regulate survival and proliferation of the anterior heart field. We further found that mesodermal- and endodermal-derived Fgf8 perform specific functions during outflow tract remodeling: mesodermal Fgf8 is required for correct alignment of the outflow tract and ventricles, whereas activity of Fgf8 emanating from pharyngeal endoderm regulates outflow tract septation. These findings provide a novel insight into how the formation and remodeling of primary and anterior heart field-derived structures rely on Fgf8 signals from discrete temporospatial domains.

  3. Fibroblast growth factor represses Smad-mediated myofibroblast activation in aortic valvular interstitial cells

    PubMed Central

    Cushing, Melinda C.; Mariner, Peter D.; Liao, Jo-Tsu; Sims, Evan A.; Anseth, Kristi S.

    2008-01-01

    This study aimed to identify signaling pathways that oppose connective tissue fibrosis in the aortic valve. Using valvular interstitial cells (VICs) isolated from porcine aortic valve leaflets, we show that basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) effectively blocks transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-mediated myofibroblast activation. FGF-2 prevents the induction of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression and the exit of VICs from the cell cycle, both of which are hallmarks of myofibroblast activation. By blocking the activity of the Smad transcription factors that serve as the downstream nuclear effectors of TGF-β1, FGF-2 treatment inhibits fibrosis in VICs. Using an exogenous Smad-responsive transcriptional promoter reporter, we show that Smad activity is repressed by FGF-2, likely an effect of the fact that FGF-2 treatment prevents the nuclear localization of Smads in these cells. This appears to be a direct effect of FGF signaling through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades as the treatment of VICs with the MAPK/extracellular regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 acted to induce fibrosis and blocked the ability of FGF-2 to inhibit TGF-β1 signaling. Furthermore, FGF-2 treatment of VICs blocks the development of pathological contractile and calcifying phenotypes, suggesting that these pathways may be utilized in the engineering of effective treatments for valvular disease.—Cushing, M. C., Mariner, P. D., Liao, J. T., Sims, E. A., Anseth, K. S. Fibroblast growth factor represses Smad-mediated myofibroblast activation in aortic valvular interstitial cells. PMID:18218921

  4. Fibroblast Growth Factor-23: A Novel Biomarker for Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

    PubMed

    Papagianni, Aikaterini

    2017-09-01

    Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)-23 increase is considered one of the earliest biochemical abnormalities in chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Furthermore, accumulating data have provided evidence of a link between increased FGF-23 levels and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in CKD patients as well as in several other populations including cardiology patients and general population. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the deleterious effect of FGF-23 on the cardiovascular system are not yet completely defined and are the focus of intense research. However, animal and human studies have demonstrated important actions of FGF-23 in the heart and vessels through which could promote the development of cardiovascular complications in uremia. Moreover, significant interactions have been reported between FGF-23 and other well recognized cardiovascular risk factors such as renin-angiotensin system and inflammation which could account, at least in part, for the observed associations between FGF-23 and adverse clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms responsible for the pleiotropic actions of FGF-23 and moreover to identify whether it is a modifiable risk factor and a potential target of therapeutic interventions which could probably help to reduce the unacceptably high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality of CKD patients.

  5. FGF23 and Klotho: the new cornerstones of phosphate/calcium metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Bacchetta, Justine; Cochat, Pierre; Salusky, Isidro B

    2014-01-01

    Since its first description as a phosphaturic agent in the early 2000’s, the Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) has rapidly become the third key player of phosphate/calcium metabolism with the two ‘old’ PTH and vitamin D. FGF23 is a protein synthesized by osteocytes that acts mainly as a phosphaturic factor and a suppressor of 1α hydroxylase activity in the kidney. It inhibits the expression of type IIa and IIc sodium-phosphate cotransporters on the apical membrane of proximal tubular cells, thus leading to an inhibition of phosphate reabsorption. Moreover, it also inhibits the 1α hydroxylase activity. These two renal pathways account together for the hypophosphatemic effect of FGF23, but FGF23 has also been recently described as an inhibiting factor for PTH synthesis. Its exact role in bone remains to be defined. A transmembrane protein, Klotho, is an essential cofactor for FGF23 biological activity, but it can also act by itself for calcium and PTH regulation. This paper gives an overview of these recent data of phosphate/calcium physiology, as well as a description of clinical conditions associated with FGF23 deregulation (genetic diseases and chronic kidney disease). As a conclusion, future therapeutic consequences of the FGF23/Klotho axis are discussed. PMID:21497493

  6. Effect of circulating glucagon and free fatty acids on hepatic FGF21 production in dairy cows.

    PubMed

    Caixeta, Luciano S; Giesy, Sarah L; Krumm, Christopher S; Perfield, James W; Butterfield, Anthony; Schoenberg, Katie M; Beitz, Donald C; Boisclair, Yves R

    2017-11-01

    Modern dairy cows meet the energy demand of early lactation by calling on hormonally driven mechanisms to increase the use of lipid reserves. In this context, we recently reported that fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21), a hormone required for efficient use of lipid reserves in rodents, is upregulated in periparturient dairy cows. Increased plasma FGF21 in early lactation coincides with elevated circulating concentrations of glucagon (GCG) and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). To assess the relative contribution of these factors in regulating FGF21, two experiments were performed in energy-sufficient, nonpregnant, nonlactating dairy cows. In the first study, cows were injected with saline or GCG every 8 h over a 72-h period. GCG increased hepatic FGF21 mRNA by an average of fivefold over matched controls but had no effect on plasma FGF21. In the second study, cows were infused and injected with saline, infused with Intralipid and injected with saline, or infused with Intralipid and injected with GCG. Infusions and injections were administered intravenously over 16 h and subcutaneously every 8 h, respectively. Intralipid infusion increased plasma NEFA from 92 to 550 µM within 3 h and increased plasma FGF21 from 1.3 to >11 ng/ml 6 h later; FGF21 mRNA increased by 34-fold in liver but remained invariant in adipose tissue. GCG injections during the Intralipid infusion had no additional effects on plasma NEFA, liver FGF21 mRNA, or plasma FGF21. These data implicate plasma NEFA as a key factor triggering hepatic production and increased circulating concentrations of FGF21 in early lactation. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

  7. STATs MEDIATE FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR INDUCED VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL MORPHOGENESIS

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Xinhai; Qiao, Dianhua; Meyer, Kristy; Friedl, Andreas

    2009-01-01

    The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play diverse roles in development, wound healing and angiogenesis. The intracellular signal transduction pathways which mediate these pleiotropic activities remain incompletely understood. We show here that the proangiogenic factors FGF2 and FGF8b can activate signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) in mouse microvascular endothelial cells. Both FGF2 and FGF8b activate STAT5 and to a lesser extent STAT1, but not STAT3. The FGF2-dependent activation of endothelial STAT5 was confirmed in vivo with the matrigel plug angiogenesis assay. In tissue samples of human gliomas, a tumor type where FGF-induced angiogenesis is important, STAT5 is detected in tumor vessel endothelial cell nuclei, consistent with STAT5 activation. By forced expression of constitutively active or dominant-negative mutant STAT5A in mouse brain endothelial cells, we further show that STAT5 activation is both necessary and sufficient for FGF-induced cell migration, invasion and tube formation, which are key events in vascular endothelial morphogenesis and angiogenesis. In contrast, STAT5 is not required for brain endothelial cell mitogenesis. The cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases Src and Janus kinase 2 (Jak2) both appear to be involved in the activation of STAT5, as their inhibition reduces FGF2 and FGF8b induced STAT5 phosphorylation and endothelial cell tube formation. Constitutively active STAT5A partially restores tube formation in the presence of Src or Jak2 inhibitors. These observations demonstrate that FGFs utilize distinct signaling pathways to induce angiogenic phenotypes. Together, our findings implicate the FGF-Jak2/Src-STAT5 cascade as a critical angiogenic FGF signaling pathway. PMID:19176400

  8. Relationship of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF-23) Serum Levels With Low Bone Mass in Postmenopausal Women.

    PubMed

    Shen, Jun; Fu, Shiping; Song, Yuan

    2017-12-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) level and bone mass in postmenopausal women. A total of 60 premenopausal, 60 early postmenopausal, and 60 late postmenopausal women were investigated by the measurement of bone mineral densities (BMDs) at lumbar spine and proximal femur by DXA, together with serum concentrations of Ca, P, 25 (OH) D 3 , OC, iPTH, CTX-I, PINP, and FGF-23. The levels of FGF-23 and PINP in early postmenopausal group were significantly higher than that in the premenopausal or the late postmenopausal groups, their changing patterns were different form 25(OH)D 3, iPTH, IGF, CTX-I, and OC. According to the AUCs in the ROC analysis, we found that serum FGF-23 level was associated with the highest validity as compared to the other bone metabolism factors. Further study indicated the significant negative relationships between serum FGF-23 level and lumbar spine/proximal femur BMDs in postmenopausal women. After detection of the sensitivity and specificity of serum FGF- 23 for the low bone mass at different T-score (SD) lumbar spine/proximal femur BMDs, we found that serum FGF-23 level may be a reliable marker for low bone mass in postmenopausal women. The performance of FGF-23 in the differential diagnosis low bone mass from healthy participants indicated that FGF-23 has the capacity to differentiate the women with low bone mass from the normal ones. Our study indicated that serum FGF-23 level could be served as the utility in the early detection of women with low bone mass. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4454-4459, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Cytotoxic effects of basic FGF and heparin binding EGF conjugated with cytotoxin saporin on vascular cell cultures.

    PubMed

    Chen, C; Li, J; Micko, C J; Pierce, G F; Cunningham, M R; Lumsden, A B

    1998-02-15

    Vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation is an integral component of intimal lesion formation. In this study we compared the mitogenic effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and heparin binding epidermal growth factor (HBEGF) and the cytotoxic effects of bFGF and HBEGF conjugated with plant cytotoxin saporin (SAP) on vascular cell cultures. Human vascular SMCs and endothelial cells were cultured and FGF receptor-1 (FGFR-1) and EGF receptor (EGFR) expression were detected by immunohistochemical staining. Cells were grown in 24-well plates. Variable amounts of testing drugs (bFGF, HBEGF, SAP, bFGF-SAP, or HBEGF-SAP) were added to quadruplicate wells after 24 h. Cells without drugs were used as control. The total number of cells was counted at 72 h using a hemocytometer. The cultured human vascular SMCs and endothelial cells expressed both FGFR-1 and EGFR with predominant perinuclear localization. bFGF and HBEGF demonstrated equally potent mitogenic effects on SMC proliferation. SAP alone showed a limited cytotoxic effect on both SMCs and endothelial cells. bFGF had a more potent effect on endothelial cell proliferation than HBEGF. bFGF-SAP was equally cytotoxic for both SMCs and endothelial cells, while HBEGF-SAP had a more selectively cytotoxic effect on SMCs than on endothelial cells. These data suggest that the mitogenic effects of bFGF and HBEGF and the cytotoxic effects of bFGF-SAP and HBEGF-SAP may both be mediated by their corresponding growth factor receptors. Because of its selective cytotoxic effect on SMCs, HBEGF-SAP may become a more attractive agent for controlling intimal lesion formation.

  10. Heparin-Based Coacervate of FGF2 Improves Dermal Regeneration by Asserting a Synergistic Role with Cell Proliferation and Endogenous Facilitated VEGF for Cutaneous Wound Healing.

    PubMed

    Wu, Jiang; Ye, Jingjing; Zhu, Jingjing; Xiao, Zecong; He, Chaochao; Shi, Hongxue; Wang, Yadong; Lin, Cai; Zhang, Hongyu; Zhao, Yingzheng; Fu, Xiaobing; Chen, Hong; Li, Xiaokun; Li, Lin; Zheng, Jie; Xiao, Jian

    2016-06-13

    Effective wound healing requires complicated, coordinated interactions and responses at protein, cellular, and tissue levels involving growth factor expression, cell proliferation, wound closure, granulation tissue formation, and vascularization. In this study, we develop a heparin-based coacervate consisting of poly(ethylene argininylaspartate digylceride) (PEAD) as a storage matrix, heparin as a bridge, and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) as a cargo (namely heparin-FGF2@PEAD) for wound healing. First, in vitro characterization demonstrates the loading efficiency and control release of FGF2 from the heparin-FGF2@PEAD coacervate. The following in vivo studies examine the wound healing efficiency of the heparin-FGF2@PEAD coacervate upon delivering FGF2 to full-thickness excisional skin wounds in vivo, in comparison with the other three control groups with saline, heparin@PEAD as vehicle, and free FGF2. Collective in vivo data show that controlled release of FGF2 to the wounds by the coacervate significantly accelerates the wound healing by promoting cell proliferation, stimulating the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for re-epithelization, collagen deposition, and granulation tissue formation, and enhancing the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) for blood vessel maturation. In parallel, no obvious wound healing effect is found for the control, vehicle, and free FGF2 groups, indicating the important role of the coavervate in the wound healing process. This work designs a suitable delivery system that can protect and release FGF2 in a sustained and controlled manner, which provides a promising therapeutic potential for topical treatment of wounds.

  11. Fibroblast growth factor 20 is protective towards dopaminergic neurons in vivo in a paracrine manner.

    PubMed

    Boshoff, Eugene L; Fletcher, Edward J R; Duty, Susan

    2018-04-23

    Neuroprotective strategies are an unmet medical need for Parkinson's disease. Fibroblast growth factor 20 (FGF20) enhances survival of cultured dopaminergic neurons but little is known about its in vivo potential. We set out to examine whether manipulation of the FGF20 system affected nigrostriatal tract integrity in rats, to identify which fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) might reside on dopaminergic neurons and to discover the source of endogenous FGF20 in the substantia nigra (SN). Male Sprague Dawley rats were subject to a partial 6-OHDA lesion alongside treatment with exogenous FGF20 or an FGFR antagonist. Behavioural readouts and tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate nigrostriatal tract integrity. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry was used to examine FGFR subtype expression on TH-positive dopamine neurons and FGF20 cellular localisation within the SN. FGF20 (2.5 μg/day) significantly protected TH-positive cells in the SN and terminals in the striatum, while reducing the development of motor asymmetry at 5, 8 and 11 days post lesion. Conversely, the FGFR antagonist PD173074 (2 mg/kg) significantly worsened both the 6-OHDA lesion and resultant motor asymmetry. Within the SN, TH-positive cells expressed FGFR1, 3 and 4 while FGF20 co-localised with GFAP-positive astrocytes. In conclusion, FGF20 protects dopaminergic neurons in vivo, an action likely mediated through activation of FGFRs1, 3 or 4 found on these neurons. Given FGF20 is localised to astrocytes in the adult SN, endogenous FGF20 provides its protection of dopamine neurons through a paracrine action. Boosting the endogenous FGF20 production might offer potential as a future therapeutic strategy in Parkinson's disease. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  12. Expression and Purification of Recombinant Human Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Fusion Proteins and Their Uses in Human Stem Cell Culture.

    PubMed

    Imsoonthornruksa, Sumeth; Pruksananonda, Kamthorn; Parnpai, Rangsun; Rungsiwiwut, Ruttachuk; Ketudat-Cairns, Mariena

    2015-01-01

    To reduce the cost of cytokines and growth factors in stem cell research, a simple method for the production of soluble and biological active human basic fibroblast growth factor (hbFGF) fusion protein in Escherichia coli was established. Under optimal conditions, approximately 60-80 mg of >95% pure hbFGF fusion proteins (Trx-6xHis-hbFGF and 6xHis-hbFGF) were obtained from 1 liter of culture broth. The purified hbFGF proteins, both with and without the fusion tags, were biologically active, which was confirmed by their ability to stimulate proliferation of NIH3T3 cells. The fusion proteins also have the ability to support several culture passages of undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells and induce pluripotent stem cells. This paper describes a low-cost and uncomplicated method for the production and purification of biologically active hbFGF fusion proteins. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  13. Functional and pathological improvements of the hearts in diabetes model by the combined therapy of bFGF-loaded nanoparticles with ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Ying-Zheng; Tian, Xin-Qiao; Zhang, Ming; Cai, Lu; Ru, Ao; Shen, Xiao-Tong; Jiang, Xi; Jin, Rong-Rong; Zheng, Lei; Hawkins, Kyle; Charkrabarti, Subrata; Li, Xiao-Kun; Lin, Qian; Yu, Wen-Ze; Ge, Shuping; Lu, Cui-Tao; Wong, Ho Lun

    2014-07-28

    Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the diabetic patients and currently there is no effective means to reverse its pathological progress. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has shown promise as a molecular therapy for DCM, but its delivery is inefficient and non-specific. In the present study, a therapy combining nanoparticle (NP) carrier and ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) was reported the first time for bFGF delivery to the heart of diabetic rats. bFGF-loaded NP (bFGF-NP) were prepared with Poloxamer 188-grafted heparin copolymer using water-in-water technique, and the morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and bioactivity of bFGF-NP were studied. The cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of bFGF-NP were evaluated with primary cultures of the left ventricular (LV) cardiomyocytes in vitro. Therapeutic effects of bFGF-NP/UTMD on the heart of DCM rats were studied by measuring LV systolic and diastolic functions, hemodynamic characteristics and indicators of cardiac remodeling including myocardial collagen volume fraction and capillary density. Results demonstrated that bFGF-NP showed good round morphology, efficient bFGF encapsulation and stable bioactivity of bFGF in vitro. bFGF-NP/UTMD combined treatment significantly enhanced the efficiency of bFGF cellular uptake (P<0.05) without obvious cytotoxicity. Significant improvements (P<0.05) in both cardiac functions and tissue morphology in the DCM rats were observed in bFGF-NP/UTMD group. These were not achievable using free bFGF, bFGF-NP or UTMD treatment alone. Our results show that combining a non-viral vector with UTMD technique is an effective strategy to deliver bFGF to the heart, and the resulting growth factor therapy has demonstrated potential to reverse the progress of DCM by restoring the cardiac functions and even the structure of damaged cardiac tissues. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Functional efficacy of human recombinant FGF-2s tagged with (His)6 and (His-Asn)6 at the N- and C-termini in human gingival fibroblast and periodontal ligament-derived cells.

    PubMed

    Lee, Ji-Hye; Lee, Ji-Eun; Kang, Kyung-Jung; Jang, Young-Joo

    2017-07-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is a multifunctional growth factor that induces cell proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation in various cell types and tissues. With these biological functions, FGF-2 has been evaluated for clinical use in the regeneration of damaged tissues. The expression of hFGF-2 in Escherichia coli and a purification system using the immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) is well established to generate a continuous supply of FGF-2. Although hexa-histidine tag (H 6 ) is commonly used for IMAC purification, hexa-histidine-asparagine tag (HN 6 ) is also efficient for purification as it is easily exposed on the surface of the protein. In this study, four different tagging constructs of hFGF-2 based on tag positions and types (H 6 -FGF2, FGF2-H 6 , HN 6 -FGF2, and FGF2-HN 6 ) were designed and expressed under the inducible T7 expression system in E. coli. The experimental conditions of expression and purification of each recombinant protein were optimized. The effective dosages of the recombinant proteins were determined based on the increase of cell proliferation in human gingival fibroblast. ED50s of H 6 -FGF2, FGF2-H 6 , HN 6 -FGF2, and FGF2-HN 6 were determined (4.42 ng/ml, 3.55 ng/ml, 3.54 ng/ml, and 4.14 ng/ml, respectively) and found to be comparable to commercial FGF-2 (3.67 ng/ml). All the recombinant hFGF-2s inhibit the osteogenic induction and mineralization in human periodontal ligament-derived cells. Our data suggested that biological activities of the recombinant hFGF-2 are irrelevant to types and positions of tags, but may have an influence on the expression efficiency and solubility. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Evidence that acidic fibroblast growth factor promotes maturation of rat satellite-cell-derived myotubes in vitro.

    PubMed

    Düsterhöft, S; Pette, D

    1999-11-01

    Satellite cells isolated from fast tibialis anterior (TA) and slow soleus (SOL) rat muscles were cultivated on matrigel, and treated with acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF). The following observations were made: 1) aFGF-treated cultures exhibited enhanced proliferation as mirrored by a twofold increase in DNA content. 2) Compared to the untreated cultures, myotubes in the aFGF cultures were larger; 3) Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and northern blot analyses, we observed enhanced expression of all adult myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms, as well as of myogenin. These findings indicate that, under the culture conditions used, aFGF has a stimulatory effect on proliferation but also on maturation and differentiation of satellite cells. Furthermore, transcript levels of FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) and 4 (FGFR4) isoforms, as well as of aFGF and bFGF were assessed by RT-PCR. aFGF-treated myotubes displayed increased expression of aFGF and bFGF, suggesting a paracrine effect of exogenous aFGF. In this regard, SOL-derived cultures responded more strongly than TA-derived cultures. The effects of aFGF treatment on the two receptors consisted of a decrease in FGFR1 and an increase in FGFR4 mRNA levels in 5-day-old cultures. In 8-day-old TA cultures, effects of FGF were similar to those in 5-day-old cultures. 8-day FGF-treated SOL cultures treated with FGF for 8 days exhibited higher FGFR1 and FGFR4 mRNA levels than the respective untreated cultures. Compared to 5 day-treated cultures, FGFR1 increased and FGFR4 decreased. This led to a shift in the ratio of FGFR1 to FGFR4 in the FGF-treated cultures which may explain the ability of satellite cells to differentiate under the influence of aFGF.

  16. Selectivity in glycosaminoglycan binding dictates the distribution and diffusion of fibroblast growth factors in the pericellular matrix

    PubMed Central

    Marcello, Marco

    2016-01-01

    The range of biological outcomes generated by many signalling proteins in development and homeostasis is increased by their interactions with glycosaminoglycans, particularly heparan sulfate (HS). This interaction controls the localization and movement of these signalling proteins, but whether such control depends on the specificity of the interactions is not known. We used five fibroblast growth factors with an N-terminal HaloTag (Halo-FGFs) for fluorescent labelling, with well-characterized and distinct HS-binding properties, and measured their binding and diffusion in pericellular matrix of fixed rat mammary 27 fibroblasts. Halo-FGF1, Halo-FGF2 and Halo-FGF6 bound to HS, whereas Halo-FGF10 also interacted with chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate, and FGF20 did not bind detectably. The distribution of bound FGFs in the pericellular matrix was not homogeneous, and for FGF10 exhibited striking clusters. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching showed that FGF2 and FGF6 diffused faster, whereas FGF1 diffused more slowly, and FGF10 was immobile. The results demonstrate that the specificity of the interactions of proteins with glycosaminoglycans controls their binding and diffusion. Moreover, cells regulate the spatial distribution of different protein-binding sites in glycosaminoglycans independently of each other, implying that the extracellular matrix has long-range structure. PMID:27009190

  17. Improved neovascularization and wound repair by targeting human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to fibrin.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Wenxue; Han, Qianqian; Lin, Hang; Gao, Yuan; Sun, Wenjie; Zhao, Yannan; Wang, Bin; Chen, Bing; Xiao, Zhifeng; Dai, Jianwu

    2008-10-01

    Targeted therapy is a new generation of therapeutics, where two critical factors are involved. One is the particular molecular target, and the other is the specific target-binding drug. In this work, the fibrin, a main component of plasma clot at wound sites, was used as the target for human bFGF, aiming to improve therapeutic neovascularization and wound repair. To endow bFGF with fibrin-targeting ability, a fibrin-binding peptide Kringle1 (K1), derived from human plasminogen, was fused to human bFGF. The recombinant K1bFGF showed high fibrin and plasma-clot-binding ability. When applied to the wound sites with plasma clots, K1bFGF induced robust neovascularization and improved wound healing. To extend the application of K1bFGF to other cases where no plasma clots exist, we developed a fibrin-scaffold/K1bFGF system. This system could induce localized neovascularization by delivery of K1bFGF in a sustained and site-targeting manner, and provide a microenvironment promoting cell growth and tissue regeneration. In summary, we successfully used the pathologic environment fibrin clot as the target for bFGF, and based on which bFGF was designed into a targeting agent by introduction of a fibrin-binding peptide. This provides a potential approach to improve therapeutic neovascularization and wound repair.

  18. The role of fibroblast growth factor 21 in atherosclerosis.

    PubMed

    Kokkinos, John; Tang, Shudi; Rye, Kerry-Anne; Ong, Kwok Leung

    2017-02-01

    The metabolic properties of the endocrine fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) have been extensively studied in the past decade. Previous studies have demonstrated the lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of FGF21. FGF21 is mainly secreted in the liver and adipose tissue in response to a range of physiological and pathological stimuli. In animal and in vitro studies, FGF21 has been shown to improve lipid profiles and inhibit key processes in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. It exerts its effects on the cardiovascular system via adiponectin dependent and independent mechanisms. However, the signalling pathways by which FGF21 exerts its effects on endothelial cells remains unknown and needs to be further investigated. The elevation of circulating FGF21 levels in cardiovascular disease has also raised questions as to whether FGF21 can be used as a biomarker to predict subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Recent findings from population studies must be validated in independent cohorts before FGF21 can be used as a biomarker in the clinical setting. The anti-atherosclerotic effects of FGF21 have been investigated in two recent clinical trials, where treatment with an FGF21 analog significantly improved the cardiometabolic profile in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. This review will evaluate recent advances that suggest there may be a role for FGF21 in atherosclerosis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Erythroid Promoter Confines FGF2 Expression to the Marrow after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy and Leads to Enhanced Endosteal Bone Formation

    PubMed Central

    Meng, Xianmei; Baylink, David J.; Sheng, Matilda; Wang, Hongjie; Gridley, Daila S.; Lau, K.-H. William; Zhang, Xiao-Bing

    2012-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) has been demonstrated to be a promising osteogenic factor for treating osteoporosis. Our earlier study shows that transplantation of mouse Sca-1+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells that are engineered to express a modified FGF2 leads to considerable endosteal/trabecular bone formation, but it also induces adverse effects like hypocalemia and osteomalacia. Here we report that the use of an erythroid specific promoter, β-globin, leads to a 5-fold decrease in the ratio of serum FGF2 to the FGF2 expression in the marrow cavity when compared to the use of a ubiquitous promoter spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV). The confined FGF2 expression promotes considerable trabeculae bone formation in endosteum and does not yield anemia and osteomalacia. The avoidance of anemia in the mice that received Sca1+ cells transduced with FGF2 driven by the β-globin promoter is likely due to attenuation of high-level serum FGF2-mediated stem cell mobilization observed in the SFFV-FGF2 animals. The prevention of osteomalacia is associated with substantially reduced serum Fgf23/hypophosphatemia, and less pronounced secondary hyperparathyroidism. Our improved stem cell gene therapy strategy represents one step closer to FGF2-based clinical therapy for systemic skeletal augmentation. PMID:22629419

  20. Cobalt chloride decreases fibroblast growth factor-21 expression dependent on oxidative stress but not hypoxia-inducible factor in Caco-2 cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Liu, Yanlong; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY; Wang, Chunhong

    2012-10-15

    Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) is a potential metabolic regulator with multiple beneficial effects on metabolic diseases. FGF21 is mainly expressed in the liver, but is also found in other tissues including the intestine, which expresses β-klotho abundantly. The intestine is a unique organ that operates in a physiologically hypoxic environment, and is responsible for the fat absorption processes including triglyceride breakdown, re-synthesis and absorption into the portal circulation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of hypoxia and the chemical hypoxia inducer, cobalt chloride (CoCl{sub 2}), on FGF21 expression in Caco-2 cells and the consequence of fat accumulation. Physicalmore » hypoxia (1% oxygen) and CoCl{sub 2} treatment decreased both FGF21 mRNA and secreted protein levels. Gene silence and inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-α (HIFα) did not affect the reduction of FGF21 mRNA and protein levels by hypoxia. However, CoCl{sub 2} administration caused a significant increase in oxidative stress. The addition of n-acetylcysteine (NAC) suppressed CoCl{sub 2}-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and completely negated CoCl{sub 2}-induced FGF21 loss. mRNA stability analysis demonstrated that the CoCl{sub 2} administration caused a remarkable reduction in FGF21 mRNA stability. Furthermore, CoCl{sub 2} increased intracellular triglyceride (TG) accumulation, along with a reduction in mRNA levels of lipid lipase, hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), and an increase of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP1c) and stearoyl-coenzyme A (SCD1). Addition of both NAC and recombinant FGF21 significantly attenuated the CoCl{sub 2}-induced TG accumulation. In conclusion, the decrease of FGF21 in Caco-2 cells by chemical hypoxia is independent of HIFα, but dependent on an oxidative stress-mediated mechanism. The regulation of FGF21 by hypoxia may contribute to intestinal lipid metabolism and absorption. -- Graphical abstract: Physical and chemical hypoxia decrease FGF-21 expression, which is inhibited by antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), in Caco-2 cells. Highlights: ► Hypoxia down-regulates FGF21 expression in Caco-2 cells. ► FGF21 down-regulation is HIF-α independent. ► FGF21 down-regulation is modulated by oxidative stress-mediated mRNA stability. ► FGF21 is involved in hypoxia‐induced triglyceride accumulation in Caco-2 cells.« less

  1. Central Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Browns White Fat via Sympathetic Action in Male Mice.

    PubMed

    Douris, Nicholas; Stevanovic, Darko M; Fisher, Ffolliott M; Cisu, Theodore I; Chee, Melissa J; Nguyen, Ngoc L; Zarebidaki, Eleen; Adams, Andrew C; Kharitonenkov, Alexei; Flier, Jeffrey S; Bartness, Timothy J; Maratos-Flier, Eleftheria

    2015-07-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has multiple metabolic actions, including the induction of browning in white adipose tissue. Although FGF21 stimulated browning results from a direct interaction between FGF21 and the adipocyte, browning is typically associated with activation of the sympathetic nervous system through cold exposure. We tested the hypothesis that FGF21 can act via the brain, to increase sympathetic activity and induce browning, independent of cell-autonomous actions. We administered FGF21 into the central nervous system via lateral ventricle infusion into male mice and found that the central treatment increased norepinephrine turnover in target tissues that include the inguinal white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue. Central FGF21 stimulated browning as assessed by histology, expression of uncoupling protein 1, and the induction of gene expression associated with browning. These effects were markedly attenuated when mice were treated with a β-blocker. Additionally, neither centrally nor peripherally administered FGF21 initiated browning in mice lacking β-adrenoceptors, demonstrating that an intact adrenergic system is necessary for FGF21 action. These data indicate that FGF21 can signal in the brain to activate the sympathetic nervous system and induce adipose tissue thermogenesis.

  2. Fibroblast Growth Factor signaling regulates the expansion of A6-expressing hepatocytes in association with AKT-dependent β-catenin activation

    PubMed Central

    Utley, Sarah; James, David; Mavila, Nirmala; Nguyen, Marie V.; Vendryes, Christopher; Salisbury, S. Michael; Phan, Jennifer; Wang, Kasper S.

    2014-01-01

    Background & Aims Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) promote the proliferation and survival of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) via AKT-dependent β-catenin activation. Moreover, the emergence of hepatocytes expressing the HPC marker A6 during 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-induced liver injury is mediated partly by FGF and β-catenin signaling. Herein, we investigate the role of FGF signaling and AKT-mediated β-catenin activation in acute DDC liver injury. Methods Transgenic mice were fed DDC chow for 14 days concurrent with either Fgf10 over-expression or inhibition of FGF signaling via expression of soluble dominant-negative FGF Receptor (R)-2IIIb. Results After 14 days of DDC treatment, there was an increase in periportal cells expressing FGFR1, FGFR2, and AKT-activated phospho-Serine 552 (pSer552) β-CATENIN in association with up-regulation of genes encoding FGFR2IIIb ligands, Fgf7, Fgf10, and Fgf22. In response to Fgf10 over-expression, there was an increase in the number of pSer552-β-CATENIN(positive)+ive periportal cells as well as cells co-positive for A6 and hepatocyte marker, Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor-4α (HNF4α). A similar expansion of A6+ive cells was observed after Fgf10 over-expression with regular chow and after partial hepatectomy during ethanol toxicity. Inhibition of FGF signaling increased the periportal A6+iveHNF4α+ive cell population while reducing centrolobular A6+ive HNF4α+ive cells. AKT inhibition with Wortmannin attenuated FGF10-mediated A6+iveHNF4α+ive cell expansion. In vitro analyses using FGF10 treated HepG2 cells demonstrated AKT-mediated β-CATENIN activation but not enhanced cell migration. Conclusion During acute DDC treatment, FGF signaling promotes the expansion of A6-expressing liver cells partly via AKT-dependent activation of β-CATENIN expansion of A6+ive periportal cells and possibly by reprogramming of centrolobular hepatocytes. PMID:24365171

  3. The activation of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) by glycosaminoglycans: influence of the sulfation pattern on the biological activity of FGF-1.

    PubMed

    Angulo, Jesús; Ojeda, Rafael; de Paz, José-Luis; Lucas, Ricardo; Nieto, Pedro M; Lozano, Rosa M; Redondo-Horcajo, Mariano; Giménez-Gallego, Guillermo; Martín-Lomas, Manuel

    2004-01-03

    Six synthetic heparin-like oligosaccharides have been used to investigate the effect of the oligosaccharide sulfation pattern on the stimulation of acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) induced mitogenesis signaling and the biological significance of FGF-1 trans dimerization in the FGF-1 activation process. It has been found that some molecules with a sulfation pattern that does not contain the internal trisaccharide motif, which has been proposed for high affinity for FGF-1, stimulate FGF-1 more efficiently than those with the structure of the regular region of heparin. In contrast to regular region oligosaccharides, in which the sulfate groups are distributed on both sides of their helical three-dimensional structures, the molecules containing this particular sulfation pattern display the sulfate groups only on one side of the helix. These results and the fact that these oligosaccharides do not promote FGF-1 dimerization according to sedimentation-equilibrium analysis, confirm the importance of negative-charge distribution in the activation process and strongly suggest that FGF dimerization is not a general and absolute requirement for biological activity.

  4. Expression of bioactive recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 10 in Carthamus tinctorius L. seeds.

    PubMed

    Huang, Jian; Yang, Jing; Guan, Lili; Yi, Shanyong; Du, Linna; Tian, Haishan; Guo, Yongxin; Zhai, Feng; Lu, Zhen; Li, Haiyan; Li, Xiaokun; Jiang, Chao

    2017-10-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) is a member of the FGF superfamily. It exhibits diverse biological functions, and is extensively used for fundamental research and clinical applications involving hair growth, tissue repair, and burn wounds. Oil bodies, obtained from oil seeds, have been exploited for a variety of biotechnology applications. The use of oil bodies reduces purification steps and costs associated with the production of heterogonous proteins. Here, recombinant human FGF10 (rhFGF10) was expressed in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds using oilbody-oleosin technology. A plant expression vector, pOTBar-oleosin-rhFGF10, was constructed and introduced into safflower using Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation, and mature safflower plants were obtained by grafting. Oleosin-rhFGF10 was successfully transformed and expressed in safflower seeds and inherited to the T 3 generation. Moreover, MTT assays demonstrated that oil bodies expressed oleosin-FGF10 had a dose-dependent effect on cellular proliferation. In conclusion, this may provide a method of producing oleosin-rhFGF10, and help us meet the increasing pharmacological demands for the protein. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  5. Expression, Purification and Characterization of Recombinant Canine FGF21 in Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Zhong; Yang, Chengjun; Yin, Ruofeng; Jiang, Jinxi; He, Haiting; Wang, Xinxin; Kan, Mujie; Xiao, Yechen

    2016-01-01

    The canine metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, have become a worldwide problem. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a potent regulator which has many biological functions relative to metabolism regulation. It suggests that FGF21 plays important roles in regulating canine metabolic diseases. To acquire the recombinant canine FGF21 (rcFGF21) in Escherichia coli, the recombinant bacteria were induced by 0.5 mM IPTG for 16 hours at 16 °C, and the rcFGF21 protein was purified by Ni-NTA. 8 mg rcFGF21 was acquired from one liter bacteria. The rcFGF21 protein has specific immunoblot reactivity against anti-FGF21 and anti-His antibody. The in vivo experimental result showed that rcFGF21 can significantly reduce plasma glucose of STZ-induced diabetic mice.

  6. An Overview of FGF19 and FGF21: The Therapeutic Role in the Treatment of the Metabolic Disorders and Obesity.

    PubMed

    Babaknejad, Nasim; Nayeri, Hashem; Hemmati, Roohullah; Bahrami, Somaye; Esmaillzadeh, Ahmad

    2018-06-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are responsible for the regulation of a wide range of biological functions, among which cellular proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation could be pointed out. FGF19 controls the enterohepatic bile acid/cholesterol system, and FGF21 modulates fatty acid/glucose metabolism. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and cancer, all can alter FGF21 circulating concentrations. In contrast to FGF21, metabolic diseases exhibit reduced serum FGF19 levels. Accordingly, FGF19 and FGF21 play important roles in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Hence, we present here a timely review on the relationship between FGF19/21 and metabolic diseases, especially obesity, and their probable role in development and treatment of obesity seems necessary. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  7. [Correlation of fibroblast growth factor 23 with 
adverse prognosis of chronic kidney disease and
therapy strategy].

    PubMed

    Liu, Haiyang; Liu, Hong

    2018-05-28

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a hormone secreted by the bone. It is not only involved in the pathophysiological process of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but also associated with the poor prognosis. In patients with CKD, serum FGF23 levels are elevated in early phase. The increased FGF23 levels gradually lead to myocardial hypertrophy, inflammatory, vascular calcification, and low level of vitamin D, which contribute to the progress of CKD, cardiovascular complications and even death. Presently, there are several ways to reduce FGF23 levels, including decrease of intake and block of phosphorus absorption, supplement of FGF23 antibody and pseudo calcium or renal transplantation.

  8. Activation of the Farnesoid X Receptor Induces Hepatic Expression and Secretion of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21*

    PubMed Central

    Cyphert, Holly A.; Ge, Xuemei; Kohan, Alison B.; Salati, Lisa M.; Zhang, Yanqiao; Hillgartner, F. Bradley

    2012-01-01

    Previous studies have shown that starvation or consumption of a high fat, low carbohydrate (HF-LC) ketogenic diet induces hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) gene expression in part by activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα). Using primary hepatocyte cultures to screen for endogenous signals that mediate the nutritional regulation of FGF21 expression, we identified two sources of PPARα activators (i.e. nonesterified unsaturated fatty acids and chylomicron remnants) that induced FGF21 gene expression. In addition, we discovered that natural (i.e. bile acids) and synthetic (i.e. GW4064) activators of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) increased FGF21 gene expression and secretion. The effects of bile acids were additive with the effects of nonesterified unsaturated fatty acids in regulating FGF21 expression. FXR activation of FGF21 gene transcription was mediated by an FXR/retinoid X receptor binding site in the 5′-flanking region of the FGF21 gene. FGF19, a gut hormone whose expression and secretion is induced by intestinal bile acids, also increased hepatic FGF21 secretion. Deletion of FXR in mice suppressed the ability of an HF-LC ketogenic diet to induce hepatic FGF21 gene expression. The results of this study identify FXR as a new signaling pathway activating FGF21 expression and provide evidence that FXR activators work in combination with PPARα activators to mediate the stimulatory effect of an HF-LC ketogenic diet on FGF21 expression. We propose that the enhanced enterohepatic flux of bile acids during HF-LC consumption leads to activation of hepatic FXR and FGF19 signaling activity and an increase in FGF21 gene expression and secretion. PMID:22661717

  9. Absence of fibroblast growth factor 2 promotes oligodendroglial repopulation of demyelinated white matter.

    PubMed

    Armstrong, Regina C; Le, Tuan Q; Frost, Emma E; Borke, Rosemary C; Vana, Adam C

    2002-10-01

    This study takes advantage of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) knock-out mice to determine the contribution of FGF2 to the regeneration of oligodendrocytes in the adult CNS. The role of FGF2 during spontaneous remyelination was examined using two complementary mouse models of experimental demyelination. The murine hepatitis virus strain A59 (MHV-A59) model produces focal areas of spinal cord demyelination with inflammation. The cuprizone neurotoxicant model causes extensive corpus callosum demyelination without a lymphocytic cell response. In both models, FGF2 expression is upregulated in areas of demyelination in wild-type mice. Surprisingly, in both models, oligodendrocyte repopulation of demyelinated white matter was significantly increased in FGF2 -/- mice compared with wild-type mice and even surpassed the oligodendrocyte density of nonlesioned mice. This dramatic result indicated that the absence of FGF2 promoted oligodendrocyte regeneration, possibly by enhancing oligodendrocyte progenitor proliferation and/or differentiation. FGF2 -/- and +/+ mice had similar oligodendrocyte progenitor densities in normal adult CNS, as well as similar progenitor proliferation and accumulation during demyelination. To directly analyze progenitor differentiation, glial cultures from spinal cords of wild-type mice undergoing remyelination after MHV-A59 demyelination were treated for 3 d with either exogenous FGF2 or an FGF2 neutralizing antibody. Elevating FGF2 favored progenitor proliferation, whereas attenuating endogenous FGF2 activity promoted the differentiation of progenitors into oligodendrocytes. These in vitro results are consistent with enhanced progenitor differentiation in FGF2 -/- mice. These studies demonstrate that the FGF2 genotype regulates oligodendrocyte regeneration and that FGF2 appears to inhibit oligodendrocyte lineage differentiation during remyelination.

  10. Interorgan handling of fibroblast growth factor-23 in humans.

    PubMed

    Verzola, Daniela; Ansaldo, Francesca; Milanesi, Samantha; Parodi, Emanuele Luigi; Rosa, Gian Marco; Sofia, Antonella; Bonanni, Alice; Viazzi, Francesca; Balbi, Manrico; Garibotto, Giacomo

    2017-02-01

    Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) accumulates in blood of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated both with cardiovascular complications and disease progression. However, our knowledge of the sites and mechanisms that regulate plasma FGF-23 is still incomplete. We measured plasma intact FGF-23 across the kidney, splanchnic organs, and lung in 11 patients [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 60 ± 6 ml/min] during elective diagnostic cardiac catheterizations. In these patients FGF-23 was removed by the kidney, with a fractional extraction (FE) of ∼22%. The FE of FGF-23 across the kidney was similar to that of creatinine (∼17%, P = NS). In addition, the FGF-23 FE by the kidney was significantly directly related to eGFR (r = 0.709 P = 0.018) and to kidney creatinine FE (r = 0.736 P = 0.013) but only as a trend to plasma phosphate levels (r = 0.55, P = 0.18). There was no difference in FGF-23 levels in blood perfusing splanchnic organs and cardiopulmonary bed. However, the arterial-venous difference of FGF-23 across the lung was directly related to FGF-23 pulmonary artery levels, suggesting that the lung, and possibly the heart, participate in the homeostasis of plasma FGF-23 when its systemic levels are increased. Our data show that the human kidney is the only site for FGF-23 removal from blood and suggest that FGF-23 is predominantly removed by glomerular filtration. The kidney ability to remove FGF-23 from the circulation likely accounts for the early increase in blood of FGF-23 in patients with CKD. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

  11. FGF2 modulates cardiac remodeling in an isoform- and sex-specific manner

    PubMed Central

    Nusayr, Eyad; Sadideen, Doraid Tarek; Doetschman, Tom

    2013-01-01

    Pathological cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis are remodeling events that result in mechanical stiffness and pathophysiological changes in the myocardium. Both humans and animal models display a sexual dimorphism where females are more protected from pathological remodeling. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) mediates cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, and protection against cardiac injury, and is made in high molecular weight and low molecular weight isoforms (Hi FGF2 and Lo FGF2, respectively). Although some light has been shed on isoform-specific functions in cardiac pathophysiology, their roles in pathologic cardiac remodeling have yet to be determined. We tested the hypothesis that Lo FGF2 and Hi FGF2 modulate pathological cardiac remodeling in an isoform-specific manner. Young adult male and female mice between 8 and 12 weeks of age of mixed background that were deficient in either Hi FGF2 or Lo FGF2 (Hi KO or Lo KO, respectively) were subjected to daily injections of isoproterenol (Iso) for 4 days after which their hearts were compared to wild-type cohorts. Post-Iso treatment, female Lo KO hearts do not exhibit significant differences in their hypertrophic and fibrotic response, whereas female Hi KO hearts present with a blunted hypertrophic response. In male animals, Lo KO hearts present with an exacerbated fibrotic response and increased α-smooth muscle actin protein expression, whereas Hi KO hearts present with a blunted fibrotic response and increased atrial natriuretic factor protein expression Thus, in female hearts Hi FGF2 mediates cardiac hypertrophy, whereas in male hearts Lo FGF2 and Hi FGF2 display an antithetical role in cardiac fibrosis where Lo FGF2 is protective while Hi FGF2 is damaging. In conclusion, cardiac remodeling following catecholamine overactivation is modulated by FGF2 in isoform- and sex-specific manners. PMID:24244869

  12. Spider angiomas in patients with liver cirrhosis: Role of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor

    PubMed Central

    Li, Chung-Pin; Lee, Fa-Yauh; Hwang, Shinn-Jang; Lu, Rei-Hwa; Lee, Wei-Ping; Chao, Yee; Wang, Sung-Sang; Chang, Full-Young; Whang-Peng, Jacqueline; Lee, Shou-Dong

    2003-01-01

    AIM: To investigate whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) are associated with spider angiomas in patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: Eighty-six patients with liver cirrhosis were enrolled and the number and size of the spider angiomas were recorded. Fifty-three healthy subjects were selected as controls. Plasma levels of VEGF and bFGF were measured in both the cirrhotics and the controls. RESULTS: Plasma VEGF and bFGF were increased in cirrhotics compared with controls (122 ± 13 vs. 71 ± 11 pg/mL, P = 0.003 for VEGF; 5.1 ± 0.5 vs. 3.4 ± 0.5 pg/mL, P = 0.022 for bFGF). In cirrhotics, plasma VEGF and bFGF were also higher in patients with spider angiomas compared with patients without spider angiomas (185 ± 28 vs. 90 ± 10 pg/mL, P = 0.003 for VEGF; 6.8 ± 1.0 vs. 4.1 ± 0.5 pg/mL, P = 0.017 for bFGF). Multivariate logistic regression showed that young age and increased plasma levels of VEGF and bFGF were the most significant predictors for the presence of spider angiomas in cirrhotic patients (odds ratio [OR] = 6.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.02-21.79, P = 0.002; OR = 4.35, 95%CI = 1.35-14.01, P = 0.014; OR = 5.66, 95%CI = 1.72-18.63, P = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: Plasma VEGF and bFGF are elevated in patients with liver cirrhosis. Age as well as plasma levels of VEGF and bFGF are significant predictors for spider angiomas in cirrhotic patients. PMID:14669345

  13. Relationship of associated secondary hyperparathyroidism to serum fibroblast growth factor-23 in end stage renal disease: A case-control study

    PubMed Central

    Sliem, Hamdy; Tawfik, Gamal; Moustafa, Fadia; Zaki, Heba

    2011-01-01

    Introduction: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is an insidious disease that develops early in the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and increases in severity as the glomerular filtration rate deteriorates. Recent studies have identified fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) as a new protein with phosphaturic activity. It is mainly secreted by osteoblasts and is now considered the most important factor for regulation of phosphorus homeostasis. It is not yet proven if there is any direct relation between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and FGF23. The present study aims to evaluate the relation between serum FGF23, phosphorus, and PTH in end-stage renal disease in patients with SHPT on regular hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: Forty-six consecutive CKD adult patients (case group) and 20 healthy adults (control group) were included in the study. All patients had SHPT and were on regular hemodialysis. Both groups were subjected to full medical history, clinical examination and biochemical studies. Serum phosphorus, calcium, ferritin, hemoglobin level, blood urea, creatinine, PTH, and FGF23 were analyzed. Results: Levels of FGF23 were significantly higher in the case group in comparison with those in the control group, viz., 4-fold, and positively correlated with PTH. Phosphorus levels in the case group were significantly high in spite of the increasing levels of FGF23. Both PTH and FGF23 were positively correlated with phosphorus and negatively with hemoglobin levels. Conclusion: SHPT and FGF23 may have a partial role in the development of anemia in patients with CKD. FGF23 could be a central factor in the pathogenesis of SHPT. Its role in controlling hyperphosphatemia in CKD is vague. PMID:21731867

  14. Early-life exposure to fibroblast growth factor-2 facilitates context-dependent long-term memory in developing rats.

    PubMed

    Graham, Bronwyn M; Richardson, Rick

    2010-06-01

    Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) is a potent neurotrophic factor that is involved in brain development and the formation of long-term memory. It has recently been shown that acute FGF2, administered at the time of learning, enhances long-term memory for contextual fear conditioning as well as extinction of conditioned fear in developing rats. As other research has shown that administering FGF2 on the first day of life leads to long-term morphological changes in the hippocampus, in the present study we investigated whether early life exposure to FGF2 affects contextual fear conditioning, and renewal following extinction, later in life. Experiment 1 demonstrated that a single injection of FGF2 on Postnatal Day (PND) 1 did not lead to any detectable changes in contextual fear conditioning in PND 16 or PND 23 rats. Experiments 2 and 3 demonstrated that 5 days of injections of FGF2 (from PND 1-5) facilitated contextual fear conditioning in PND 16 and PND 23 rats. Experiment 4 demonstrated that the observed facilitation of memory was not due to FGF2 increasing rats' sensitivity to foot shock. Experiment 5 showed that early life exposure to FGF2 did not affect learning about a discrete conditioned stimulus, but did allow PND 16 rats to use contextual information in more complex ways, leading to context-dependent extinction of conditioned fear. These results further implicate FGF2 as a critical signal involved in the development of learning and memory.

  15. Differences in prostate and adipose tissue basic fibroblast growth factor: analysis of preliminary results.

    PubMed

    Mydlo, J H; Kral, J G; Macchia, R J

    1997-09-01

    Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF-2) is mitogenic to human prostate epithelial and stromal cells, and it is reported to be elevated in the serum and urine of patients with various cancers, including prostate cancer. Obesity, with increased body fat, is a risk factor for prostate cancer through unknown mechanisms. Because adipose tissue is a source of FGF-2, we determined the quantity and quality of activity of FGF-2 in omental adipose tissue and compared it with normal and cancerous prostate tissues. Using heparin-Sepharose chromatography, we extracted proteins from human omental adipose tissue, adenocarcinoma of the prostate, and benign prostatic hypertrophic (BPH) tissues. Each of the mitogenic proteins eluted with NaCl concentrations between 1.4 M and 1.8 M, similar to control FGF-2. Using FGF-2 antisera (which inhibited the mitogenic activity of the proteins), we performed Western blot analysis to confirm their homology to FGF-2. We also assessed recovery, mitogenicity, and angiogenicity of each of the proteins using thymidine incorporation into human umbilical vein endothelial cells and the chorioallantoic membrane assay. There was greater recovery of FGF-2 from omental adipose tissue compared with cancerous or BPH homogenates (40 micrograms [2.0 micrograms/g] versus 25 micrograms [1.25 micrograms/g] and 20 micrograms [1.0 microgram/g], respectively). Moreover. FGF-2 from adipose tissue had greater mitogenic activity (96.2% versus 74.8% and 54%; P < 0.05) and a greater angiogenic activity (5.1 vessels versus 2.9 and 1.8 vessels; P < 0.05) on the chorioallantoic assay. We suggest that human omental adipose tissue FGF-2 may demonstrate greater mitogenic and angiogenic activity than either BPH or prostate cancer tissue FGF-2. It is not known whether FGF-2 from adipose tissue qualitatively or quantitatively may underlie the relationship between obesity and prostate cancer.

  16. Cardiac hypertrophy elevates serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23.

    PubMed

    Matsui, Isao; Oka, Tatsufumi; Kusunoki, Yasuo; Mori, Daisuke; Hashimoto, Nobuhiro; Matsumoto, Ayumi; Shimada, Karin; Yamaguchi, Satoshi; Kubota, Keiichi; Yonemoto, Sayoko; Higo, Tomoaki; Sakaguchi, Yusuke; Takabatake, Yoshitsugu; Hamano, Takayuki; Isaka, Yoshitaka

    2018-05-08

    Several experimental studies have shown that fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) induces left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). However, the opposite directional relationship, namely a potential effect of LVH on FGF23, remains uncertain. Here we evaluated the effects of LVH on FGF23 using cardiomyocyte-specific calcineurin A transgenic mice. At six weeks, these mice showed severe LVH, with elevated levels of serum intact FGF23. FGF23 levels were elevated in cardiomyocytes, but not osteocytes, of the transgenic animals. Moreover, transverse aortic constriction also upregulated myocardial FGF23 expression in wild type mice. The promoter region of the FGF23 gene contains two putative nuclear factors of activated T cells (NFAT)-binding sites, with NFAT1 activating the promoter in a proximal NFAT-binding site dependent manner. Neither serum, urinary, or fractional excretion values of calcium and phosphate nor serum levels of 1,25(OH) 2 vitamin D were different between wild type and transgenic mice. Moreover, the renal expression of FGF receptors and α-Klotho was comparable. However, plasma levels of antidiuretic hormone were significantly increased in the transgenic mice, and aquaporin-2 immunohistochemical staining was mainly positive in the apical membrane of the collecting duct, compared to a primarily cytoplasmic staining in wild type mice. Real-time PCR analyses of kidney CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 expression in wild type mice showed that exogenous antidiuretic hormone blocked FGF23's actions on these vitamin D activating or inactivating enzymes. Finally, the renal resistance of transgenic mice to FGF23 was partly overcome by tolvaptan. Thus, LVH in transgenic mice is associated with an increase in myocardial and serum intact FGF23, with the kidneys being protected against FGF23 excess by elevated antidiuretic hormone levels. Copyright © 2018 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Integrated data analysis identifies potential inducers and pathways during the endothelial differentiation of bone-marrow stromal cells by DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine.

    PubMed

    Xu, Rui; Chen, Wenbin; Zhang, Zhifen; Qiu, Yang; Wang, Yong; Zhang, Bingchang; Lu, Wei

    2018-05-30

    Bone-Marrow Stromal Cells (BMSCs)-derived vascular endothelial cells (VECs) is regarded as an important therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury, disc degeneration, cerebral ischemic disease and diabetes. The change in DNA methylation level is essential for stem cell differentiation. However, the DNA methylation related mechanisms underlying the endothelial differentiation of BMSCs are not well understood. In this study, DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) significantly elevated the endothelial markers expression (CD31/PECAM1, CD105/ENG, eNOS and VE-cadherin), as well as promoted the capacity of angiogenesis on Matrigel. The result of Alexa 488-Ac-LDL uptake assay indicated that the differentiation ratio of BMSCs into VECs was 68.7% in 5-azaz-dC induced differentiation. And then we screened differentiation inducers with altered expression patterns and DNA methylation levels in four important families (VEGF, ANG, FGF and ETS). By integrating these data, five endothelial differentiation inducers (VEGFA, ANGPT2, FGF2, FGF9 and ETS1) which were directly upregulated by 5-aza-dC and five indirect factors (FGF1, FGF3, ETS2, ETV1 and ETV4) were identified. These data suggested that 5-aza-dC is an excellent chemical molecule for BMSCs differentiation into functional VECs and also provided essential clues for DNA methylation related signaling during 5-aza-dC induced endothelial differentiation of BMSCs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Homozygous ablation of fibroblast growth factor-23 results in hyperphosphatemia and impaired skeletogenesis, and reverses hypophosphatemia in Phex-deficient mice.

    PubMed

    Sitara, Despina; Razzaque, Mohammed S; Hesse, Martina; Yoganathan, Subbiah; Taguchi, Takashi; Erben, Reinhold G; Jüppner, Harald; Lanske, Beate

    2004-11-01

    Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), a recently identified molecule that is mutated in patients with autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR), appears to be involved in the regulation of phosphate homeostasis. Although increased levels of circulating FGF-23 were detected in patients with different phosphate-wasting disorders such as oncogenic osteomalacia (OOM) and X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), it is not yet clear whether FGF-23 is directly responsible for the abnormal regulation of mineral ion homeostasis and consequently bone development. To address some of these unresolved questions, we generated a mouse model, in which the entire Fgf-23 gene was replaced with the lacZ gene. Fgf-23 null (Fgf-23-/-) mice showed signs of growth retardation by day 17, developed severe hyperphosphatemia with elevated serum 1,25(OH)2D3 levels, and died by 13 weeks of age. Hyperphosphatemia in Fgf-23-/- mice was accompanied by skeletal abnormalities, as demonstrated by histological, molecular, and various other morphometric analyses. Fgf-23-/-) mice had increased total-body bone mineral content (BMC) but decreased bone mineral density (BMD) of the limbs. Overall, Fgf-23-/- mice exhibited increased mineralization, but also accumulation of unmineralized osteoid leading to marked limb deformities. Moreover, Fgf-23-/- mice showed excessive mineralization in soft tissues, including heart and kidney. To further expand our understanding regarding the role of Fgf-23 in phosphate homeostasis and skeletal mineralization, we crossed Fgf-23-/- animals with Hyp mice, the murine equivalent of XLH. Interestingly, Hyp males lacking both Fgf-23 alleles were indistinguishable from Fgf-23/-/ mice, both in terms of serum phosphate levels and skeletal changes, suggesting that Fgf-23 is upstream of the phosphate regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome (Phex) and that the increased plasma Fgf-23 levels in Hyp mice (and in XLH patients) may be at least partially responsible for the phosphate imbalance in this disorder.

  19. FGF7 supports hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and niche-dependent myeloblastoma cells via autocrine action on bone marrow stromal cells in vitro

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ishino, Ruri; Minami, Kaori; Tanaka, Satowa

    2013-10-11

    Highlights: •FGF7 is downregulated in MED1-deficient mesenchymal cells. •FGF7 produced by mesenchymal stromal cells is a novel hematopoietic niche molecule. •FGF7 supports hematopoietic progenitor cells and niche-dependent leukemia cells. •FGF7 activates FGFR2IIIb of bone marrow stromal cells in an autocrine manner. •FGF7 indirectly acts on hematopoietic cells lacking FGFR2IIIb via stromal cells. -- Abstract: FGF1 and FGF2 support hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) under stress conditions. In this study, we show that fibroblast growth factor (FGF7) may be a novel niche factor for HSPC support and leukemic growth. FGF7 expression was attenuated in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) deficient formore » the MED1 subunit of the Mediator transcriptional coregulator complex. When normal mouse bone marrow (BM) cells were cocultured with Med1{sup +/+} MEFs or BM stromal cells in the presence of anti-FGF7 antibody, the growth of BM cells and the number of long-time culture-initiating cells (LTC-ICs) decreased significantly. Anti-FGF7 antibody also attenuated the proliferation and cobblestone formation of MB1 stromal cell-dependent myeloblastoma cells. The addition of recombinant FGF7 to the coculture of BM cells and Med1{sup −/−} MEFs increased BM cells and LTC-ICs. FGF7 and its cognate receptor, FGFR2IIIb, were undetectable in BM cells, but MEFs and BM stromal cells expressed both. FGF7 activated downstream targets of FGFR2IIIb in Med1{sup +/+} and Med1{sup −/−} MEFs and BM stromal cells. Taken together, we propose that FGF7 supports HSPCs and leukemia-initiating cells indirectly via FGFR2IIIb expressed on stromal cells.« less

  20. Subcellular distribution and mitogenic effect of basic fibroblast growth factor in mesenchymal uncommitted stem cells.

    PubMed

    Benavente, Claudia A; Sierralta, Walter D; Conget, Paulette A; Minguell, José J

    2003-06-01

    Uncommitted mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), upon commitment and differentiation give rise to several mature mesenchymal lineages. Although the involvement of specific growth factors, including FGF2, in the development of committed MSC is known, the effect of FGF2 on uncommitted progenitors remains unclear. We have analyzed on a comparative basis, the subcellular distribution and mitogenic effect of FGF2 in committed and uncommitted MSC prepared from human bone marrow. Indirect immunofluorescence studies showed strong nuclear FGF2 staining in both progenitors; however, cytoplasmic staining was only detected in committed cells. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of 22.5 and 21-22 kDa forms of FGF2 in the nucleus of both progenitors; however, their relative content was higher in uncommitted than in committed cells. Exogenous FGF2 stimulated proliferation and sustained quiescence in committed and uncommitted cells, respectively. These results show that both type of progenitors, apart from morphological and proliferative differences, display specific patterns of response to FGF2.

  1. Priming Dental Pulp Stem Cells With Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Increases Angiogenesis of Implanted Tissue-Engineered Constructs Through Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Secretion

    PubMed Central

    Gorin, Caroline; Rochefort, Gael Y.; Bascetin, Rumeyza; Ying, Hanru; Lesieur, Julie; Sadoine, Jérémy; Beckouche, Nathan; Berndt, Sarah; Novais, Anita; Lesage, Matthieu; Hosten, Benoit; Vercellino, Laetitia; Merlet, Pascal; Le-Denmat, Dominique; Marchiol, Carmen; Letourneur, Didier; Nicoletti, Antonino; Vital, Sibylle Opsahl; Poliard, Anne; Salmon, Benjamin; Germain, Stéphane

    2016-01-01

    Tissue engineering strategies based on implanting cellularized biomaterials are promising therapeutic approaches for the reconstruction of large tissue defects. A major hurdle for the reliable establishment of such therapeutic approaches is the lack of rapid blood perfusion of the tissue construct to provide oxygen and nutrients. Numerous sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) displaying angiogenic potential have been characterized in the past years, including the adult dental pulp. Establishment of efficient strategies for improving angiogenesis in tissue constructs is nevertheless still an important challenge. Hypoxia was proposed as a priming treatment owing to its capacity to enhance the angiogenic potential of stem cells through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release. The present study aimed to characterize additional key factors regulating the angiogenic capacity of such MSCs, namely, dental pulp stem cells derived from deciduous teeth (SHED). We identified fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) as a potent inducer of the release of VEGF and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) by SHED. We found that FGF-2 limited hypoxia-induced downregulation of HGF release. Using three-dimensional culture models of angiogenesis, we demonstrated that VEGF and HGF were both responsible for the high angiogenic potential of SHED through direct targeting of endothelial cells. In addition, FGF-2 treatment increased the fraction of Stro-1+/CD146+ progenitor cells. We then applied in vitro FGF-2 priming to SHED before encapsulation in hydrogels and in vivo subcutaneous implantation. Our results showed that FGF-2 priming is more efficient than hypoxia at increasing SHED-induced vascularization compared with nonprimed controls. Altogether, these data demonstrate that FGF-2 priming enhances the angiogenic potential of SHED through the secretion of both HGF and VEGF. Significance The results from the present study show that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) priming is more efficient than hypoxia at increasing dental pulp stem cells derived from deciduous teeth (SHED)-induced vascularization compared with nonprimed controls. Together, these data demonstrate that FGF-2 priming enhances the angiogenic potential of SHED through the secretion of both hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. PMID:26798059

  2. Fibroblast Growth Factor 2-A Predictor of Outcome for Patients Irradiated for Stage II-III Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rades, Dirk, E-mail: Rades.Dirk@gmx.net; Setter, Cornelia; Dahl, Olav

    2012-01-01

    Purpose: The prognostic value of the tumor cell expression of the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. The present study investigated the effect of tumor cell expression of FGF-2 on the outcome of 60 patients irradiated for Stage II-III NSCLC. Methods and Materials: The effect of FGF-2 expression and 13 additional factors on locoregional control (LRC), metastasis-free survival (MFS), and overall survival (OS) were retrospectively evaluated. These additional factors included age, gender, Karnofsky performance status, histologic type, histologic grade, T and N category, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, surgery, chemotherapy, pack-years,more » smoking during radiotherapy, and hemoglobin during radiotherapy. Locoregional failure was identified by endoscopy or computed tomography. Univariate analyses were performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and the Wilcoxon test and multivariate analyses with the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: On univariate analysis, improved LRC was associated with surgery (p = .017), greater hemoglobin levels (p = .036), and FGF-2 negativity (p <.001). On multivariate analysis of LRC, surgery (relative risk [RR], 2.44; p = .037), and FGF-2 expression (RR, 5.06; p <.001) maintained significance. On univariate analysis, improved MFS was associated with squamous cell carcinoma (p = .020), greater hemoglobin levels (p = .007), and FGF-2 negativity (p = .001). On multivariate analysis of MFS, the hemoglobin levels (RR, 2.65; p = .019) and FGF-2 expression (RR, 3.05; p = .004) were significant. On univariate analysis, improved OS was associated with a lower N category (p = .048), greater hemoglobin levels (p <.001), and FGF-2 negativity (p <.001). On multivariate analysis of OS, greater hemoglobin levels (RR, 4.62; p = .002) and FGF-2 expression (RR, 3.25; p = .002) maintained significance. Conclusions: Tumor cell expression of FGF-2 appeared to be an independent negative predictor of LRC, MFS, and OS.« less

  3. Synergy between growth factors and transmitters required for catecholamine differentiation in brain neurons.

    PubMed

    Du, X; Iacovitti, L

    1995-07-01

    The phenotypically plastic neurons of the embryonic mouse striatum were used to explore mechanisms of catecholamine differentiation in culture. De novo transcription and translation of the CA biosynthetic enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), was induced in striatal neurons exposed, simultaneously or sequentially, to the growth factor, acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) and a catecholamine. Although dopamine was the most potent aFGF partner (ED50 = 4 microM), a number of substances, including dopamine (D1) receptor agonists, beta-adrenoceptor agonists, and dopamine uptake inhibitors also trigger TH induction when accompanied by aFGF. However, since none of the receptor antagonists nor transport blockers tested could inhibit dopamine's action, the mechanism remains obscure. Structure-activity analysis suggests that effective aFGF partners all contain an amine group separated from a catechol nucleus by two carbons. Thus, TH expression can be novelly induced by the synergistic interaction of aFGF, and to a lesser extent basic FGF, and a variety of CA-containing partner molecules. We speculate that a similar association between growth factor and transmitter may be required in development for the differentiation of a CA phenotype in brain neurons.

  4. Elevated serum fibroblast growth factor 23 levels as an indicator of lower extremity atherosclerotic disease in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

    PubMed

    He, Xingxing; Hu, Xiang; Ma, Xiaojing; Su, Hang; Ying, Lingwen; Peng, Jiahui; Pan, Xiaoping; Bao, Yuqian; Zhou, Jian; Jia, Weiping

    2017-06-15

    Recently, basic and clinical studies have provided evidence supporting the relationship between circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 and the development of atherosclerosis. Given that diabetes is an established risk factor for lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD), the goal of the present study was to explore the relationship between serum FGF23 levels and LEAD, as well as the related factors, in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 401 hospitalized T2DM patients (201 subjects with LEAD and 200 subjects without LEAD) were enrolled in this study. Serum FGF23 levels were determined by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Femoral intima-media thickness (F-IMT) and lower limb atherosclerotic plaque were assessed through color Doppler ultrasound. The median (interquartile range) serum FGF23 levels in the entire study population was 42.08 (35.59-49.17) pg/mL. Subjects with LEAD had significantly higher serum FGF23 levels compared with those without LEAD (44.00 [37.54-51.30] pg/mL versus 40.42 [32.61-48.23] pg/mL, P < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that serum FGF23 levels were independently and positively correlated with the presence of LEAD (odds ratio 1.039, 95% confidence interval 1.012-1.067, P = 0.004). In addition, multiple liner regression analysis revealed that serum FGF23 levels were positively associated with F-IMT (standardized β = 0.175, P < 0.001). Furthermore, this relationship remained significant after additional adjustment for gender and factors potentially affecting serum FGF23 levels (serum calcium, serum phosphorus, and glomerular filtration rate), respectively (both P < 0.01). In Chinese patients with T2DM, serum FGF23 levels were independently and positively correlated with the presence of LEAD.

  5. Exposure to transforming growth factor-β1 after basic fibroblast growth factor promotes the fibroblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem/progenitor cell lines.

    PubMed

    Kono, Kiyomi; Maeda, Hidefumi; Fujii, Shinsuke; Tomokiyo, Atsushi; Yamamoto, Naohide; Wada, Naohisa; Monnouchi, Satoshi; Teramatsu, Yoko; Hamano, Sayuri; Koori, Katsuaki; Akamine, Akifumi

    2013-05-01

    Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a cytokine that promotes the regeneration of the periodontium, the specialized tissues supporting the teeth. bFGF, does not, however, induce the synthesis of smooth muscle actin alpha 2 (ACTA2), type I collagen (COL1), or COL3, which are principal molecules in periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue, a component of the periodontium. We have suggested the feasibility of using transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) to induce fibroblastic differentiation of PDL stem/progenitor cells (PDLSCs). Here, we investigated the effect of the subsequent application of TGFβ1 after bFGF (bFGF/TGFβ1) on the differentiation of PDLSCs into fibroblastic cells. We first confirmed the expression of bFGF and TGFβ1 in rat PDL tissue and primary human PDL cells. Receptors for both bFGF and TGFβ1 were expressed in the human PDLSC lines 1-11 and 1-17. Exposure to bFGF for 2 days promoted vascular endothelial growth factor gene and protein expression in both cell lines and down-regulated the expression of ACTA2, COL1, and COL3 mRNA in both cell lines and the gene fibrillin 1 (FBN1) in cell line 1-11 alone. Furthermore, bFGF stimulated cell proliferation of these cell lines and significantly increased the number of cells in phase G2/M in the cell lines. Exposure to TGFβ1 for 2 days induced gene expression of ACTA2 and COL1 in both cell lines and FBN1 in cell line 1-11 alone. BFGF/TGFβ1 treatment significantly up-regulated ACTA2, COL1, and FBN1 expression as compared with the group treated with bFGF alone or the untreated control. This method might thus be useful for accelerating the generation and regeneration of functional periodontium.

  6. NF-κB Is the Transcription Factor for FGF-2 That Causes Endothelial Mesenchymal Transformation in Cornea

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Jeong Goo

    2012-01-01

    Purpose. To determine the role of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) during FGF-2–mediated endothelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in response to interleukin (IL)-1β stimulation in corneal endothelial cells (CECs). Methods. Expression and/or activation of IL-1 receptor–associated protein kinase (IRAK), TNF receptor–associated factor 6 (TRAF6), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), IκB kinase (IKK), IκB, NF-κB, and FGF-2 were analyzed by immunoblot analysis. Cell proliferation was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. NF-κB activity was measured by NF-κB ELISA kit, while binding of NF-κB to the promoter region of FGF-2 gene was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Results. Brief stimulation of CECs with IL-1β upregulated expression of IRAK and TRAF6 and activated PI 3-kinase; expression of IRAK and TRAF6 reached maximum within 60 minutes, after which the expression disappeared, while PI 3-kinase activity was observed up to 4 hours after IL-1β stimulation. Use of specific inhibitor to PI 3-kinase or IRAK demonstrated that IRAK activates PI 3-kinase, the signaling of which phosphorylates IKKα/β and degrades IκB, subsequently leading to activation of NF-κB. The induction of FGF-2 by IL-1β was completely blocked by inhibitors to NF-κB activation (sulfasalazine) or PI 3-kinase (LY294002), and both inhibitors greatly blocked cell proliferation of CECs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation further demonstrated that NF-κB is the transcription factor of FGF-2 as NF-κB binds the putative NF-κB binding site of the FGF-2 promoter. Conclusions. These data suggest that IL-1β signaling combines the canonical pathway and the PI 3-kinase signaling to upregulate FGF-2 production through NF-κB, which plays a key role as a transcription factor of FGF-2 gene. PMID:22323467

  7. [Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor on the proliferation, migration and adhesion of human periodontal ligament stem cells in vitro].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Rong; Zhang, Mian; Li, Cheng-hua; Wang, Peng-cheng; Chen, Fang; Wang, Qin-tao

    2013-05-01

    To evaluate the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the proliferation, migration, and adhesion of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC) in vitro. Human PDLSC were cultured in vitro using tissue culture method.The cells were cultured and incubated with various concentrations of FGF-2 and VEGF [A:α-MEM with 2% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (control 1); B:A supplemented with 20 µg/L FGF-2; C:A supplemented with 10 µg/L VEGF; D:A supplemented with 20 µg/L FGF-2 and 10 µg/L VEGF; E:α-MEM with 10% FBS (control 2); F:E supplemented with 20 µg/L FGF-2; G:E supplemented with 10 µg/L VEGF; H:E supplemented with 20 µg/L FGF-2 and 10 µg/L VEGF]. Soluble tetrazolium salts assay was used to evaluate the proliferative capacity on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th d. Then the groups were changed according to result of the proliferation assay (control:α-MEM with 2% FBS; FGF-2 group:control supplemented with 20 µg/L FGF-2; VEGF:control supplemented with 10 µg/L VEGF; Combination group:control supplemented with 20 µg/L FGF-2 and 10 µg/L VEGF). The cell cycle, migration and adhesion capacities were evaluated using flow cytometer, soluble tetrazolium salts assay, cell adhesion assay and scratch wound-healing motility assay. In 2% volume fraction serum containing medium, FGF-2 and VEGF did not stimulate the cell proliferation. However, in 10% serum condition, in groups treated with FGF-2 for 3,5 or 7 d, the A value was (1.22 ± 0.17, 2.15 ± 0.19, 2.72 ± 0.11) respectively, which were significantly higher than that in the control group (0.76 ± 0.16, 1.25 ± 0.06, 1.64 ± 0.09) (P < 0.01) while lower than that in the group treated with FGF-2 and VEGF in combination on the 5 th and 7 th d (2.46 ± 0.17, 3.18 ± 0.27) ( P < 0.05). The A value in the VEGF group on the 5 th and 7 th d is higher than the control group while lower than the FGF-2 group (1.66 ± 0.05, 2.13 ± 0.13) (P < 0.05). Flow cytometer showed that the proliferation index in VEGF group [(34.3 ± 2.0)% ] were significantly lower than those in FGF-2 [(46.8 ± 3.2)%] group and (FGF-2+ VEGF) group [(45.0 ± 4.0)%] but higher than in the control group [(14.5 ± 1.7)%] (P < 0.01). The cell migration assay indicated that the group stimulated with FGF-2 showed no migration promoted effect. Cell adhesion assay showed that the ratio of the adhesive cells number to the original cells number is greater in the FGF-2 group (79 ± 4) than in the VEGF group (62 ± 4) (P < 0.05). Light microscope identified a better cellular morphology on the adhesive surface in the group with FGF-2 than groups without FGF-2. Both FGF-2 and VEGF could simulate the proliferation of PDLSC in a dose dependent manner, and showed an synergistic effect. FGF-2 was more effective to promote the adhesive capacity of PDLSC compared with VEGF. VEGF could facilitate the migration of PDLSC to the wound side.

  8. 2-O Heparan Sulfate Sulfation by Hs2st Is Required for Erk/Mapk Signalling Activation at the Mid-Gestational Mouse Telencephalic Midline

    PubMed Central

    Chan, Wai Kit; Howe, Katherine; Clegg, James M.; Guimond, Scott E.; Price, David J.; Turnbull, Jeremy E.; Pratt, Thomas

    2015-01-01

    Heparan sulfate (HS) is a linear carbohydrate composed of polymerized uronate-glucosamine disaccharide units that decorates cell surface and secreted glycoproteins in the extracellular matrix. In mammals HS is subjected to differential sulfation by fifteen different heparan sulfotransferase (HST) enzymes of which Hs2st uniquely catalyzes the sulfation of the 2-O position of the uronate in HS. HS sulfation is postulated to be important for regulation of signaling pathways by facilitating the interaction of HS with signaling proteins including those of the Fibroblast Growth Factor (Fgf) family which signal through phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases Erk1/2. In the developing mouse telencephalon Fgf2 signaling regulates proliferation and neurogenesis. Loss of Hs2st function phenocopies the thinned cerebral cortex of mutant mice in which Fgf2 or Erk1/2 function are abrogated, suggesting the hypothesis that 2-O-sulfated HS structures play a specific role in Fgf2/Erk signaling pathway in this context in vivo. This study investigated the molecular role of 2-O sulfation in Fgf2/Erk signaling in the developing telencephalic midline midway through mouse embryogenesis at E12.5. We examined the expression of Hs2st, Fgf2, and Erk1/2 activity in wild-type and Hs2st-/- mice. We found that Hs2st is expressed at high levels at the midline correlating with high levels of Erk1/2 activation and Erk1/2 activation was drastically reduced in the Hs2st-/- mutant at the rostral telencephalic midline. We also found that 2-O sulfation is specifically required for the binding of Fgf2 protein to Fgfr1, its major cell-surface receptor at the rostral telencephalic midline. We conclude that 2-O sulfated HS structures generated by Hs2st are needed to form productive signaling complexes between HS, Fgf2 and Fgfr1 that activate Erk1/2 at the midline. Overall, our data suggest the interesting possibility that differential expression of Hs2st targets the rostral telencephalic midline for high levels of Erk signaling by increasing the sensitivity of cells to an Fgf2 signal that is rather more widespread. PMID:26075383

  9. Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor and insulin-like growth factor on cultured cartilage cells from skate Raja porasa

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fan, Tingjun; Jin, Lingyun; Wang, Xiaofeng

    2003-12-01

    Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) on cartilage cells from proboscis of skate, Raja porasa Günther, were investigated in this study. The cartilage cells were cultured in 20% FBS-supplemented MEM medium at 24°C. Twelve hours after culture initiation, the cartilage cells were treated with bFGF and IGF-II at different concentration combinations. It was found that 20 ng/ml of bFGF or 80 ng/ml of IGF-II was enough to have obvious stimulating effect on the growth and division of skate cartilage cells. Test of bFGF and IGF-II together, revealed that 20 ng/ml of bFGF and 80 ng/ml of IGF-II together had the best stimulating effect on the growth and division of skate cartilage cells. The cartilage cells cultured could form a monolayer at day 7.

  10. Fibroblast growth factor-2 regulates the cell function of human dental pulp cells.

    PubMed

    Shimabukuro, Yoshio; Ueda, Maki; Ozasa, Masao; Anzai, Jun; Takedachi, Masahide; Yanagita, Manabu; Ito, Masako; Hashikawa, Tomoko; Yamada, Satoru; Murakami, Shinya

    2009-11-01

    Homeostasis and tissue repair of dentin-pulp complex are attributed to dental pulp tissue and several growth factors. Dental pulp cells play a pivotal role in homeostasis of dentin-pulp complex and tissue responses after tooth injury. Among these cytokines, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 has multifunctional biologic activity and is known as a signaling molecule that induces tissue regeneration. In this study, we examined the effects of FGF-2 on growth, migration, and differentiation of human dental pulp cells (HDPC). HDPC were isolated from healthy dental pulp. Cellular response was investigated by [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA. Cytodifferentiation was examined by alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) assay and cytochemical staining of calcium by using alizarin red. Migratory activity was determined by counting the cells migrating into cleared area that had introduced with silicon block. FGF-2 activated HDPC growth and migration but suppressed ALPase activity and calcified nodule formation. Interestingly, HDPC, which had been pretreated with FGF-2, showed increased ALPase activity and calcified nodule formation when subsequently cultured without FGF-2. These results suggest that FGF-2 potentiates cell growth and accumulation of HDPC that notably did not disturb cytodifferentiation of the cells later. Thus, FGF-2 is a favorable candidate for pulp capping agent. These results provide new evidence for the possible involvement of FGF-2 not only in homeostasis but also in regeneration of dentin-pulp complex.

  11. Constructing a blood vessel on the porous scaffold modified with vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sevostyanova, V. V.; Matveeva, V. G.; Antonova, L. V.; Velikanova, E. A.; Shabaev, A. R.; Senokosova, E. A.; Krivkina, E. O.; Vasyukov, G. Yu.; Glushkova, T. V.; Kudryavtseva, Yu. A.; Barbarash, O. L.; Barbarash, L. S.

    2016-11-01

    Incorporation of the growth factors into biodegradable polymers is a promising approach for the fabrication of tissue-engineered vascular grafts. Here we blended poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) with poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) following incorporation of either vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and then fabricated electrospun 2 mm diameter vascular grafts. Grafts without the growth factors were used as a control group. Structure of the grafts was assessed utilizing scanning electron microscopy. We further implanted our grafts into rat abdominal aorta for 1 and 3 months with the aim to test endothelialization, cell infiltration, and patency in vivo. Histological and immunofluorescence examination demonstrated enhanced endothelialization and cell infiltration of the grafts with either VEGF or bFGF compared to those without the growth factors. Grafts with VEGF showed higher patency compared to those with bFGF; however, bFGF promoted migration of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts into the graft. Therefore, we conclude that incorporation of VEGF and bFGF into the inner and medial/outer layer, respectively, can be a promising option for the fabrication of tissue-engineered vascular grafts.

  12. [Pathogenetic and Prognostic Role of Growth Factors in the Development of Chronic Heart Failure].

    PubMed

    Teplyakov, A T; Berezikova, E N; Shilov, S N; Efremova, A V; Pustovetova, M G; Popova, A A; Grakova, E V; Torim, Y Y; Safronov, I D; Andriyanova, A V

    2017-10-01

    To study the role of growth factors ((vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-basic)) in the development and progression of chronic heart failure (CHF) in patients with ishcemic heart disease (IHD). We included in this study 94 patients with CHF. The control group comprised 32 persons. Blood serum levels of growth factors were determined at baseline and after 12 months of observation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. VEGF, PDGF-AB and FGF-basic play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of heart failure in patients with IHD, determining the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events in this pathology. Serum activity of growth factors characterizes the severity and course of CHF: with disease progression levels of VEGF and FGF-basic decrease and PDGF-AB concentration increases. Initial low level of VEGF expression regardless of the sex of the patient's sex, significantly low level of FGF-basic and significantly high PDGF-AB in men characterizes unfavorable course of CHF. A correlation has been established between blood serum levels of VEGF, PDGF-AB and FGF-basic and severity and course of CHF.

  13. Conditioned media from a renal cell carcinoma cell line demonstrates the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor.

    PubMed

    Mydlo, J H; Zajac, J; Macchia, R J

    1993-09-01

    In a previous report, we demonstrated the isolation and purification of a heparin binding growth factor from human renal carcinoma, and suggested that this growth factor may play a role in the neovascularity and growth of the tumor. In this report, we demonstrate that the growth of the renal cell carcinoma cell line RC29 is stimulated by the addition of exogenous fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha). Also, media conditioned by this cell line was able to stimulate growth of the A431 vulvar tumor cell line, known for its high concentration of EGF receptors, 3T3 fibroblasts, human umbilical vein (HUV) cells and RC29 cells. Using heparin-sepharose chromatography and then SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), we were able to demonstrate several proteins in the conditioned media of the RC29 cell line. Using Western blot analysis, we detected that at least one of the proteins expressed in this conditioned media was FGF and that it belongs to the basic, not acidic, family of fibroblast growth factors. These findings suggest that renal tumors may express growth factors that may play a direct role in maintaining their unrestricted proliferation.

  14. Cellular Internalization of Fibroblast Growth Factor-12 Exerts Radioprotective Effects on Intestinal Radiation Damage Independently of FGFR Signaling

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nakayama, Fumiaki, E-mail: f_naka@nirs.go.jp; Umeda, Sachiko; Yasuda, Takeshi

    2014-02-01

    Purpose: Several fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) were shown to inhibit radiation-induced tissue damage through FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling; however, this signaling was also found to be involved in the pathogenesis of several malignant tumors. In contrast, FGF12 cannot activate any FGFRs. Instead, FGF12 can be internalized readily into cells using 2 cell-penetrating peptide domains (CPP-M, CPP-C). Therefore, this study focused on clarifying the role of FGF12 internalization in protection against radiation-induced intestinal injury. Methods and Materials: Each FGF or peptide was administered intraperitoneally to BALB/c mice in the absence of heparin 24 hours before or after total body irradiation withmore » γ rays at 9 to 12 Gy. Several radioprotective effects were examined in the jejunum. Results: Administration of FGF12 after radiation exposure was as effective as pretreatment in significantly promoting intestinal regeneration, proliferation of crypt cells, and epithelial differentiation. Two domains, comprising amino acid residues 80 to 109 and 140 to 169 of FGF12B, were identified as being responsible for the radioprotective activity, so that deletion of both domains from FGF12B resulted in a reduction in activity. Interestingly, these regions included the CPP-M and CPP-C domains, respectively; however, CPP-C by itself did not show an antiapoptotic effect. In addition, FGF1, prototypic FGF, possesses a domain corresponding to CPP-M, whereas it lacks CPP-C, so the fusion of FGF1 with CPP-C (FGF1/CPP-C) enhanced cellular internalization and increased radioprotective activity. However, FGF1/CPP-C reduced in vitro mitogenic activity through FGFRs compared with FGF1, implying that FGFR signaling might not be essential for promoting the radioprotective effect of FGF1/CPP-C. In addition, internalized FGF12 suppressed the activation of p38α after irradiation, resulting in reduced radiation-induced apoptosis. Conclusions: These findings indicate that FGF12 can protect the intestine against radiation-induced injury through its internalization, independently of FGFRs, suggesting that cellular uptake of FGF12 is an alternative signaling pathway useful for cancer radiation therapy.« less

  15. Effects of structurally stabilized EGF and bFGF on wound healing in type I and type II diabetic mice.

    PubMed

    Choi, Seong Mi; Lee, Kyoung-Mi; Kim, Hyun Jung; Park, Ik Kyu; Kang, Hwi Ju; Shin, Hang-Cheol; Baek, Dawoon; Choi, Yoorim; Park, Kwang Hwan; Lee, Jin Woo

    2018-01-15

    Diabetes mellitus comprises a multiple metabolic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and consequentially poses challenges for clinical treatment. Among the various complications, diabetic ulcer constitutes the most prevalent associated disorder and leads to delayed wound healing. To enhance wound healing capacity, we developed structurally stabilized epidermal growth factor (ST-EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (ST-bFGF) to overcome limitations of commercially available EGF (CA-EGF) and bFGF (CA-bFGF), such as short half-life and loss of activity after loading onto a matrix. Neither ST-EGF nor ST-bFGF was toxic, and both were more stable at higher temperatures than CA-EGF and CA-bFGF. We loaded ST-EGF and ST-bFGF onto a hyaluronate-collagen dressing (HCD) matrix, a biocompatible carrier, and tested the effectiveness of this system in promoting wound healing in a mouse model of diabetes. Wounds treated with HCD matrix loaded with 0.3 μg/cm 2 ST-EGF or 1 μg/cm 2 ST-bFGF showed a more rapid rate of tissue repair as compared to the control in type I and II diabetes models. Our results indicate that an HDC matrix loaded with 0.3 μg/cm 2 ST-EGF or 1 μg/cm 2 ST-bFGF can promote wound healing in diabetic ulcers and are suitable for use in wound dressings owing to their stability for long periods at room temperature. Various types of dressing materials loaded with growth factors, such as VEGF, EGF, and bFGF, are widely used to effect wound repair. However, such growth factor-loaded materials have several limitations for use as therapeutic agents in healing-impaired diabetic wounds. To overcome these limitations, we have developed new materials containing structurally stabilized EGF (ST-EGF) and bFGF (ST-bFGF). To confirm the wound healing capacity of newly developed materials (ST-EGF and ST-bFGF-loaded hyaluronate-collagen dressing [HCD] matrix), we applied these matrices in type I and type II diabetic wounds. Notably, these matrices were able to accelerate wound healing including re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and collagen deposition. Consequentially, these ST-EGF and ST-bFGF-loaded HCD matrix may be used as future therapeutic agents in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. FGF21 maintains glucose homeostasis by mediating the cross talk between liver and brain during prolonged fasting.

    PubMed

    Liang, Qingning; Zhong, Ling; Zhang, Jialiang; Wang, Yu; Bornstein, Stefan R; Triggle, Chris R; Ding, Hong; Lam, Karen S L; Xu, Aimin

    2014-12-01

    Hepatic gluconeogenesis is a main source of blood glucose during prolonged fasting and is orchestrated by endocrine and neural pathways. Here we show that the hepatocyte-secreted hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) induces fasting gluconeogenesis via the brain-liver axis. Prolonged fasting induces activation of the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) in the liver and subsequent hepatic production of FGF21, which enters into the brain to activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis for release of corticosterone, thereby stimulating hepatic gluconeogenesis. Fasted FGF21 knockout (KO) mice exhibit severe hypoglycemia and defective hepatic gluconeogenesis due to impaired activation of the HPA axis and blunted release of corticosterone, a phenotype similar to that observed in PPARα KO mice. By contrast, intracerebroventricular injection of FGF21 reverses fasting hypoglycemia and impairment in hepatic gluconeogenesis by restoring corticosterone production in both FGF21 KO and PPARα KO mice, whereas all these central effects of FGF21 were abrogated by blockage of hypothalamic FGF receptor-1. FGF21 acts directly on the hypothalamic neurons to activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), thereby stimulating the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone by activation of the transcription factor cAMP response element binding protein. Therefore, FGF21 maintains glucose homeostasis during prolonged fasting by fine tuning the interorgan cross talk between liver and brain. © 2014 by the American Diabetes Association. Readers may use this article as long as the work is properly cited, the use is educational and not for profit, and the work is not altered.

  17. Fibroblast growth factor 10 upregulates the expression of mucins in rat conjunctival epithelial cells

    PubMed Central

    Ma, Mingming; Zhang, Zhengwei; Niu, Weiran; Zheng, Wenjing; Kelimu, Jiang

    2011-01-01

    Purpose This in vitro study aimed to gain insight into the function of fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) on the ocular surface, especially its effect on mRNA expression of the mucins Muc1, Muc4, and Muc5ac, and mucin protein synthesis. Methods We isolated primary cultured rat conjunctival epithelial cells (Cj-ECs) and treated them with FGF10 (1 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml, 100 ng/ml, and 200 ng/ml) and basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2; 10 ng/ml) for 24 h or 48 h. The proliferation of Cj-ECs was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS). mRNA levels of Muc1, Muc4, and Muc5ac were determined by real-time PCR. Synthesis levels of MUC1 and MUC4 were measured by western blot. Flow cytometry and Annexin V/PI double staining revealed degrees of apoptosis. Results In primary culture, the epithelial cells were compact and cobblestone pavement in shape. Most of the cells were positive for cytokeratin (CK). FGF10 and FGF2 significantly stimulated Muc1, Muc4, and Muc5ac mRNA expression, cell proliferation, and synthesis of MUC1 and MUC4 proteins. FGF10 was more potent than FGF2 in these regards. FGF10 did not restrain the apoptosis of Cj-ECs. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrated that FGF10 is associated with the promotion of Cj-EC proliferation and mucin production. The effects of FGF10 on Cj-ECs support a rationale to investigate its therapeutic potential for ocular surface diseases. PMID:22065934

  18. The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) agonist FGF1 and the neural cell adhesion molecule-derived peptide FGL activate FGFR substrate 2alpha differently.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yongshuo; Li, Shizhong; Berezin, Vladimir; Bock, Elisabeth

    2010-07-01

    Activation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors (FGFRs) both by FGFs and by the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is crucial in the development and function of the nervous system. We found that FGFR substrate 2alpha (FRS2alpha), Src homologous and collagen A (ShcA), and phospholipase-Cgamma (PLCgamma) were all required for neurite outgrowth from cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) induced by FGF1 and FGL (an NCAM-derived peptide agonist of FGFR1). Like FGF1, FGL induced tyrosine phosphorylation of FGFR1, FRS2alpha, ShcA, and PLCgamma in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, the activation of FRS2alpha by FGL was significantly lower than the activation by FGF1, indicating a differential signaling profile induced by NCAM compared with the cognate growth factor.

  19. Diagnosis of bile acid diarrhoea by fasting and postprandial measurements of fibroblast growth factor 19.

    PubMed

    Borup, Christian; Syversen, Charlotte; Bouchelouche, Pierre; Damgaard, Morten; Graff, Jesper; Rumessen, Jüri Johannes; Munck, Lars Kristian

    2015-12-01

    A deficiency in the ileal hormone fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) has been described in patients with bile acid diarrhoea (BAD), but fasting FGF19 levels have insufficient diagnostic power. We assess whether single postprandial sampling of FGF19 has greater discriminative value than fasting FGF19 for detection of BAD and we evaluate the reproducibility of fasting FGF19. Twenty-six patients consecutively referred to Se homocholic acid retention test (SeHCAT) were included. Serum FGF19 was measured after an overnight fast and again 1 h postprandially and again in the fasting state 1 week later. Nine of 26 patients had SeHCAT less than 10% and fasting FGF19 was lower [median 62 pg/ml, interquartile range (IQR): 47-67] than in the 17 diarrhoea controls with SeHCAT at least 10% (median 103 pg/ml, IQR: 77-135, P=0.006). Postprandial FGF19 in BAD patients (61 pg/ml, IQR: 48-69) was similar to fasting values (P=0.59) and increased insignificantly in diarrhoea controls (137 pg/ml, IQR: 88-182; P=0.25). The difference in postprandial FGF19 between patients with BAD and diarrhoea controls was highly significant (P<0.001). The difference in serum FGF19 between groups of patients with BAD and diarrhoea controls is amplified postprandially. Within each group, the difference between fasting and postprandial FGF19 was not statistically significant. Further investigations are warranted on stimulated FGF19 response to elucidate its role in BAD.

  20. Fractone-heparan sulphates mediate FGF-2 stimulation of cell proliferation in the adult subventricular zone.

    PubMed

    Douet, V; Kerever, A; Arikawa-Hirasawa, E; Mercier, F

    2013-04-01

    Fractones are extracellular matrix structures that form a niche for neural stem cells and their immediate progeny in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle (SVZa), the primary neurogenic zone in the adult brain. We have previously shown that heparan sulphates (HS) associated with fractones bind fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), a powerful mitotic growth factor in the SVZa. Here, our objective was to determine whether the binding of FGF-2 to fractone-HS is implicated in the mechanism leading to cell proliferation in the SVZa. Heparitinase-1 was intracerebroventricularly injected with FGF-2 to N-desulfate HS proteoglycans and determine whether the loss of HS and of FGF-2 binding to fractones modifies FGF-2 effect on cell proliferation. We also examined in vivo the binding of Alexa-Fluor-FGF-2 in relationship with the location of HS immunoreactivity in the SVZa. Heparatinase-1 drastically reduced the stimulatory effect of FGF-2 on cell proliferation in the SVZa. Alexa-Fluor-FGF-2 binding was strictly co-localized with HS immunoreactivity in fractones and adjacent vascular basement membranes in the SVZa. Our results demonstrate that FGF-2 requires HS to stimulate cell proliferation in the SVZa and suggest that HS associated with fractones and vascular basement membranes are responsible for activating FGF-2. Therefore, fractones and vascular basement membranes may function as a HS niche to drive cell proliferation in the adult neurogenic zone. © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  1. Elevated Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels in Patients With Hyperthyroidism.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Fangsen; Lin, Mingzhu; Huang, Peiying; Zeng, Jinyang; Zeng, Xin; Zhang, Huijie; Li, Xiaoying; Yang, Shuyu; Li, Zhibin; Li, Xuejun

    2015-10-01

    Recent evidence from animal studies indicates that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), an endocrine hormone that regulates glucose, lipid metabolism, and energy homeostasis, is regulated by T3. However, the role of FGF21 in hyperthyroid patients is unknown. The objective was to study serum FGF21 levels in hyperthyroid patients and the association of serum FGF21 levels with hyperthyroidism. This was a case-control study. A total of 119 hyperthyroid patients and 108 healthy subjects were recruited. Of them, 41 hyperthyroid patients received thionamide treatment for 3 months until euthyroidism was obtained. Serum FGF21 levels were determined using the ELISA method. Serum FGF21 levels were significantly elevated in hyperthyroid patients as compared with normal subjects [median 290.67 (interquartile range, 156.60-502.33) vs 228.10 (169.85.25-320.10) pg/mL; P < .001]. After thionamide treatment, serum FGF21 levels in hyperthyroid patients declined markedly from 249.10 (139.10-444.00) to 106.90 (38.70-196.15) pg/mL (P < .001). Logistic regression revealed that FGF21, basal metabolic rate, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and alanine transaminase were significantly associated with hyperthyroidism. With adjustment for potential confounders, serum FGF21 remained independently associated with hyperthyroidism, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.123 (95% confidence interval, 1.306-7.468) (P = .010). Serum FGF21 levels were elevated in patients with hyperthyroidism and declined after thionamide treatment. And serum FGF21 level was independently associated with hyperthyroidism.

  2. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) and fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) autocrine enhance breast cancer cells survival.

    PubMed

    Tiong, Kai Hung; Tan, Boon Shing; Choo, Heng Lungh; Chung, Felicia Fei-Lei; Hii, Ling-Wei; Tan, Si Hoey; Khor, Nelson Tze Woei; Wong, Shew Fung; See, Sze-Jia; Tan, Yuen-Fen; Rosli, Rozita; Cheong, Soon-Keng; Leong, Chee-Onn

    2016-09-06

    Basal-like breast cancer is an aggressive tumor subtype with poor prognosis. The discovery of underlying mechanisms mediating tumor cell survival, and the development of novel agents to target these pathways, is a priority for patients with basal-like breast cancer. From a functional screen to identify key drivers of basal-like breast cancer cell growth, we identified fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) as a potential mediator of cell survival. We found that FGFR4 mediates cancer cell survival predominantly via activation of PI3K/AKT. Importantly, a subset of basal-like breast cancer cells also secrete fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), a canonical ligand specific for FGFR4. siRNA-mediated silencing of FGF19 or neutralization of extracellular FGF19 by anti-FGF19 antibody (1A6) decreases AKT phosphorylation, suppresses cancer cell growth and enhances doxorubicin sensitivity only in the FGFR4+/FGF19+ breast cancer cells. Consistently, FGFR4/FGF19 co-expression was also observed in 82 out of 287 (28.6%) primary breast tumors, and their expression is strongly associated with AKT phosphorylation, Ki-67 staining, higher tumor stage and basal-like phenotype. In summary, our results demonstrated the presence of an FGFR4/FGF19 autocrine signaling that mediates the survival of a subset of basal-like breast cancer cells and suggest that inactivation of this autocrine loop may potentially serve as a novel therapeutic intervention for future treatment of breast cancers.

  3. Skeletal secretion of FGF-23 regulates phosphate and vitamin D metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Quarles, L. Darryl

    2014-01-01

    The discovery of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) has expanded our understanding of phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis and provided new insights into the pathogenesis of hereditary hypophosphatemic and hyperphosphatemic disorders, as well as acquired disorders of phosphate metabolism, such as chronic kidney disease. FGF-23 is secreted by osteoblasts and osteocytes in bone and principally targets the kidney to regulate the reabsorption of phosphate, the production and catabolism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and the expression of α-Klotho, an anti-ageing hormone. Secreted FGF-23 plays a central role in complex endocrine networks involving local bone-derived factors that regulate mineralization of extracellular matrix and systemic hormones involved in mineral metabolism. Inactivating mutations of PHEX, DMP1 and ENPP1, which cause hereditary hypophosphatemic disorders and primary defects in bone mineralization, stimulate FGF23 gene transcription in osteoblasts and osteocytes, at least in part, through canonical and intracrine FGF receptor pathways. These FGF-23 regulatory pathways may enable systemic phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis to be coordinated with bone mineralization. FGF-23 also functions as a counter-regulatory hormone for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in a bone–kidney endocrine loop. FGF-23, through regulation of additional genes in the kidney and extrarenal tissues, probably has broader physiological functions beyond regulation of mineral metabolism that account for the association between FGF-23 and increased mortality and morbidity in chronic kidney disease. PMID:22249518

  4. Metabolic acidosis increases fibroblast growth factor 23 in neonatal mouse bone

    PubMed Central

    Culbertson, Christopher D.; Kyker-Snowman, Kelly; Bushinsky, David A.

    2012-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) significantly increases with declining renal function, leading to reduced renal tubular phosphate reabsorption, decreased 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and increased left ventricular hypertrophy. Elevated FGF23 is associated with increased mortality. FGF23 is synthesized in osteoblasts and osteocytes; however, the mechanisms by which it is regulated are not clear. Patients with chronic kidney disease have decreased renal acid excretion leading to metabolic acidosis, which has a direct effect on bone cell activity. We hypothesized that metabolic acidosis would directly increase bone cell FGF23 production. Using cultured neonatal mouse calvariae, we found that metabolic acidosis increased medium FGF23 protein levels as well as FGF23 RNA expression at 24 h and 48 h compared with incubation in neutral pH medium. To exclude that the increased FGF23 was secondary to metabolic acidosis-induced release of bone mineral phosphate, we cultured primary calvarial osteoblasts. In these cells, metabolic acidosis increased FGF23 RNA expression at 6 h compared with incubation in neutral pH medium. Thus metabolic acidosis directly increases FGF23 mRNA and protein in mouse bone. If these results are confirmed in humans with chronic kidney disease, therapeutic interventions to mitigate acidosis, such as bicarbonate administration, may also lower levels of FGF23, decrease left ventricular hypertrophy, and perhaps even decrease mortality. PMID:22647635

  5. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2)-dependent Oligomerization of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) Triggers the Formation of a Lipidic Membrane Pore Implicated in Unconventional Secretion*

    PubMed Central

    Steringer, Julia P.; Bleicken, Stephanie; Andreas, Helena; Zacherl, Sonja; Laussmann, Mareike; Temmerman, Koen; Contreras, F. Xabier; Bharat, Tanmay A. M.; Lechner, Johannes; Müller, Hans-Michael; Briggs, John A. G.; García-Sáez, Ana J.; Nickel, Walter

    2012-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is a critical mitogen with a central role in specific steps of tumor-induced angiogenesis. It is known to be secreted by unconventional means bypassing the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi-dependent secretory pathway. However, the mechanism of FGF2 membrane translocation into the extracellular space has remained elusive. Here, we show that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-dependent membrane recruitment causes FGF2 to oligomerize, which in turn triggers the formation of a lipidic membrane pore with a putative toroidal structure. This process is strongly up-regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation of FGF2. Our findings explain key requirements of FGF2 secretion from living cells and suggest a novel self-sustained mechanism of protein translocation across membranes with a lipidic membrane pore being a transient translocation intermediate. PMID:22730382

  6. Fibroblast growth factor signaling in skeletal development and disease

    PubMed Central

    Ornitz, David M.; Marie, Pierre J.

    2015-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways are essential regulators of vertebrate skeletal development. FGF signaling regulates development of the limb bud and formation of the mesenchymal condensation and has key roles in regulating chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and bone and mineral homeostasis. This review updates our review on FGFs in skeletal development published in Genes & Development in 2002, examines progress made on understanding the functions of the FGF signaling pathway during critical stages of skeletogenesis, and explores the mechanisms by which mutations in FGF signaling molecules cause skeletal malformations in humans. Links between FGF signaling pathways and other interacting pathways that are critical for skeletal development and could be exploited to treat genetic diseases and repair bone are also explored. PMID:26220993

  7. Fibroblast growth factor 15/19 (FGF15/19) protects from diet-induced hepatic steatosis: development of an FGF19-based chimeric molecule to promote fatty liver regeneration.

    PubMed

    Alvarez-Sola, Gloria; Uriarte, Iker; Latasa, M Ujue; Fernandez-Barrena, Maite G; Urtasun, Raquel; Elizalde, Maria; Barcena-Varela, Marina; Jiménez, Maddalen; Chang, Haisul C; Barbero, Roberto; Catalán, Victoria; Rodríguez, Amaia; Frühbeck, Gema; Gallego-Escuredo, José M; Gavaldà-Navarro, Aleix; Villarroya, Francesc; Rodriguez-Ortigosa, Carlos M; Corrales, Fernando J; Prieto, Jesus; Berraondo, Pedro; Berasain, Carmen; Avila, Matias A

    2017-10-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 15/19 (FGF15/19), an enterokine that regulates synthesis of hepatic bile acids (BA), has been proposed to influence fat metabolism. Without FGF15/19, mouse liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) is severely impaired. We studied the role of FGF15/19 in response to a high fat diet (HFD) and its regulation by saturated fatty acids. We developed a fusion molecule encompassing FGF19 and apolipoprotein A-I, termed Fibapo, and evaluated its pharmacological properties in fatty liver regeneration. Fgf15 -/- mice were fed a HFD. Liver fat and the expression of fat metabolism and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes were measured. Influence of palmitic acid (PA) on FGF15/19 expression was determined in mice and in human liver cell lines. In vivo half-life and biological activity of Fibapo and FGF19 were compared. Hepatoprotective and proregenerative activities of Fibapo were evaluated in obese db/db mice undergoing PH. Hepatosteatosis and ER stress were exacerbated in HFD-fed Fgf15 -/- mice. Hepatic expression of Pparγ2 was elevated in Fgf15 -/- mice, being reversed by FGF19 treatment. PA induced FGF15/19 expression in mouse ileum and human liver cells, and FGF19 protected from PA-mediated ER stress and cytotoxicity. Fibapo reduced liver BA and lipid accumulation, inhibited ER stress and showed enhanced half-life. Fibapo provided increased db/db mice survival and improved regeneration upon PH. FGF15/19 is essential for hepatic metabolic adaptation to dietary fat being a physiological regulator of Pparγ2 expression . Perioperative administration of Fibapo improves fatty liver regeneration. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

  8. Large-scale production of bioactive recombinant human acidic fibroblast growth factor in transgenic silkworm cocoons

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Feng; Wang, Riyuan; Wang, Yuancheng; Zhao, Ping; Xia, Qingyou

    2015-11-01

    With an increasing clinical demand for functional therapeutic proteins every year, there is an increasing requirement for the massive production of bioactive recombinant human acidic fibroblast growth factor (r-haFGF). In this present study, we delicately explore a strategy for the mass production of r-haFGF protein with biological activity in the transgenic silkworm cocoons. The sequence-optimized haFGF was inserted into an enhanced sericin-1 expression system to generate the original transgenic silkworm strain, which was then further crossed with a PIG jumpstarter strain to achieve the remobilization of the expression cassette to a “safe harbor” locus in the genome for the efficient expression of r-haFGF. In consequence, the expression of r-haFGF protein in the mutant line achieved a 5.6-fold increase compared to the original strain. The high content of r-haFGF facilitated its purification and large-scald yields. Furthermore, the r-haFGF protein bioactively promoted the growth, proliferation and migration of NIH/3T3 cells, suggesting the r-haFGF protein possessed native mitogenic activity and the potential for wound healing. These results show that the silk gland of silkworm could be an efficient bioreactor strategy for recombinant production of bioactive haFGF in silkworm cocoons.

  9. FGF signaling is required for brain left-right asymmetry and brain midline formation.

    PubMed

    Neugebauer, Judith M; Yost, H Joseph

    2014-02-01

    Early disruption of FGF signaling alters left-right (LR) asymmetry throughout the embryo. Here we uncover a role for FGF signaling that specifically disrupts brain asymmetry, independent of normal lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) asymmetry. When FGF signaling is inhibited during mid-somitogenesis, asymmetrically expressed LPM markers southpaw and lefty2 are not affected. However, asymmetrically expressed brain markers lefty1 and cyclops become bilateral. We show that FGF signaling controls expression of six3b and six7, two transcription factors required for repression of asymmetric lefty1 in the brain. We found that Z0-1, atypical PKC (aPKC) and β-catenin protein distribution revealed a midline structure in the forebrain that is dependent on a balance of FGF signaling. Ectopic activation of FGF signaling leads to overexpression of six3b, loss of organized midline adherins junctions and bilateral loss of lefty1 expression. Reducing FGF signaling leads to a reduction in six3b and six7 expression, an increase in cell boundary formation in the brain midline, and bilateral expression of lefty1. Together, these results suggest a novel role for FGF signaling in the brain to control LR asymmetry, six transcription factor expressions, and a midline barrier structure. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Protective effects of skin permeable epidermal and fibroblast growth factor against ultraviolet-induced skin damage and human skin wrinkles.

    PubMed

    An, Jae Jin; Eum, Won Sik; Kwon, Hyuck Se; Koh, Jae Sook; Lee, Soo Yun; Baek, Ji Hwoon; Cho, Yong-Jun; Kim, Dae Won; Han, Kyu Huyng; Park, Jinseu; Jang, Sang Ho; Choi, Soo Young

    2013-12-01

    Epidermal and fibroblast growth factor (EGF and FGF1) proteins play an important role in the regeneration and proliferation of skin cells. EGF and FGF1 have considerable potential as possible therapeutic or cosmetic agents for the treatment of skin damage including wrinkles. Using protein transduction domains (PTD), we investigated whether PTD-EGF and FGF1 transduced into skin cells and tissue. Transduced proteins showed protective effects in a UV-induced skin damage model as well as against skin wrinkles. Transduced PTD-EGF and FGF1 proteins were detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The effects of PTD-EGF and FGF1 were examined by WST assay, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and skin wrinkle parameters. The PTD-EGF and FGF1 increased cell proliferation and collagen type 1 alpha 1 protein accumulation in skin tissue. Also, PTD-EGF and FGF1 inhibited UV-induced skin damage. Furthermore, topical application of PTD-EGF and FGF1 contained ampoules which were considered to improve the wrinkle parameters of human skin. These results show that PTD-EGF and FGF1 can be a potential therapeutic or cosmetic agent for skin damaged and injury including wrinkles and aging. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  11. Multiple faces of fibroblast growth factor-23.

    PubMed

    Han, Xiaobin; Quarles, L Darryl

    2016-07-01

    This review examines the role of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) in mineral metabolism, innate immunity and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. FGF-23, produced by osteocytes in bone, activates FGFR/α-Klotho (α-Kl) complexes in the kidney. The resulting bone-kidney axis coordinates renal phosphate reabsorption with bone mineralization, and creates a counter-regulatory feedback loop to prevent vitamin D toxicity. FGF-23 acts to counter-regulate the effects of vitamin D on innate immunity and cardiovascular responses. FGF-23 is ectopically expressed along with α-Kl in activated macrophages, creating a proinflammatory paracrine signaling pathway that counters the antiinflammatory actions of vitamin D. FGF-23 also inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression and increases sodium reabsorption in the kidney, leading to hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. Finally, FGF-23 is purported to cause adverse cardiac and impair neutrophil responses through activation of FGFRs in the absence of α-Kl. Although secreted forms of α-Kl have FGF-23 independent effects, the possibility of α-Kl independent effects of FGF-23 is controversial and requires additional experimental validation. FGF-23 participates in a bone-kidney axis regulating mineral homeostasis, proinflammatory paracrine macrophage signaling pathways, and in a bone-cardio-renal axis regulating hemodynamics that counteract the effects of vitamin D.

  12. FGF Signaling is Required for Brain Left-Right Asymmetry and Brain Midline Formation

    PubMed Central

    Neugebauer, Judith M.; Yost, H. Joseph

    2014-01-01

    Early disruption of FGF signaling alters left-right (LR) asymmetry throughout the embryo. Here we uncover a role for FGF signaling that specifically disrupts brain asymmetry, independent of normal lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) asymmetry. When FGF signaling is inhibited during mid-somitogenesis, asymmetrically expressed LPM markers southpaw and lefty2 are not affected. However, asymmetrically expressed brain markers lefty1 and cyclops become bilateral. We show that FGF signaling controls expression of six3b and six7, two transcription factors required for repression of asymmetric lefty1 in the brain. We found that Z0-1, atypical PKC (aPKC) and β-catenin protein distribution revealed a midline structure in the forebrain that is dependent on a balance of FGF signaling. Ectopic activation of FGF signaling leads to overexpression of six3b, loss of organized midline adherins junctions and bilateral loss of lefty1 expression. Reducing FGF signaling leads to a reduction in six3b and six7 expression, an increase in cell boundary formation in the brain midline, and bilateral expression of lefty1. Together, these results suggest a novel role for FGF signaling in the brain to control LR asymmetry, six transcription factor expression, and a midline barrier structure. PMID:24333178

  13. Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling pathway regulates liver homeostasis in zebrafish.

    PubMed

    Tsai, Su-Mei; Liu, Da-Wei; Wang, Wen-Pin

    2013-04-01

    In mammals, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling controls liver specification and regulates the metabolism of lipids, cholesterol, and bile acids. FGF signaling also promotes hepatocyte proliferation, and helps detoxify hepatotoxin during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. However, the function of Fgf in zebrafish liver is not yet well understood, specifically for postnatal homeostasis. The current study analyzed the expression of fgf receptors (fgfrs) in the liver of zebrafish. We then investigated the function of Fgf signaling in the zebrafish liver by expressing a dominant-negative Fgf receptor in hepatocytes (lfabp:dnfgfr1-egfp, lf:dnfr). Histological analysis showed that our genetic intervention resulted in a small liver size with defected medial expansion of developing livers in transgenic (Tg) larvae. Morphologically, the liver lobe of lf:dnfr adult fish was shorter than that of control. Ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes was observed in fish as young as 3 months. Further examination revealed the development of hepatic steatosis and cholestasis. In adult Tg fish, we unexpectedly observed increased liver-to-body-weight ratios, with higher percentages of proliferating hepatocytes. Considering all these findings, we concluded that as in mammals, in adult zebrafish the metabolism of lipid and bile acids in the liver are regulated by Fgf signaling. Disruption of the Fgf signal-mediated metabolism might indirectly affect hepatocyte proliferation.

  14. Alpha Klotho and Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 Among Alcoholics.

    PubMed

    Quintero-Platt, Geraldine; González-Reimers, Emilio; Rodríguez-Gaspar, Melchor; Martín-González, Candelaria; Pérez-Hernández, Onán; Romero-Acevedo, Lucía; Espelosín-Ortega, Elisa; Vega-Prieto, María José de la; Santolaria-Fernández, Francisco

    2017-09-01

    Alcoholism may be a cardiovascular risk factor. Osteocyte derived molecules such as fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and soluble α Klotho have recently been associated with cardiovascular disease, but their role in alcoholics is unknown. We here analyze the behavior of FGF23 and α Klotho in alcoholics. Ninety-seven alcoholic patients were assessed for liver function, presence of hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), vascular calcifications (assessed by chest X-ray) and nutritional status (lean and fat mass measured by densitometry). We measured plasma levels of FGF-23 and serum soluble α Klotho, using ELISA in 97 patients and 20 age- and sex-matched controls. FGF-23 levels were higher in patients than in controls (Z = 3.50; P < 0.001). FGF-23 (Z = 5.03; P < 0.001) and soluble α Klotho (Z = 5.61; P < 0.001) were higher in cirrhotics, and both were related to liver function, independently of serum creatinine FGF-23 levels were higher among alcoholics with diabetes (Z = 2.55; P = 0.011) or hypertension (Z = 2.56; P = 0.01), and increased body fat (ρ = 0.28; P = 0.022 for trunk fat), whereas α Klotho levels were higher in patients with LVH (Z = 2.17; P = 0.03) or atrial fibrillation (Z = 2.34; P = 0.019). FGF-23 was higher in alcoholics than in controls, especially among cirrhotics, and soluble α Klotho levels were also higher among cirrhotics. Both were related to liver function impairment, independently of serum creatinine levels, and also showed significant associations with vascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes or trunk fat amount in the case of FGF-23, or LVH or atrial fibrillation in the case of α Klotho. We report increased values of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and soluble α Klotho in cirrhotic alcoholics. Both molecules are associated with liver function impairment, and with some cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, increased body fat, left ventricular hypertrophy and atrial fibrillation independently of serum creatinine. © The Author 2017. Medical Council on Alcohol and Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

  15. FGF2 Stimulation of the Pyrophosphate-Generating Enzyme, PC-1, in Pre-Osteoblast Cells Is Mediated by RUNX2

    PubMed Central

    Hatch, Nan E; Li, Yan; Franceschi, Renny T

    2009-01-01

    Pyrophosphate is an established inhibitor of hydroxyapatite deposition and crystal growth, yet when hydrolyzed into phosphate, it becomes a substrate for hydroxyapatite deposition. Pyrophosphate-generating enzyme (PC-1), Ank, and tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (Tnap) are three factors that regulate extracellular pyrophosphate levels through its generation, transport, and hydrolysis. We previously showed that fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) induces PC-1 and Ank while inhibiting Tnap expression and mineralization in MC3T3E1(C4) calvarial pre-osteoblast cells. In this study, we showed similar FGF2 regulation of these genes in primary pre-osteoblast cultures. In contrast to Ank and Tnap that are regulated by FGF2 in multiple cell types, we found regulation of PC-1 to be selective to pre-osteoblastic cells and to require the osteoblast-related transcription factor, Runx2. Specifically, FGF2 was unable to induce PC-1 expression in Runx2-negative nonbone cells or in calvarial cells from Runx2-deficient mice. Transfection of these cells with a Runx2 expression vector restored FGF2 responsiveness. FGF2 was also shown to stimulate recruitment of Runx2 to the endogenous PC-1 promoter in MC3T3E1(C4) cells, as measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Taken together, our results establish that FGF2 is a specific inducer of PC-1 in pre-osteoblast cells and that FGF2 induces PC-1 expression through a mechanism involving Runx2. PMID:19049325

  16. Mechanical stretch is a highly selective regulator of gene expression in human bladder smooth muscle cells.

    PubMed

    Adam, Rosalyn M; Eaton, Samuel H; Estrada, Carlos; Nimgaonkar, Ashish; Shih, Shu-Ching; Smith, Lois E H; Kohane, Isaac S; Bägli, Darius; Freeman, Michael R

    2004-12-15

    Application of mechanical stimuli has been shown to alter gene expression in bladder smooth muscle cells (SMC). To date, only a limited number of "stretch-responsive" genes in this cell type have been reported. We employed oligonucleotide arrays to identify stretch-sensitive genes in primary culture human bladder SMC subjected to repetitive mechanical stimulation for 4 h. Differential gene expression between stretched and nonstretched cells was assessed using Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM). Expression of 20 out of 11,731 expressed genes ( approximately 0.17%) was altered >2-fold following stretch, with 19 genes induced and one gene (FGF-9) repressed. Using real-time RT-PCR, we tested independently the responsiveness of 15 genes to stretch and to platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), another hypertrophic stimulus for bladder SMC. In response to both stimuli, expression of 13 genes increased, 1 gene (FGF-9) decreased, and 1 gene was unchanged. Six transcripts (HB-EGF, BMP-2, COX-2, LIF, PAR-2, and FGF-9) were evaluated using an ex vivo rat model of bladder distension. HB-EGF, BMP-2, COX-2, LIF, and PAR-2 increased with bladder stretch ex vivo, whereas FGF-9 decreased, consistent with expression changes observed in vitro. In silico analysis of microarray data using the FIRED algorithm identified c-jun, AP-1, ATF-2, and neurofibromin-1 (NF-1) as potential transcriptional mediators of stretch signals. Furthermore, the promoters of 9 of 13 stretch-responsive genes contained AP-1 binding sites. These observations identify stretch as a highly selective regulator of gene expression in bladder SMC. Moreover, they suggest that mechanical and growth factor signals converge on common transcriptional regulators that include members of the AP-1 family.

  17. Linear ordered collagen scaffolds loaded with collagen-binding basic fibroblast growth factor facilitate recovery of sciatic nerve injury in rats.

    PubMed

    Ma, Fukai; Xiao, Zhifeng; Chen, Bing; Hou, Xianglin; Dai, Jianwu; Xu, Ruxiang

    2014-04-01

    Natural biological functional scaffolds, consisting of biological materials filled with promoting elements, provide a promising strategy for the regeneration of peripheral nerve defects. Collagen conduits have been used widely due to their excellent biological properties. Linear ordered collagen scaffold (LOCS) fibers are good lumen fillers that can guide nerve regeneration in an ordered direction. In addition, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is important in the recovery of nerve injury. However, the traditional method for delivering bFGF to the lesion site has no long-term effect because of its short half-life and rapid diffusion. Therefore, we fused a specific collagen-binding domain (CBD) peptide to the N-terminal of native basic fibroblast growth factor (NAT-bFGF) to retain bFGF on the collagen scaffolds. In this study, a natural biological functional scaffold was constructed using collagen tubes filled with collagen-binding bFGF (CBD-bFGF)-loaded LOCS to promote regeneration in a 5-mm rat sciatic nerve transection model. Functional evaluation, histological investigation, and morphometric analysis indicated that the natural biological functional scaffold retained more bFGF at the injury site, guided axon growth, and promoted nerve regeneration as well as functional restoration.

  18. Fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling in hereditary and neoplastic disease: biologic and clinical implications.

    PubMed

    Helsten, Teresa; Schwaederle, Maria; Kurzrock, Razelle

    2015-09-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) are transmembrane growth factor receptors with wide tissue distribution. FGF/FGFR signaling is involved in neoplastic behavior and also development, differentiation, growth, and survival. FGFR germline mutations (activating) can cause skeletal disorders, primarily dwarfism (generally mutations in FGFR3), and craniofacial malformation syndromes (usually mutations in FGFR1 and FGFR2); intriguingly, some of these activating FGFR mutations are also seen in human cancers. FGF/FGFR aberrations reported in cancers are mainly thought to be gain-of-function changes, and several cancers have high frequencies of FGFR alterations, including breast, bladder, or squamous cell carcinomas (lung and head and neck). FGF ligand aberrations (predominantly gene amplifications) are also frequently seen in cancers, in contrast to hereditary syndromes. There are several pharmacologic agents that have been or are being developed for inhibition of FGFR/FGF signaling. These include both highly selective inhibitors as well as multi-kinase inhibitors. Of note, only four agents (ponatinib, pazopanib, regorafenib, and recently lenvatinib) are FDA-approved for use in cancer, although the approval was not based on their activity against FGFR. Perturbations in the FGFR/FGF signaling are present in both inherited and malignant diseases. The development of potent inhibitors targeting FGF/FGFR may provide new tools against disorders caused by FGF/FGFR alterations.

  19. Fibroblast growth factor 10 haploinsufficiency causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

    PubMed

    Klar, Joakim; Blomstrand, Peter; Brunmark, Charlott; Badhai, Jitendra; Håkansson, Hanna Falk; Brange, Charlotte Sollie; Bergendal, Birgitta; Dahl, Niklas

    2011-10-01

    Genetic factors influencing lung function may predispose to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) signalling pathway is critical for lung development and lung epithelial renewal. The hypothesis behind this study was that constitutive FGF10 insufficiency may lead to pulmonary disorder. Therefore investigation of the pulmonary functions of patients heterozygous for loss of function mutations in the FGF10 gene was performed. The spirometric measures of lung function from patients and non-carrier siblings were compared and both groups were related to matched reference data for normal human lung function. The patients show a significant decrease in lung function parameters when compared to control values. The average FEV1/IVC quota (FEV1%) for the patients is 0.65 (80% of predicted) and reversibility test using Terbutalin resulted in a 3.7% increase in FEV1. Patients with FGF10 haploinsufficiency have lung function parameters indicating COPD. A modest response to Terbutalin confirms an irreversible obstructive lung disease. These findings support the idea that genetic variants affecting the FGF10 signalling pathway are important determinants of lung function that may ultimately contribute to COPD. Specifically, the results show that FGF10 haploinsufficiency affects lung function measures providing a model for a dosage sensitive effect of FGF10 in the development of COPD.

  20. Involvement of basic fibroblast growth factor in suramin-induced inhibition of V79/AP4 fibroblast cell proliferation.

    PubMed Central

    Bernardini, N.; Giannessi, F.; Bianchi, F.; Dolfi, A.; Lupetti, M.; Citti, L.; Danesi, R.; Del Tacca, M.

    1993-01-01

    The V79/AP4 Chinese hamster fibroblasts were densely stained with the anti-basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) antibody demonstrating an endogenous production of the peptide. The in vitro proliferation of these cells was stimulated by exogenous bFGF and the maximum growth (259% increase in 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA) was reached with bFGF 10 ng ml-1. Inhibition of bFGF-mediated mitogenic pathway was obtained with a 15-mer antisense oligodeoxynucleotide targeted against bFGF mRNA and with suramin, a drug which blocks the biological activity of heparin-binding growth factors. bFGF antisense oligomer reduced the synthesis of DNA by 79.5 and 89.5% at 20 and 60 microM, respectively; this effect was reversed by the addition of exogenous bFGF to the culture medium. A short-term exposure to suramin 300 micrograms ml-1 produced a modest reduction in 3H-thymidine incorporation but suppressed the mitogenic effect of bFGF on V79/AP4 cells. In cells treated with suramin 300 micrograms ml-1 the drug concentration increased linearly over 3 days, reaching 13.15 micrograms mg-1 of protein; cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose-related manner as evaluated by the colony formation assay (IC50: 344.22 micrograms ml-1) and by the number of mitoses observed in culture. Furthermore, the drug induced ultrastructural alterations, consisting of perinuclear cisternae swelling, chromatin condensation, nucleolar segregation and cytoplasmic vacuolations. These findings demonstrated that the endogenous production of bFGF plays an important role in V79/AP4 fibroblasts proliferation, and the inhibition of bFGF-mediated mitogenic signalling with bFGF antisense oligomer or suramin is an effective mean of reducing cell growth. Images Figure 1 Figure 5 Figure 6 PMID:7685616

  1. Endometrial Cancer-Associated FGF18 Expression Is Reduced by Bazedoxifene in Human Endometrial Stromal Cells In Vitro and in Murine Endometrium

    PubMed Central

    Flannery, Clare A.; Fleming, Andrew G.; Choe, Gina H.; Naqvi, Hanyia; Zhang, Margaret; Sharma, Anu

    2016-01-01

    Endometrial cancer develops during exposure to estrogen unopposed by progesterone. Traditional formulations for menopausal hormone therapy include a progestin in women with a uterus. However, progestin exposure increases breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Alternatives to progestin include bazedoxifene (BZA), a selective estrogen receptor modulator, which prevents estrogen induced endometrial hyperplasia in clinical trials. Molecular mechanisms responsible for BZA's antiproliferative effect are not fully elucidated. We profiled endometrial adenocarcinoma, hyperplasia, and normal proliferative endometrium for differential expression in genes known to be regulated by estrogens or progesterone. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)18, a paracrine growth factor promoting epithelial proliferation, was significantly increased in adenocarcinoma. Progesterone represses FGF18 by inducing heart and neural crest derivatives expressed transcript 2 (HAND2) in stromal cells. Notably, we confirmed lower HAND2 mRNA in adenocarcinoma, along with higher FGF tyrosine kinase receptor 2 and E74-like factor 5, collectively promoting FGF18 activity. We hypothesized BZA reduces epithelial proliferation by inhibiting FGF18 synthesis in stromal cells. To determine whether BZA regulates FGF18, we treated primary stromal cells with BZA or vehicle. In vitro, BZA reduced FGF18, but did not affect, HAND2. CD1 female mice received either BZA, conjugated estrogen (CE), or combined BZA/CE for 8 weeks. CE-treated mice had nearly 3-fold higher FGF18 expression. In contrast, BZA-treated mice, alone or with CE, had similar FGF18 as controls. Unexpectedly, BZA, alone or with CE, reduced HAND2 more than 80%, differing from progesterone regulation. Reduction of FGF18 is a potential mechanism by which BZA reduces endometrial proliferation and hyperplasia induced by estrogens. However, BZA works independently of HAND2, revealing a novel mechanism for progestin-free hormone therapy in postmenopausal women. PMID:27267714

  2. Compound deficiencies in multiple fibroblast growth factor signalling components differentially impact the murine gonadotrophin-releasing hormone system.

    PubMed

    Chung, W C J; Matthews, T A; Tata, B K; Tsai, P-S

    2010-08-01

    Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones control the onset and maintenance of fertility. Aberrant development of the GnRH system underlies infertility in Kallmann syndrome [KS; idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and anosmia]. Some KS patients harbour mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (Fgfr1) and Fgf8 genes. The biological significance of these two genes in GnRH neuronal development was corroborated by the observation that GnRH neurones were severely reduced in newborn transgenic mice deficient in either gene. In the present study, we hypothesised that the compound deficiency of Fgf8 and its cognate receptors, Fgfr1 and Fgfr3, may lead to more deleterious effects on the GnRH system, thereby resulting in a more severe reproductive phenotype in patients harbouring these mutations. This hypothesis was tested by counting the number of GnRH neurones in adult transgenic mice with digenic heterozygous mutations in Fgfr1/Fgf8, Fgfr3/Fgf8 or Fgfr1/Fgfr3. Monogenic heterozygous mutations in Fgfr1, Fgf8 or Fgfr3 caused a 30-50% decrease in the total number of GnRH neurones. Interestingly, mice with digenic mutations in Fgfr1/Fgf8 showed a greater decrease in GnRH neurones compared to mice with a heterozygous defect in the Fgfr1 or Fgf8 alone. This compounding effect was not detected in mice with digenic heterozygous mutations in Fgfr3/Fgf8 or Fgfr1/Fgfr3. These results support the hypothesis that IHH/KS patients with digenic mutations in Fgfr1/Fgf8 may have a further reduction in the GnRH neuronal population compared to patients harbouring monogenic haploid mutations in Fgfr1 or Fgf8. Because only Fgfr1/Fgf8 compound deficiency leads to greater GnRH system defect, this also suggests that these fibroblast growth factor signalling components interact in a highly specific fashion to support GnRH neuronal development.

  3. Exposure to Organophosphates Reduces the Expression of Neurotrophic Factors in Neonatal Rat Brain Regions: Similarities and Differences in the Effects of Chlorpyrifos and Diazinon on the Fibroblast Growth Factor Superfamily

    PubMed Central

    Slotkin, Theodore A.; Seidler, Frederic J.; Fumagalli, Fabio

    2007-01-01

    Background The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) superfamily of neurotrophic factors plays critical roles in neural cell development, brain assembly, and recovery from neuronal injury. Objectives We administered two organophosphate pesticides, chlorpyrifos and diazinon, to neonatal rats on postnatal days 1–4, using doses below the threshold for systemic toxicity or growth impairment, and spanning the threshold for barely detectable cholinesterase inhibition: 1 mg/kg/day chlorpyrifos and 1 or 2 mg/kg/day diazinon. Methods Using microarrays, we then examined the regional expression of mRNAs encoding the FGFs and their receptors (FGFRs) in the forebrain and brain stem. Results Chlorpyrifos and diazinon both markedly suppressed fgf20 expression in the forebrain and fgf2 in the brain stem, while elevating brain stem fgfr4 and evoking a small deficit in brain stem fgf22. However, they differed in that the effects on fgf2 and fgfr4 were significantly larger for diazinon, and the two agents also showed dissimilar, smaller effects on fgf11, fgf14, and fgfr1. Conclusions The fact that there are similarities but also notable disparities in the responses to chlorpyrifos and diazinon, and that robust effects were seen even at doses that do not inhibit cholinesterase, supports the idea that organophosphates differ in their propensity to elicit developmental neurotoxicity, unrelated to their anticholinesterase activity. Effects on neurotrophic factors provide a mechanistic link between organophosphate injury to developing neurons and the eventual, adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. PMID:17589599

  4. Serum fibroblast growth factor 23, serum iron and bone mineral density in premenopausal women

    PubMed Central

    Imel, Erik A.; Liu, Ziyue; McQueen, Amie K.; Acton, Dena; Acton, Anthony; Padgett, Leah R.; Peacock, Munro; Econs, Michael J.

    2016-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) circulates as active protein and inactive fragments. Low iron status increases FGF23 gene expression, and iron deficiency is common. We hypothesized that in healthy premenopausal women, serum iron influences C-terminal and intact FGF23 concentrations, and that iron and FGF23 associate with bone mineral density (BMD). Serum iron, iron binding capacity, percent iron saturation, phosphorus, and other biochemistries were measured in stored fasting samples from healthy premenopausal white (n=1898) and black women (n= 994), age 20–55 years. Serum C-terminal and intact FGF23 were measured in a subset (1631 white and 296 black women). BMD was measured at the lumbar spine and femur neck. Serum phosphorus, calcium, alkaline phosphatase and creatinine were lower in white women than black women (p<0.001). Serum iron (p<0.0001) and intact FGF23 (p< 0.01) were higher in white women. C-terminal FGF23 did not differ between races. Phosphorus correlated with intact FGF23 (white women, r=0.120, p<0.0001; black women r=0.163, p<0.01). However, phosphorus correlated with C-terminal FGF23 only in black women (r=0.157, p<0.01). Intact FGF23 did not correlate with iron. C-terminal FGF23 correlated inversely with iron (white women r=−0.134, p<0.0001; black women r=−0.188, p<0.01), having a steeper slope at iron <50 mcg/dl than >50 mcg/dl. Longitudinal changes in iron predicted changes in C-terminal FGF23. Spine BMD correlated with iron negatively (r=−0.076, p<0.01) in white women; femur neck BMD correlated with iron negatively (r=−0.119, p<0.0001) in black women. Both relationships were eliminated in weight-adjusted models. BMD did not correlate with FGF23. Serum iron did not relate to intact FGF23, but was inversely related to C-terminal FGF23. Intact FGF23 correlated with serum phosphorus. In weight-adjusted models, BMD was not related to intact FGF23, C-terminal FGF23 or iron. The influence of iron on FGF23 gene expression is not important in determining bone density in healthy premenopausal women. PMID:26965530

  5. Studies of genes involved in craniofacial development and tumorigenesis: FGF3 contributes to isolated oral clefts and may interact with PAX9.

    PubMed

    Küchler, Erika C; Sabóia, Ticiana M; Vieira, Thays C; Lips, Andrea; Tannure, Patricia N; Deeley, Kathleen; Reis, Maria F; Ho, Bao; Rey, Ana C; Costa, Marcelo C; Granjeiro, José M; Vieira, Alexandre R

    2014-11-01

    Previous studies suggest individuals born with oral clefts and their families have a higher susceptibility for cancer, which raises the hypothesis that these two conditions share common molecular pathways. This study evaluated the association between oral clefts and polymorphisms in genes that play a role in craniofacial and tumor development. Four hundred and ninety-seven subjects born with oral clefts and 823 unaffected subjects were recruited. Twenty-nine markers in 13 genes were genotyped by the Taqman method. Chi-square was used to compare allele and genotype frequencies. Bonferroni correction for multiple testing was used and the established alpha was 0.0003. This study also used logistic regression to test if genetic variants were associated with oral clefts using positive family history of cancer and age as covariates. There was no association between family history of cancer and oral clefts (p = 0.51). None of the 1320 study participants had a diagnosis of cancer at the time of participation in the study. The marker rs4980700 in FGF3 was associated with oral clefts (p = 0.0002). Logistic regression analysis also provided evidence for gene-gene interaction between FGF3 (rs4980700) and PAX9 (rs2073242), increasing the risk for isolated oral clefts (p = 0.0003). FGF3 is associated with oral clefts and may interact with PAX9.

  6. The role of FGF2 in migration and tubulogenesis of endothelial progenitor cells in relation to pro-angiogenic growth factor production.

    PubMed

    Litwin, Monika; Radwańska, Agata; Paprocka, Maria; Kieda, Claudine; Dobosz, Tadeusz; Witkiewicz, Wojciech; Baczyńska, Dagmara

    2015-12-01

    In recent years, special attention has been paid to finding new pro-angiogenic factors which could be used in gene therapy of vascular diseases such as critical limb ischaemia (CLI). Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a complex process dependent on different cytokines, matrix proteins, growth factors and other pro- or anti-angiogenic stimuli. Numerous lines of evidence suggest that key mediators of angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) together with fibroblast growth factor2 (FGF2) are involved in regulation of the normal and pathological process of angiogenesis. However, less information is available on the complex interactions between these and other angiogenic factors. The aim of this study was to characterise the effect of fibroblast growth factor2 on biological properties of human endothelial progenitor cells with respect to the expression level of other regulatory cytokines. Ectopic expression of FGF2 in EP cells stimulates their pro-angiogenic behaviour, leading to increased proliferation, migration and tube formation abilities. Moreover, we show that the expression profile of VEGF and other pro-angiogenic cytokines, such as HGF, MCP2, and interleukins, is affected differently by FGF2 in EPC. In conclusion, we provide evidence that FGF2 directly affects not only the biological properties of EP cells but also the expression pattern and secretion of numerous chemocytokines. Our results suggest that FGF2 could be applied in therapeutic approaches for CLI and other ischaemic diseases of the vascular system in vivo.

  7. Fluid flow releases fibroblast growth factor-2 from human aortic smooth muscle cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rhoads, D. N.; Eskin, S. G.; McIntire, L. V.

    2000-01-01

    This study tested the hypothesis that fluid shear stress regulates the release of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 from human aortic smooth muscle cells. FGF-2 is a potent mitogen that is involved in the response to vascular injury and is expressed in a wide variety of cell types. FGF-2 is found in the cytoplasm of cells and outside cells, where it associates with extracellular proteoglycans. To test the hypothesis that shear stress regulates FGF-2 release, cells were exposed to flow, and FGF-2 amounts were measured from the conditioned medium, pericellular fraction (extracted by heparin treatment), and cell lysate. Results from the present study show that after 15 minutes of shear stress at 25 dyne/cm(2) in a parallel-plate flow system, a small but significant fraction (17%) of the total FGF-2 was released from human aortic smooth muscle cells. FGF-2 levels in the circulating medium increased 10-fold over medium from static controls (P<0.01). A 50% increase in FGF-2 content versus control (P<0.01) was found in the pericellular fraction (extracted by heparin treatment). Furthermore, a significant decrease in FGF-2 was detected in the cell lysate, indicating that FGF-2 was released from inside the cell. Cell permeability studies with fluorescent dextran were performed to examine whether transient membrane disruption caused FGF-2 release. Flow cytometry detected a 50% increase in mean fluorescence of cells exposed to 25 dyne/cm(2) versus control cells. This indicates that the observed FGF-2 release from human aortic smooth muscle cells is likely due to transient membrane disruption on initiation of flow.

  8. FGF21 deletion exacerbates diabetic cardiomyopathy by aggravating cardiac lipid accumulation

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Xiaoqing; Chen, Jun; Zhang, Chi; Zhou, Shanshan; Zhang, Zhiguo; Chen, Jing; Feng, Wenke; Li, Xiaokun; Tan, Yi

    2015-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) plays an important role in energy homoeostasis. The unaddressed question of FGF21’s effect on the development and progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is investigated here with FGF21 knockout (FGF21KO) diabetic mice. Type 1 diabetes was induced in both FGF21KO and C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) mice via streptozotocin. At 1, 2 and 4 months after diabetes onset, the plasma FGF21 levels were significantly decreased in WT diabetic mice compared to controls. There was no significant difference between FGF21KO and WT diabetic mice in blood glucose and triglyceride levels. FGF21KO diabetic mice showed earlier and more severe cardiac dysfunction, remodelling and oxidative stress, as well as greater increase in cardiac lipid accumulation than WT diabetic mice. Western blots showed that increased cardiac lipid accumulation was accompanied by further increases in the expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and its target protein CD36, along with decreases in the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and the expression of hexokinase II and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1α in the heart of FGF21KO diabetic mice compared to WT diabetic mice. Our results demonstrate that FGF21 deletion-aggravated cardiac lipid accumulation is likely mediated by cardiac Nrf2-driven CD36 up-regulation, which may contribute to the increased cardiac oxidative stress and remodelling, and the eventual development of DCM. These findings suggest that FGF21 may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of DCM. PMID:25823710

  9. Vitamin D treatment attenuates cardiac FGF23/FGFR4 signaling and hypertrophy in uremic rats.

    PubMed

    Leifheit-Nestler, Maren; Grabner, Alexander; Hermann, Laura; Richter, Beatrice; Schmitz, Karin; Fischer, Dagmar-Christiane; Yanucil, Christopher; Faul, Christian; Haffner, Dieter

    2017-09-01

    Vitamin D deficiency and excess of circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) contribute to cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). FGF23 activates FGF receptor 4 and (FGFR4) calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling in cardiac myocytes, thereby causing left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Here, we determined if 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol) inhibits FGF23-induced cardiac signaling and LVH. 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6 Nx) rats were treated with different doses of calcitriol for 4 or 10 weeks and cardiac expression of FGF23/FGFR4 and activation of calcineurin/NFAT as well as LVH were analyzed. FGFR4 activation and hypertrophic cell growth were studied in cultured cardiac myocytes that were co-treated with FGF23 and calcitriol. In 5/6Nx rats with LVH, we detected elevated FGF23 expression in bone and myocardium, increased cardiac expression of FGFR4 and elevated cardiac activation of calcineurin/NFAT signaling. Cardiac expression levels of FGF23 and FGFR4 significantly correlated with the presence of LVH in uremic rats. Treatment with calcitriol reduced LVH as well as cardiac FGFR4 expression and calcineurin/NFAT activation. Bone and cardiac FGF23 expression were further stimulated by calcitriol in a dose-dependent manner, but levels of intact cardiac FGF23 protein were suppressed by high-dose calcitriol. In cultured cardiac myocytes, co-treatment with calcitriol blocked FGF23-induced activation of FGFR4 and hypertrophic cell growth. Our data suggest that in CKD, cardioprotective effects of calcitriol stem from its inhibitory actions on the cardiac FGF23/FGFR4 system, and based on their counterbalancing effects on cardiac myocytes, high FGF23 and low calcitriol synergistically contribute to cardiac hypertrophy. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

  10. Development of A Cell-Based Assay to Identify Small Molecule Inhibitors of FGF23 Signaling.

    PubMed

    Diener, Susanne; Schorpp, Kenji; Strom, Tim-Matthias; Hadian, Kamyar; Lorenz-Depiereux, Bettina

    2015-10-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a bone-derived endocrine key regulator of phosphate homeostasis. It inhibits renal tubular phosphate reabsorption by activating receptor complexes composed of FGF receptor 1c (FGFR1c) and the co-receptor Klotho. As a major signaling pathway mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is employed. In this study, we established an FGF23-inducible cell model by stably expressing human Klotho in HEK293 cells (HEK293-KL cells) containing endogenous FGF receptors. To identify novel small molecule compounds that modulate FGF23/FGFR1c/Klotho signaling, we developed and optimized a cell-based assay that is suited for high-throughput screening. The assay monitors the phosphorylation of endogenous extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 in cellular lysates of HEK293-KL cells after induction with FGF23. This cell-based assay was highly robust (Z' factor >0.5) and the induction of the system is strictly dependent on the presence of FGF23. The inhibitor response curves generated using two known MAPK pathway inhibitors correlate well with data obtained by another assay format. This assay was further used to identify small molecule modulators of the FGF23 signaling cascade by screening the 1,280 food and drug administration-approved small molecule library of Prestwick Chemical. The primary hit rate was 2% and false positives were efficiently identified by retesting the hits in primary and secondary validation screening assays and in western blot analysis. Intriguingly, by using a basic FGF (bFGF)/FGFR counterscreening approach, one validated hit compound retained specificity toward FGF23 signaling, while bFGF signaling was not affected. Since increased plasma concentrations of FGF23 are the main cause of many hypophosphatemic disorders, a modulation of its effect could be a potential novel strategy for therapeutic intervention. Moreover, this strategy may be valuable for other disorders affecting phosphate homeostasis.

  11. Action Mechanism of Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2) in the Promotion of Periodontal Regeneration in Beagle Dogs

    PubMed Central

    Nagayasu-Tanaka, Toshie; Anzai, Jun; Takaki, Shu; Shiraishi, Noriko; Terashima, Akio; Asano, Taiji; Nozaki, Takenori; Kitamura, Masahiro; Murakami, Shinya

    2015-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) enhances the formation of new alveolar bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament (PDL) in periodontal defect models. However, the mechanism through which FGF-2 acts in periodontal regeneration in vivo has not been fully clarified yet. To reveal the action mechanism, the formation of regenerated tissue and gene expression at the early phase were analyzed in a beagle dog 3-wall periodontal defect model. FGF-2 (0.3%) or the vehicle (hydroxypropyl cellulose) only were topically applied to the defect in FGF-2 and control groups, respectively. Then, the amount of regenerated tissues and the number of proliferating cells at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days and the number of blood vessels at 7 days were quantitated histologically. Additionally, the expression of osteogenic genes in the regenerated tissue was evaluated by real-time PCR at 7 and 14 days. Compared with the control, cell proliferation around the existing bone and PDL, connective tissue formation on the root surface, and new bone formation in the defect at 7 days were significantly promoted by FGF-2. Additionally, the number of blood vessels at 7 days was increased by FGF-2 treatment. At 28 days, new cementum and PDL were extended by FGF-2. Moreover, FGF-2 increased the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and osteoblast differentiation markers (osterix, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin) in the regenerated tissue. We revealed the facilitatory mechanisms of FGF-2 in periodontal regeneration in vivo. First, the proliferation of fibroblastic cells derived from bone marrow and PDL was accelerated and enhanced by FGF-2. Second, angiogenesis was enhanced by FGF-2 treatment. Finally, osteoblastic differentiation and bone formation, at least in part due to BMP-2 production, were rapidly induced by FGF-2. Therefore, these multifaceted effects of FGF-2 promote new tissue formation at the early regeneration phase, leading to enhanced formation of new bone, cementum, and PDL. PMID:26120833

  12. De novo frameshift mutation in fibroblast growth factor 8 in a male patient with gonadotropin deficiency.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Erina; Yatsuga, Shuichi; Igarashi, Maki; Miyado, Mami; Nakabayashi, Kazuhiko; Hayashi, Keiko; Hata, Kenichirou; Umezawa, Akihiro; Yamada, Gen; Ogata, Tsutomu; Fukami, Maki

    2014-01-01

    Missense, nonsense, and splice mutations in the Fibroblast Growth Factor 8(FGF8) have recently been identified in patients with hypothalamo-pituitary dysfunction and craniofacial anomalies. Here, we report a male patient with a frameshift mutation in FGF8. The patient exhibited micropenis, craniofacial anomalies, and ventricular septal defect at birth. Clinical evaluation at 16 years and 8 months of age revealed delayed puberty, hyposmia, borderline mental retardation, and mild hearing difficulty. Endocrine findings included gonadotropin deficiency and primary hypothyroidism. Molecular analysis identified a de novo heterozygous p.S192fsX204 mutation in the last exon of FGF8. RT-PCR analysis of normal human tissues detected FGF8 expression in the genital skin, and whole-mount in situ hybridization analysis of mouse embryos revealed Fgf8 expression in the anlage of the penis. The results indicate that frameshift mutations in FGF8 account for a part of the etiology of hypothalamo-pituitary dysfunction. Micropenis in patients with FGF8 abnormalities appears to be caused by gonadotropin deficiency and defective outgrowth of the anlage of the penis.

  13. Polymorphisms in the FGF2 gene and risk of serous ovarian cancer: results from the Ovarian Cancer Association Consortium

    PubMed Central

    Johnatty, Sharon E.; Beesley, Jonathan; Chen, Xiaoqing; Spurdle, Amanda B.; deFazio, Anna; Webb, Penelope M; Goode, Ellen L.; Rider, David N.; Vierkant, Robert A.; Anderson, Stephanie; Wu, Anna H.; Pike, Malcolm; Van Den Berg, David; Moysich, Kirsten; Ness, Roberta; Doherty, Jennifer; Rossing, Mary-Anne; Pearce, Celeste Leigh; Chenevix-Trench, Georgia

    2009-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 (basic) is a potent angiogenic molecule involved in tumour progression, and is one of several growth factors with a central role in ovarian carcinogenesis. We hypothesised that common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FGF2 gene may alter angiogenic potential and thereby susceptibility to ovarian cancer. We analysed 25 FGF2 tgSNPs using five independent study populations from the United States and Australia. Analysis was restricted to non-Hispanic White women with serous ovarian carcinoma (1269 cases and 2829 controls). There were no statistically significant associations between any FGF2 SNPs and ovarian cancer risk. There were two nominally statistically significant associations between heterozygosity for two FGF2 SNPs (rs308379 and rs308447; p<0.05) and serous ovarian cancer risk in the combined dataset, but rare homozygous estimates did not achieve statistical significance, nor were they consistent with the log additive model of inheritance. Overall genetic variation in FGF2 does not appear to play a role in susceptibility to ovarian cancer. PMID:19456219

  14. [Clinical usefulness of the determination of fibroblast growth factor 23 in the evaluation of patients with osteomalacia].

    PubMed

    Gifre, Laia; Martínez de Osaba, Maria Jesús; Monegal, Ana; Guañabens, Núria; Peris, Pilar

    2014-05-20

    The aim of the present study was to analyze the usefulness of the determination of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a regulatory hormone of phosphate metabolism, in the evaluation of patients with osteomalacia of different causes. Seventeen patients with osteomalacia were included: 12 hypophosphatemic osteomalacia (by several causes), 4 vitamin D-deficiency osteomalacia and one with hypophosphatasia. Plasma C-terminal FGF23 was determined in all patients. FGF23 levels were increased in 6/12 (50%) of patients with hypophosphatemic osteomalacia (2 X-linked, one autosomal dominant, one related HIV therapy and 2 not elucidated). No patient with vitamin D-deficiency osteomalacia or hypophosphatasia presented increased FGF23 levels. The determination of FGF23 could be useful in the evaluation of the different types of hypophosphatemic osteomalacia and also in the identification of their associated etiopathogenic mechanisms. Thus, depending on the cause, 50% of the patients with hypophosphatemic osteomalacia showed increased FGF23 values, whereas in vitamin D-deficiency osteomalacia and in hypophosphatasia FGF23 levels were normal. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.

  15. Recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) stimulates periodontal regeneration in class II furcation defects created in beagle dogs.

    PubMed

    Murakami, S; Takayama, S; Kitamura, M; Shimabukuro, Y; Yanagi, K; Ikezawa, K; Saho, T; Nozaki, T; Okada, H

    2003-02-01

    Several growth factors (or cytokines) have been recently investigated for their use as potential therapeutics for periodontal tissue regeneration. The objective of this study was to evaluate periodontal tissue regeneration, including new bone and cementum formation, following topical application of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, FGF-2) to furcation class II defects. Twelve furcation class II bone defects were surgically created in six beagle dogs, then recombinant bFGF (30 micro g/site) + gelatinous carrier was topically applied to the bony defects. Six weeks after application, periodontal regeneration was analyzed. In all sites where bFGF was applied, periodontal ligament formation with new cementum deposits and new bone formation was observed histomorphometrically, in amounts greater than in the control sites. Basic FGF-applied sites exhibited significant regeneration as represented by the new bone formation rate (NBR) (83.6 +/- 14.3%), new trabecular bone formation rate (NTBR) (44.1 +/- 9.5%), and new cementum formation rate (NCR) (97.0 +/- 7.5%). In contrast, in the carrier-only sites, the NBR, NTBR, and NCR were 35.4 +/- 8.9%, 16.6 +/- 6.2%, and 37.2 +/- 15.1%, respectively. Moreover, no instances of epithelial down growth, ankylosis, or root resorption were observed in the bFGF-applied sites examined. The present results indicate that topical application of bFGF can enhance considerable periodontal regeneration in artificially created furcation class II bone defects of beagle dogs.

  16. Fibroblast growth factor and cyclic AMP (cAMP) synergistically activate gene expression at a cAMP response element.

    PubMed Central

    Tan, Y; Low, K G; Boccia, C; Grossman, J; Comb, M J

    1994-01-01

    Growth factors and cyclic AMP (cAMP) are known to activate distinct intracellular signaling pathways. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) activates ras-dependent kinase cascades, resulting in the activation of MAP kinases, whereas cAMP activates protein kinase A. In this study, we report that growth factors and cAMP act synergistically to stimulate proenkephalin gene expression. Positive synergy between growth factor- and cAMP-activated signaling pathways on gene expression has not been previously reported, and we suggest that these synergistic interactions represent a useful model for analyzing interactions between these pathways. Transfection and mutational studies indicate that both FGF-dependent gene activation and cAMP-dependent gene activation require cAMP response element 2 (CRE-2), a previously characterized cAMP-dependent regulatory element. Furthermore, multiple copies of this element are sufficient to confer FGF regulation upon a minimal promoter, indicating that FGF and cAMP signaling converge upon transcription factors acting at CRE-2. Among many different ATF/AP-1 factors tested, two factors, ATF-3 and c-Jun, stimulate proenkephalin transcription in an FGF- or Ras-dependent fashion. Finally, we show that ATF-3 and c-Jun form heterodimeric complexes in SK-N-MC cells and that the levels of both proteins are increased in response to FGF but not cAMP. Together, these results indicate that growth factor- and cAMP-dependent signaling pathways converge at CRE-2 to synergistically stimulate gene expression and that ATF-3 and c-Jun regulate proenkephalin transcription in response to both growth factor- and cAMP-dependent intracellular signaling pathways. Images PMID:7935470

  17. Association between fibroblast growth factor 21 and bone mineral density in adults.

    PubMed

    Hao, Ruo-Han; Gao, Jun-Ling; Li, Meng; Huang, Wei; Zhu, Dong-Li; Thynn, Hlaing Nwe; Dong, Shan-Shan; Guo, Yan

    2018-02-01

    Animal-based studies have reported a decrease in bone mass resulting from high level of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). However, the correlation between plasma FGF21 levels and bone mineral density (BMD) is paradoxical in previous human-based studies, and the associations between FGF21 gene polymorphisms and BMD haven't been reported yet. Therefore, here, we evaluated plasma FGF21 levels with sufficient study samples, and performed genetic association test to reveal the physiological and genetic role of FGF21 on BMD in adults. Plasma and genetic samples containing 168 and 569 Han Chinese subjects, respectively, were employed in this study. Fasting plasma FGF21 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Regional BMD values were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Five variants of FGF21 gene were successfully genotyped. Physiological association suggested that plasma FGF21 levels were inversely correlated with BMD in femoral neck (Neck-BMD: P = 0.039) and Ward's triangle (Ward's-BMD: P = 0.002) of hip region. A FGF21 gene variant, rs490942, was significantly associated with the increase of Ward's-BMD in total (P = 0.027) and female (P = 0.016) cohorts, as well as Neck-BMD in female cohort (P = 7.45 × 10 -3 ). Meanwhile, eQTL results indicated that this SNP was related to the decreased level of FGF21 gene expression. Taking together from both physiological and genetic levels, we suggest that FGF21 is inversely associated with regional BMD. And we haven't observed sex-specific effect in this study.

  18. Fibroblast growth factor 21 is required for beneficial effects of exercise during chronic high-fat feeding.

    PubMed

    Loyd, Christine; Magrisso, I Jack; Haas, Michael; Balusu, Sowmya; Krishna, Radha; Itoh, Nobuyuki; Sandoval, Darleen A; Perez-Tilve, Diego; Obici, Silvana; Habegger, Kirk M

    2016-09-01

    Exercise is an effective therapy against the metabolic syndrome. However, the molecular pathways underlying the advantageous effects of exercise are elusive. Glucagon receptor signaling is essential for exercise benefits, and recent evidence indicates that a downstream effector of glucagon, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), is implicated in this response. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that FGF21 action is necessary in mediating metabolic effects of exercise. We utilized acute exhaustive treadmill exercise in Wistar rats to identify a putative, concomitant increase in plasma glucagon and FGF21 with the increase in glucose and lactate following exercise. To test the necessity of FGF21 action in the exercise response, we exposed FGF21 congenitally deficient mice (Fgf21(-/-)) and their wild-type (Wt) littermates to chronic high-fat (HF) feeding and inoperable (sedentary) or operable (exercise) voluntary running wheels. Physiological tests were performed to assess the role of FGF21 in the beneficial effect of exercise on glucose metabolism. Wt and Fgf21(-/-) littermates exhibited similar running behavior, and exercise was effective in suppressing weight and fat mass gain and dyslipidemia independently of genotype. However, exercise failed to positively affect hepatic triglyceride content and glucose tolerance in HF diet-fed Fgf21(-/-) mice. Furthermore, Fgf21(-/-) mice exhibited an impaired adaptation to exercise training, including reduced AMP-activated protein kinase activity in skeletal muscle. This study demonstrates that FGF21 action is necessary to achieve the full metabolic benefits of exercise during chronic HF feeding. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

  19. Fibroblast growth factor 21 is required for beneficial effects of exercise during chronic high-fat feeding

    PubMed Central

    Loyd, Christine; Magrisso, I. Jack; Haas, Michael; Balusu, Sowmya; Krishna, Radha; Itoh, Nobuyuki; Sandoval, Darleen A.; Perez-Tilve, Diego; Obici, Silvana

    2016-01-01

    Exercise is an effective therapy against the metabolic syndrome. However, the molecular pathways underlying the advantageous effects of exercise are elusive. Glucagon receptor signaling is essential for exercise benefits, and recent evidence indicates that a downstream effector of glucagon, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), is implicated in this response. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that FGF21 action is necessary in mediating metabolic effects of exercise. We utilized acute exhaustive treadmill exercise in Wistar rats to identify a putative, concomitant increase in plasma glucagon and FGF21 with the increase in glucose and lactate following exercise. To test the necessity of FGF21 action in the exercise response, we exposed FGF21 congenitally deficient mice (Fgf21−/−) and their wild-type (Wt) littermates to chronic high-fat (HF) feeding and inoperable (sedentary) or operable (exercise) voluntary running wheels. Physiological tests were performed to assess the role of FGF21 in the beneficial effect of exercise on glucose metabolism. Wt and Fgf21−/− littermates exhibited similar running behavior, and exercise was effective in suppressing weight and fat mass gain and dyslipidemia independently of genotype. However, exercise failed to positively affect hepatic triglyceride content and glucose tolerance in HF diet-fed Fgf21−/− mice. Furthermore, Fgf21−/− mice exhibited an impaired adaptation to exercise training, including reduced AMP-activated protein kinase activity in skeletal muscle. This study demonstrates that FGF21 action is necessary to achieve the full metabolic benefits of exercise during chronic HF feeding. PMID:27445299

  20. Antiangiogenic activity of semisynthetic biotechnological heparins: low-molecular-weight-sulfated Escherichia coli K5 polysaccharide derivatives as fibroblast growth factor antagonists.

    PubMed

    Presta, Marco; Oreste, Pasqua; Zoppetti, Giorgio; Belleri, Mirella; Tanghetti, Elena; Leali, Daria; Urbinati, Chiara; Bugatti, Antonella; Ronca, Roberto; Nicoli, Stefania; Moroni, Emanuela; Stabile, Helena; Camozzi, Maura; Hernandez, German Andrés; Mitola, Stefania; Dell'Era, Patrizia; Rusnati, Marco; Ribatti, Domenico

    2005-01-01

    Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) exerts antitumor activity in clinical trials. The K5 polysaccharide from Escherichia coli has the same structure as the heparin precursor. Chemical and enzymatic modifications of K5 polysaccharide lead to the production of biotechnological heparin-like compounds. We investigated the fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) antagonist and antiangiogenic activity of a series of LMW N,O-sulfated K5 derivatives. Surface plasmon resonance analysis showed that LMW-K5 derivatives bind FGF2, thus inhibiting its interaction with heparin immobilized to a BIAcore sensor chip. Interaction of FGF2 with tyrosine-kinase receptors (FGFRs), heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), and alpha(v)beta3 integrin is required for biological response in endothelial cells. Similar to LMWH, LMW-K5 derivatives abrogate the formation of HSPG/FGF2/FGFR ternary complexes by preventing FGF2-mediated attachment of FGFR1-overexpressing cells to HSPG-bearing cells and inhibit FGF2-mediated endothelial cell proliferation. However, LMW-K5 derivatives, but not LMWH, also inhibit FGF2/alpha(v)beta3 integrin interaction and consequent FGF2-mediated endothelial cell sprouting in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane. LMW N,O-sulfated K5 derivatives affect both HSPG/FGF2/FGFR and FGF2/alpha(v)beta3 interactions and are endowed with FGF2 antagonist and antiangiogenic activity. These compounds may provide the basis for the design of novel LMW heparin-like angiostatic compounds.

  1. Patients with FGF23-related hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia do not present with left ventricular hypertrophy.

    PubMed

    Takashi, Yuichi; Kinoshita, Yuka; Hori, Michiko; Ito, Nobuaki; Taguchi, Manabu; Fukumoto, Seiji

    2017-05-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a hormone regulating phosphate metabolism. Excessive actions of FGF23 cause several types of FGF23-related hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia. Recently, it was reported that FGF23 levels were independently correlated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition, FGF23 was also shown to cause cardiac hypertrophy directly acting on cardiomyocytes. However, there is no study indicating the correlation between FGF23 and LVH in adult patients with FGF23-related hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia. Therefore, we examined the existence of LVH in these patients. We recruited consecutive 24 patients with FGF23-related hypophosphatemic diseases. Their serum intact FGF23 levels and the parameters associated with LVH, including left ventricular mass index (LVMI), relative wall thickness (RWT), Sokolow-Lyon voltage, and Cornell product, were measured. The correlations between FGF23 and these parameters were examined. The participants did not show LVH on the whole. In addition, no significant correlation was observed by these examinations. It seems unlikely that FGF23 levels are the apparent determinant of the cardiac mass in patients with FGF23-related hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia.

  2. FGF-23 transgenic mice demonstrate hypophosphatemic rickets with reduced expression of sodium phosphate cotransporter type IIa.

    PubMed

    Shimada, Takashi; Urakawa, Itaru; Yamazaki, Yuji; Hasegawa, Hisashi; Hino, Rieko; Yoneya, Takashi; Takeuchi, Yasuhiro; Fujita, Toshiro; Fukumoto, Seiji; Yamashita, Takeyoshi

    2004-02-06

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 was identified as a causative factor of tumor-induced osteomalacia and also as a responsible gene for autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets. To clarify the pathophysiological roles of FGF-23 in these diseases, we generated its transgenic mice. The transgenic mice expressing human FGF-23 reproduced the common clinical features of these diseases such as hypophosphatemia probably due to increased renal phosphate wasting, inappropriately low serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D level, and rachitic bone. The renal phosphate wasting in the transgenic mice was accompanied by the reduced expression of sodium phosphate cotransporter type IIa in renal proximal tubules. These results reinforce the notion that the excessive action of FGF-23 plays a causative role in the development of several hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia.

  3. Fibroblast growth factor signaling in skeletal development and disease.

    PubMed

    Ornitz, David M; Marie, Pierre J

    2015-07-15

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways are essential regulators of vertebrate skeletal development. FGF signaling regulates development of the limb bud and formation of the mesenchymal condensation and has key roles in regulating chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and bone and mineral homeostasis. This review updates our review on FGFs in skeletal development published in Genes & Development in 2002, examines progress made on understanding the functions of the FGF signaling pathway during critical stages of skeletogenesis, and explores the mechanisms by which mutations in FGF signaling molecules cause skeletal malformations in humans. Links between FGF signaling pathways and other interacting pathways that are critical for skeletal development and could be exploited to treat genetic diseases and repair bone are also explored. © 2015 Ornitz and Marie; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

  4. Homozygous ablation of fibroblast growth factor-23 results in hyperphosphatemia and impaired skeletogenesis, and reverses hypophosphatemia in Phex-deficient mice

    PubMed Central

    Sitara, Despina; Razzaque, Mohammed S.; Hesse, Martina; Yoganathan, Subbiah; Taguchi, Takashi; Erben, Reinhold G.; Jüppner, Harald; Lanske, Beate

    2010-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), a recently identified molecule that is mutated in patients with autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR), appears to be involved in the regulation of phosphate homeostasis. Although increased levels of circulating FGF-23 were detected in patients with different phosphate-wasting disorders such as oncogenic osteomalacia (OOM) and X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), it is not yet clear whether FGF-23 is directly responsible for the abnormal regulation of mineral ion homeostasis and consequently bone development. To address some of these unresolved questions, we generated a mouse model, in which the entire Fgf-23 gene was replaced with the lacZ gene. Fgf-23 null (Fgf-23−/−) mice showed signs of growth retardation by day 17, developed severe hyperphosphatemia with elevated serum 1,25(OH)2D3 levels, and died by 13 weeks of age. Hyperphosphatemia in Fgf-23−/− mice was accompanied by skeletal abnormalities, as demonstrated by histological, molecular, and various other morphometric analyses. Fgf-23−/− mice had increased total-body bone mineral content (BMC) but decreased bone mineral density (BMD) of the limbs. Overall, Fgf-23−/− mice exhibited increased mineralization, but also accumulation of unmineralized osteoid leading to marked limb deformities. Moreover, Fgf-23−/− mice showed excessive mineralization in soft tissues, including heart and kidney. To further expand our understanding regarding the role of Fgf-23 in phosphate homeostasis and skeletal mineralization, we crossed Fgf-23−/− animals with Hyp mice, the murine equivalent of XLH. Interestingly, Hyp males lacking both Fgf-23 alleles were indistinguishable from Fgf-23−/− mice, both in terms of serum phosphate levels and skeletal changes, suggesting that Fgf-23 is upstream of the phosphate regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome (Phex) and that the increased plasma Fgf-23 levels in Hyp mice (and in XLH patients) may be at least partially responsible for the phosphate imbalance in this disorder. PMID:15579309

  5. Fibroblast growth factor 23 in oncogenic osteomalacia and X-linked hypophosphatemia.

    PubMed

    Jonsson, Kenneth B; Zahradnik, Richard; Larsson, Tobias; White, Kenneth E; Sugimoto, Toshitsugu; Imanishi, Yasuo; Yamamoto, Takehisa; Hampson, Geeta; Koshiyama, Hiroyuki; Ljunggren, Osten; Oba, Koichi; Yang, In Myung; Miyauchi, Akimitsu; Econs, Michael J; Lavigne, Jeffrey; Jüppner, Harald

    2003-04-24

    Mutations in fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) cause autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets. Clinical and laboratory findings in this disorder are similar to those in oncogenic osteomalacia, in which tumors abundantly express FGF-23 messenger RNA, and to those in X-linked hypophosphatemia, which is caused by inactivating mutations in a phosphate-regulating endopeptidase called PHEX. Recombinant FGF-23 induces phosphaturia and hypophosphatemia in vivo, suggesting that it has a role in phosphate regulation. To determine whether FGF-23 circulates in healthy persons and whether it is elevated in those with oncogenic osteomalacia or X-linked hypophosphatemia, an immunometric assay was developed to measure it. Using affinity-purified, polyclonal antibodies against [Tyr223]FGF-23(206-222)amide and [Tyr224]FGF-23(225-244)amide, we developed a two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that detects equivalently recombinant human FGF-23, the mutant form in which glutamine is substituted for arginine at position 179 (R179Q), and synthetic human FGF-23(207-244)amide. Plasma or serum samples from 147 healthy adults (mean [+/-SD] age, 48.4+/-19.6 years) and 26 healthy children (mean age, 10.9+/-5.5 years) and from 17 patients with oncogenic osteomalacia (mean age, 43.0+/-13.3 years) and 21 patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (mean age, 34.9+/-17.2 years) were studied. Mean FGF-23 concentrations in the healthy adults and children were 55+/-50 and 69+/-36 reference units (RU) per milliliter, respectively. Four patients with oncogenic osteomalacia had concentrations ranging from 426 to 7970 RU per milliliter, which normalized after tumor resection. FGF-23 concentrations were 481+/-528 RU per milliliter in those with suspected oncogenic osteomalacia and 353+/-510 RU per milliliter (range, 31 to 2335) in those with X-linked hypophosphatemia. FGF-23 is readily detectable in the plasma or serum of healthy persons and can be markedly elevated in those with oncogenic osteomalacia or X-linked hypophosphatemia, suggesting that this growth factor has a role in phosphate homeostasis. FGF-23 measurements might improve the management of phosphate-wasting disorders. Copyright 2003 Massachusetts Medical Society

  6. Alcoholic fatty liver is enhanced in CYP2A5 knockout mice: The role of the PPARα-FGF21 axis.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xue; Ward, Stephen C; Cederbaum, Arthur I; Xiong, Huabao; Lu, Yongke

    2017-03-15

    Cytochrome P450 2A5 (CYP2A5) is induced by ethanol, and the ethanol induction of CYP2A5 is regulated by nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). Cyp2a5 knockout (Cyp2a5 -/- ) mice develop more severe alcoholic fatty liver than Cyp2a5 +/+ mice. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a PPARα-regulated liver hormone, is involved in hepatic lipid metabolism. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver are enhanced in Pparα knockout (Pparα -/- ) mice. This study investigates the relationship between the PPARα-FGF21 axis and the enhanced alcoholic fatty liver in Cyp2a5 -/- mice. Mice were fed the Lieber-Decarli ethanol diet to induce alcoholic fatty liver. More severe alcoholic fatty liver disease was developed in Cyp2a5 -/- mice than in Cyp2a5 +/+ mice. Basal FGF21 levels were higher in Cyp2a5 -/- mice than in Cyp2a5 +/+ mice, but ethanol did not further increase the elevated FGF21 levels in Cyp2a5 -/- mice while FGF21 was induced by ethanol in Cyp2a5 +/+ mice. Basal levels of serum FGF21 were lower in Pparα -/- mice than in Pparα +/+ mice; ethanol induced FGF21 in Pparα +/+ mice but not in Pparα -/- mice, whereas ethanol induced hypertriglyceridemia in Pparα -/- mice but not in Pparα +/+ mice. Administration of recombinant FGF21 normalized serum FGF21 and triglyceride in Pparα -/- mice. Alcoholic fatty liver was enhanced in liver-specific Fgf21 knockout mice. Pparα and Cyp2a5 double knockout (Pparα -/- /Cyp2a5 -/- ) mice developed more severe alcoholic fatty liver than Pparα +/+ /Cyp2a5 -/- mice. These results suggest that CYP2A5 protects against the development of alcoholic fatty liver disease, and the PPARα-FGF21 axis contributes to the protective effects of CYP2A5 on alcoholic fatty liver disease. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Relationship between plasma fibroblast growth factor-23 concentration and bone mineralization in children with renal failure on peritoneal dialysis.

    PubMed

    Wesseling-Perry, Katherine; Pereira, Renata C; Wang, Hejing; Elashoff, Robert M; Sahney, Shobha; Gales, Barbara; Jüppner, Harald; Salusky, Isidro B

    2009-02-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 is produced in bone, and circulating levels are markedly elevated in patients with end-stage kidney disease, but the relationship between plasma levels of FGF-23 and bone histology in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between plasma levels of FGF-23 and bone histology in pediatric patients with end-stage kidney disease who display biochemical evidence of secondary hyperparathyroidism. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the relationship between plasma FGF-23 levels and bone histomorphometry. The study was conducted in a referral center. Participants consisted of forty-nine pediatric patients who were treated with maintenance peritoneal dialysis and who had serum PTH levels (1st generation Nichols assay) greater than 400 pg/ml. There were no interventions. Plasma FGF-23 levels and bone histomorphometry were measured. No correlation existed between values of PTH and FGF-23. Bone formation rates correlated with PTH (r = 0.44; P < 0.01), but not with FGF-23. Higher FGF-23 concentrations were associated with decreased osteoid thickness (r = -0.49; P < 0.01) and shorter osteoid maturation time (r = -0.48; P < 0.01). High levels of FGF-23 are associated with improved indices of skeletal mineralization in dialyzed pediatric patients with high turnover renal osteodystrophy. Together with other biomarkers, FGF-23 measurements may indicate skeletal mineralization status in this patient population.

  8. Cartilage Engineering from Mesenchymal Stem Cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Goepfert, C.; Slobodianski, A.; Schilling, A. F.; Adamietz, P.; Pörtner, R.

    Mesenchymal progenitor cells known as multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells or mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been isolated from various tissues. Since they are able to differentiate along the mesenchymal lineages of cartilage and bone, they are regarded as promising sources for the treatment of skeletal defects. Tissue regeneration in the adult organism and in vitro engineering of tissues is hypothesized to follow the principles of embryogenesis. The embryonic development of the skeleton has been studied extensively with respect to the regulatory mechanisms governing morphogenesis, differentiation, and tissue formation. Various concepts have been designed for engineering tissues in vitro based on these developmental principles, most of them involving regulatory molecules such as growth factors or cytokines known to be the key regulators in developmental processes. Growth factors most commonly used for in vitro cultivation of cartilage tissue belong to the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) super-family, and the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family. In this chapter, in vivo actions of members of these growth factors described in the literature are compared with in vitro concepts of cartilage engineering making use of these growth factors.

  9. Binding efficiency of recombinant collagen-binding basic fibroblast growth factors (CBD-bFGFs) and their promotion for NIH-3T3 cell proliferation.

    PubMed

    Wu, Zhenxu; Zhou, Yulai; Chen, Li; Hu, Mingxin; Wang, Yu; Li, Linlong; Wang, Zongliang; Zhang, Peibiao

    2018-03-01

    The recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) containing collagen-binding domain (CBD) has been found to be a potential therapeutic factor in tissue regeneration. However, its binding efficiency and quantification remain uncertain. In this research, massive recombinant bFGFs with good bioactivity for enhancing the proliferation of NIH-3T3 cells were achieved. An ELISA-based quantitative method was set up to investigate the binding efficiency of CBD-bFGFs on collagen films. It indicated that the CBDs significantly increased the collagen-binding ability of bFGF (P < .05), with the optimum binding condition first determined to be in the pH range of 7.5-9.5 (P < .05). Then, the relevant equations to calculate the binding density of bFGF, C-bFGF, and V-bFGF were acquired. Analysis confirmed that the bioactivity of immobilized bFGFs was well correlated with the density of growth factor on collagen films. Based on this research, the density of growth factor is a logical and applicable dosage unit for quantification of binding efficiency of growth factors, rather than traditional concentration of soluble growth factors in tissue engineering applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  10. Chordin and dickkopf-1b are essential for the formation of head structures through activation of the FGF signaling pathway in zebrafish.

    PubMed

    Tanaka, Shingo; Hosokawa, Hiroshi; Weinberg, Eric S; Maegawa, Shingo

    2017-04-15

    The ability of the Spemann organizer to induce dorsal axis formation is dependent on downstream factors of the maternal Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway has been identified as one of the downstream components of the maternal Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The ability of the FGF signaling pathway to induce the formation of a dorsal axis with a complete head structure requires chordin (chd) expression; however, the molecular mechanisms involved in this developmental process, due to activation of FGF signaling, remain unclear. In this study, we showed that activation of the FGF signaling pathway induced the formation of complete head structures through the expression of chd and dickkopf-1b (dkk1b). Using the organizer-deficient maternal mutant, ichabod, we identified dkk1b as a novel downstream factor in the FGF signaling pathway. We also demonstrate that dkk1b expression is necessary, after activation of the FGF signaling pathway, to induce neuroectoderm patterning along the anteroposterior (AP) axis and for formation of complete head structures. Co-injection of chd and dkk1b mRNA resulted in the formation of a dorsal axis with a complete head structure in ichabod embryos, confirming the role of these factors in this developmental process. Unexpectedly, we found that chd induced dkk1b expression in ichabod embryos at the shield stage. However, chd failed to maintain dkk1b expression levels in cells of the shield and, subsequently, in the cells of the prechordal plate after mid-gastrula stage. In contrast, activation of the FGF signaling pathway maintained the dkk1b expression from the beginning of gastrulation to early somitogenesis. In conclusion, activation of the FGF signaling pathway induces the formation of a dorsal axis with a complete head structure through the expression of chd and subsequent maintenance of dkk1b expression levels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Inflammation and elevated levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 are independent risk factors for death in chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Munoz Mendoza, Jair; Isakova, Tamara; Cai, Xuan; Bayes, Liz Y; Faul, Christian; Scialla, Julia J; Lash, James P; Chen, Jing; He, Jiang; Navaneethan, Sankar; Negrea, Lavinia; Rosas, Sylvia E; Kretzler, Matthias; Nessel, Lisa; Xie, Dawei; Anderson, Amanda Hyre; Raj, Dominic S; Wolf, Myles

    2017-03-01

    Inflammation is a consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with adverse outcomes in many clinical settings. Inflammation stimulates production of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), high levels of which are independently associated with mortality in CKD. Few large-scale prospective studies have examined inflammation and mortality in patients with CKD, and none tested the interrelationships among inflammation, FGF23, and risk of death. Therefore, we conducted a prospective investigation of 3875 participants in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study with CKD stages 2 to 4 to test the associations of baseline plasma interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and FGF23 levels with all-cause mortality, censoring at the onset of end-stage renal disease. During a median follow-up of 6.9 years, 550 participants died (20.5/1000 person-years) prior to end-stage renal disease. In separate multivariable-adjusted analyses, higher levels of interleukin-6 (hazard ratio per one standard deviation increase of natural log-transformed levels) 1.35 (95% confidence interval, 1.25-1.46), C-reactive protein 1.28 (1.16-1.40), and FGF23 1.45 (1.32-1.60) were each independently associated with increased risk of death. With further adjustment for FGF23, the risks of death associated with interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein were minimally attenuated. Compared to participants in the lowest quartiles of inflammation and FGF23, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio of death among those in the highest quartiles of both biomarkers was 4.38 (2.65-7.23) for interleukin-6 and FGF23, and 5.54 (3.04-10.09) for C-reactive protein and FGF23. Thus, elevated levels of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and FGF23 are independent risk factors for mortality in CKD. Copyright © 2016 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Poor functional recovery and muscle polyinnervation after facial nerve injury in fibroblast growth factor-2-/- mice can be improved by manual stimulation of denervated vibrissal muscles.

    PubMed

    Seitz, M; Grosheva, M; Skouras, E; Angelova, S K; Ankerne, J; Jungnickel, J; Grothe, C; Klimaschewski, L; Hübbers, C U; Dunlop, S A; Angelov, D N

    2011-05-19

    Functional recovery following facial nerve injury is poor. Adjacent neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are "bridged" by terminal Schwann cells and numerous regenerating axonal sprouts. We have recently shown that manual stimulation (MS) restores whisking function and reduces polyinnervation of NMJs. Furthermore, MS requires both insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Here, we investigated whether fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) was also required for the beneficial effects of MS. Following transection and suture of the facial nerve (facial-facial anastomisis, FFA) in homozygous mice lacking FGF-2 (FGF-2(-/-)), vibrissal motor performance and the percentage of poly-innervated NMJ were quantified. In intact FGF-2(-/-) mice and their wildtype (WT) counterparts, there were no differences in amplitude of vibrissal whisking (about 50°) or in the percentage of polyinnervated NMJ (0%). After 2 months FFA and handling alone (i.e. no MS), the amplitude of vibrissal whisking in WT-mice decreased to 22±3°. In the FGF-2(-/-) mice, the amplitude was reduced further to 15±4°, that is, function was significantly poorer. Functional deficits were mirrored by increased polyinnervation of NMJ in WT mice (40.33±2.16%) with polyinnervation being increased further in FGF-2(-/-) mice (50.33±4.33%). However, regardless of the genotype, MS increased vibrissal whisking amplitude (WT: 33.9°±7.7; FGF-2(-/-): 33.4°±8.1) and concomitantly reduced polyinnervation (WT: 33.9%±7.7; FGF-2(-/-): 33.4%±8.1) to a similar extent. We conclude that, whereas lack of FGF-2 leads to poor functional recovery and target reinnervation, MS can nevertheless confer some functional benefit in its absence. Copyright © 2011 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Sp8 and COUP-TF1 reciprocally regulate patterning and Fgf signaling in cortical progenitors.

    PubMed

    Borello, Ugo; Madhavan, Mayur; Vilinsky, Ilya; Faedo, Andrea; Pierani, Alessandra; Rubenstein, John; Campbell, Kenneth

    2014-06-01

    To gain new insights into the transcriptional regulation of cortical development, we examined the role of the transcription factor Sp8, which is downstream of Fgf8 signaling and known to promote rostral cortical development. We have used a binary transgenic system to express Sp8 throughout the mouse telencephalon in a temporally restricted manner. Our results show that misexpression of Sp8 throughout the telencephalon, at early but not late embryonic stages, results in cortical hypoplasia, which is accompanied by increased cell death, reduced proliferation, and precocious neuronal differentiation. Misexpression of Sp8 at early developmental stages represses COUP-TF1 expression, a negative effector of Fgf signaling and a key promoter of posterior cortical identity, while ablation of Sp8 has the opposite effect. In addition, transgenic misexpression of COUP-TF1 resulted in downregulation of Sp8, indicating a reciprocal cross-regulation between these 2 transcription factors. Although Sp8 has been suggested to induce and/or maintain Fgf8 expression in the embryonic telencephalon, neither Fgf8 nor Fgf15 was upregulated using our gain-of-function approach. However, misexpression of Sp8 greatly increased the expression of Fgf target molecules, suggesting enhanced Fgf signaling. Thus, we propose that Sp8 promotes rostral and dorsomedial cortical development by repressing COUP-TF1 and promoting Fgf signaling in pallial progenitors.

  14. Sp8 and COUP-TF1 Reciprocally Regulate Patterning and Fgf Signaling in Cortical Progenitors

    PubMed Central

    Borello, Ugo; Madhavan, Mayur; Vilinsky, Ilya; Faedo, Andrea; Pierani, Alessandra; Rubenstein, John; Campbell, Kenneth

    2014-01-01

    To gain new insights into the transcriptional regulation of cortical development, we examined the role of the transcription factor Sp8, which is downstream of Fgf8 signaling and known to promote rostral cortical development. We have used a binary transgenic system to express Sp8 throughout the mouse telencephalon in a temporally restricted manner. Our results show that misexpression of Sp8 throughout the telencephalon, at early but not late embryonic stages, results in cortical hypoplasia, which is accompanied by increased cell death, reduced proliferation, and precocious neuronal differentiation. Misexpression of Sp8 at early developmental stages represses COUP-TF1 expression, a negative effector of Fgf signaling and a key promoter of posterior cortical identity, while ablation of Sp8 has the opposite effect. In addition, transgenic misexpression of COUP-TF1 resulted in downregulation of Sp8, indicating a reciprocal cross-regulation between these 2 transcription factors. Although Sp8 has been suggested to induce and/or maintain Fgf8 expression in the embryonic telencephalon, neither Fgf8 nor Fgf15 was upregulated using our gain-of-function approach. However, misexpression of Sp8 greatly increased the expression of Fgf target molecules, suggesting enhanced Fgf signaling. Thus, we propose that Sp8 promotes rostral and dorsomedial cortical development by repressing COUP-TF1 and promoting Fgf signaling in pallial progenitors. PMID:23307639

  15. Eldecalcitol (ED-71), an analog of 1α,25(OH)2D3, inhibits the growth of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells in vitro and in vivo by down-regulating expression of heparin-binding protein 17/fibroblast growth factor-binding protein-1 (HBp17/FGFBP-1) and FGF-2.

    PubMed

    Shintani, T; Takatsu, F; Rosli, S N Z; Usui, E; Hamada, A; Sumi, K; Hayashido, Y; Toratani, S; Okamoto, Tetsuji

    2017-10-01

    Heparin-binding protein 17 (HBp17)/fibroblast growth factor-binding protein-1 (FGFBP-1) was first purified from medium conditioned by A431 cells for its capacity to bind to fibroblast growth factors 1 and 2 (FGF-1 and -2). Among FGF family members, FGF-2 is a potent mitogen for various cell types, including vascular endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and cancer cells such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. Besides being well known in bone metabolism, the active form of vitamin D 3 , i.e., 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 (1,25D 3 ), was reported to have protective effects for heart disease and cancer. Previously, we reported that 1,25D 3 inhibited HBp17/FGFBP-1 expression in OSCC cell lines through NF-κB inhibition (IκBα activation) and resulted in the inactivation of FGF-2. In this study, we examined the potential anti-tumor effect of ED-71, an analog of 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 , for squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. The cell lines used were OSCC cell lines (NA-HO-1-n-1 and UE-HO-1-u-1), established from oral cancer patients in our laboratory, and an epidermoid carcinoma/SCC cell line (A431). The growth assay in serum-free culture revealed that ED-71 inhibited the growth of the cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, ED-71 suppressed HBp17/FGFBP-1 expression by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway as did 1,25D 3 . Furthermore, a luciferase reporter assay revealed that the promoter activity of HBp17/FGFBP-1 (region between -217 and +61) was down-regulated by ED-71. Oral administration of ED-71 significantly inhibited the growth of A431-derived tumors in athymic nude mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expression of HBp17/FGFBP-1, FGF-2, CD31, and Ki-67 in the tumors of ED71-treated group was down-regulated in comparison to control. These results suggest that ED-71 possesses potential anti-tumor activity for SCCs both in vitro and in vivo. This compound may act directly on the tumor cells or on endothelial cells by modulating the tumor microenvironment.

  16. Fibroblast growth factor 21 levels in young healthy females display day and night variations and are increased in response to short-term energy deprivation through a leptin-independent pathway.

    PubMed

    Foo, Joo-Pin; Aronis, Konstantinos N; Chamberland, John P; Paruthi, Jason; Moon, Hyun-Seuk; Mantzoros, Christos S

    2013-04-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 is an endocrine factor with potent metabolic effects. Its day-night patterns of secretion and/or its physiological response to energy deprivation and relationship to free fatty acids (FFAs) and/or leptin remain to be fully elucidated. We aim to elucidate day-night pattern of FGF-21 levels and its relationship to FFA, to assess whether energy deprivation alters its circulating patterns, and to examine whether leptin may mediate these changes. Six healthy lean females were studied for 72 h in a cross-over interventional study under three different conditions: on isocaloric diet and in a fasting state with administration of either placebo or metreleptin in physiological replacement doses. Blood samples were obtained hourly from 8:00 a.m. on day 4 until 8:00 a.m. on day 5. FGF-21 exhibited day-night variation pattern during the isocaloric fed state. Fasting significantly increased FGF-21 levels (P < 0.01) via a leptin-independent pathway. Day-night variation pattern in the fed state was lost on fasting. Leptin replacement in the hypoleptinemic state restored approximate entropy of FGF-21 time series but did not alter circulating levels. FGF-21 levels were closely cross-correlated with FFA levels in all three states. A day-night variation in the levels of FGF-21 exists in young lean females in the fed state. Energy deprivation increases FGF-21 levels via a leptin-independent pathway. The interaction between FGF-21 and starvation-induced lipolysis, as indicated by its close cross-correlations with FFA in both fed state and energy deprivation, needs to be studied further.

  17. Identification of hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 as a mediator in 17β-estradiol-induced white adipose tissue browning.

    PubMed

    Hua, Lun; Zhuo, Yong; Jiang, Dandan; Li, Jing; Huang, Xiaohua; Zhu, Yingguo; Li, Zhen; Yan, Lijun; Jin, Chao; Jiang, Xuemei; Che, Lianqiang; Fang, Zhengfeng; Lin, Yan; Xu, Shengyu; Li, Jian; Feng, Bin; Wu, De

    2018-05-02

    Both ovarian E2 and hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) are critical for energy homeostasis and white adipose tissue browning. Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is abundantly expressed in liver. However, whether FGF21 has a role in E2-induced white adipose tissue browning remains uncertain. In this study, we showed that hepatic Fgf21 expression and secretion during estrus cycle changed with the tetradian oscillatory secretion of circulation E2 in adult, female mice, with their peak expressions and secretions at the proestrus. In addition, exogenous E2 robustly stimulated liver Fgf21 expression and elevated serum FGF21 concentrations, which induced browning gene expression and reduced the tissue weight in subcutaneous white adipose in mice with ovariectomies. The inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and of ERα blocked the induction effect of E2 on the expression of Fgf21 in primary hepatocytes, which revealed that E2 might stimulate FGF21 expression via the ERα-mTOR pathway. Furthermore, FGF21 liver-specific deficiency abolished E2-induced white adipose browning in mice with ovariectomies. This study indicates that ovarian E2 increased liver FGF21 expression directly, which in turn, functioned as an endocrine signal to influence inguinal white adipose tissue browning.-Hua, L., Zhuo, Y., Jiang, D., Li, Jin., Huang, X., Zhu, Y., Li, Z., Yan, L., Jin, C., Jiang, X., Che, L., Fang, Z., Lin, Y., Xu, S. Li, Jia., Feng, B., Wu, D. Identification of hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 as a mediator in 17β-estradiol-induced white adipose tissue browning.

  18. Combination of three angiogenic growth factors has synergistic effects on sprouting of endothelial cell/mesenchymal stem cell-based spheroids in a 3D matrix.

    PubMed

    Kim, Sook Kyoung; Lee, Jaeyeon; Song, Myeongjin; Kim, Mirim; Hwang, Soon Jung; Jang, Hwanseok; Park, Yongdoo

    2016-11-01

    Combinations of angiogenic growth factors have been shown to have synergistic effects on angiogenesis and natural wound healing in various animal models. Each growth factor has unique roles during angiogenesis; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role during the initial step of angiogenesis, whereas PDGF functions in the maturation of blood vessels. We used a combination of three angiogenic growth factors to increase angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. We chose VEGF as a basic factor and added platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) to induce angiogenesis in three in vitro and in vivo models: 3D angiogenesis assay, 3D co-culture, and matrigel plug implantation assay. Cell proliferation was significantly higher in co-cultured cells treated with PDGF + VEGF + FGF than in the control, single, or dual combination groups. mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), von Willebrand factor (vWF), and CD105 was higher in the triple group (PDGF + VEGF + FGF) than in control, single, or dual combination groups. In the PDGF + VEGF + FGF group, the length and number of branches of spheroids was also significantly higher than in the control, single, or dual combination groups. Furthermore, in a nude mouse model, α-SMA expression was significantly higher in the PDGF + VEGF + FGF group than in other groups. In conclusion, the addition of PDGF and FGF to VEGF showed synergistic effects on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1535-1543, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Genetic Ablation of Fgf23 or Klotho Does not Modulate Experimental Heart Hypertrophy Induced by Pressure Overload.

    PubMed

    Slavic, Svetlana; Ford, Kristopher; Modert, Magalie; Becirovic, Amarela; Handschuh, Stephan; Baierl, Andreas; Katica, Nejla; Zeitz, Ute; Erben, Reinhold G; Andrukhova, Olena

    2017-09-12

    Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) ultimately leads to heart failure in conditions of increased cardiac pre- or afterload. The bone-derived phosphaturic and sodium-conserving hormone fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) and its co-receptor Klotho have been implicated in the development of uremic LVH. Using transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in gene-targeted mouse models, we examine the role of Fgf23 and Klotho in cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction induced by pressure overload. TAC profoundly increases serum intact Fgf23 due to increased cardiac and bony Fgf23 transcription and downregulation of Fgf23 cleavage. Aldosterone receptor blocker spironolactone normalizes serum intact Fgf23 levels after TAC by reducing bony Fgf23 transcription. Notably, genetic Fgf23 or Klotho deficiency does not influence TAC-induced hypertrophic remodelling, LV functional impairment, or LV fibrosis. Despite the profound, aldosterone-mediated increase in circulating intact Fgf23 after TAC, our data do not support an essential role of Fgf23 or Klotho in the pathophysiology of pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

  20. FGF-21 and skeletal remodeling during and after lactation in C57BL/6J mice.

    PubMed

    Bornstein, Sheila; Brown, Sue A; Le, Phuong T; Wang, Xunde; DeMambro, Victoria; Horowitz, Mark C; MacDougald, Ormond; Baron, Roland; Lotinun, Sutada; Karsenty, Gerard; Wei, Wei; Ferron, Mathieu; Kovacs, Christopher S; Clemmons, David; Wan, Yihong; Rosen, Clifford J

    2014-09-01

    Lactation is associated with significant alterations in both body composition and bone mass. Systemic and local skeletal factors such as receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL), PTHrP, calcitonin, and estrogen are known to regulate bone remodeling during and after lactation. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) may function as an endocrine factor to regulate body composition changes during lactation by inducing gluconeogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. In this study, we hypothesized that the metabolic changes during lactation were due in part to increased circulating FGF-21, which in turn could accentuate bone loss. We longitudinally characterized body composition in C57BL/6J (B6) mice during (day 7 and day 21 of lactation) and after normal lactation (day 21 postlactation). At day 7 of lactation, areal bone density declined by 10% (P < .001), bone resorption increased (P < .0001), percent fat decreased by 20%, energy expenditure increased (P < .01), and markers of brown-like adipogenesis were suppressed in the inguinal depot and in preformed brown adipose tissue. At day 7 of lactation there was a 2.4-fold increase in serum FGF-21 vs baseline (P < .0001), a 8-fold increase in hepatic FGF-21 mRNA (P < .03), a 2-fold increase in undercarboxylated osteocalcin (Glu13 OCn) (P < .01), and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Recovery of total areal bone density was noted at day 21 of lactation, whereas the femoral trabecular bone volume fraction was still reduced (P < .01). Because FGF-21 levels rose rapidly at day 7 of lactation in B6 lactating mice, we next examined lactating mice with a deletion in the Fgf21 gene. Trabecular and cortical bone masses were maintained throughout lactation in FGF-21(-/-) mice, and pup growth was normal. Compared with lactating control mice, lactating FGF-21(-/-) mice exhibited an increase in bone formation, but no change in bone resorption. In conclusion, in addition to changes in calciotropic hormones, systemic FGF-21 plays a role in skeletal remodeling and changes in body composition during lactation in B6 mice.

  1. FGF-21 and Skeletal Remodeling During and After Lactation in C57BL/6J Mice

    PubMed Central

    Bornstein, Sheila; Brown, Sue A.; Le, Phuong T.; Wang, Xunde; DeMambro, Victoria; Horowitz, Mark C.; MacDougald, Ormond; Baron, Roland; Lotinun, Sutada; Karsenty, Gerard; Wei, Wei; Ferron, Mathieu; Kovacs, Christopher S.; Clemmons, David

    2014-01-01

    Lactation is associated with significant alterations in both body composition and bone mass. Systemic and local skeletal factors such as receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL), PTHrP, calcitonin, and estrogen are known to regulate bone remodeling during and after lactation. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) may function as an endocrine factor to regulate body composition changes during lactation by inducing gluconeogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. In this study, we hypothesized that the metabolic changes during lactation were due in part to increased circulating FGF-21, which in turn could accentuate bone loss. We longitudinally characterized body composition in C57BL/6J (B6) mice during (day 7 and day 21 of lactation) and after normal lactation (day 21 postlactation). At day 7 of lactation, areal bone density declined by 10% (P < .001), bone resorption increased (P < .0001), percent fat decreased by 20%, energy expenditure increased (P < .01), and markers of brown-like adipogenesis were suppressed in the inguinal depot and in preformed brown adipose tissue. At day 7 of lactation there was a 2.4-fold increase in serum FGF-21 vs baseline (P < .0001), a 8-fold increase in hepatic FGF-21 mRNA (P < .03), a 2-fold increase in undercarboxylated osteocalcin (Glu13 OCn) (P < .01), and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Recovery of total areal bone density was noted at day 21 of lactation, whereas the femoral trabecular bone volume fraction was still reduced (P < .01). Because FGF-21 levels rose rapidly at day 7 of lactation in B6 lactating mice, we next examined lactating mice with a deletion in the Fgf21 gene. Trabecular and cortical bone masses were maintained throughout lactation in FGF-21−/− mice, and pup growth was normal. Compared with lactating control mice, lactating FGF-21−/− mice exhibited an increase in bone formation, but no change in bone resorption. In conclusion, in addition to changes in calciotropic hormones, systemic FGF-21 plays a role in skeletal remodeling and changes in body composition during lactation in B6 mice. PMID:24914939

  2. Control of lens development by Lhx2-regulated neuroretinal FGFs

    PubMed Central

    Thein, Thuzar; de Melo, Jimmy; Zibetti, Cristina; Clark, Brian S.; Juarez, Felicia

    2016-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is an essential regulator of lens epithelial cell proliferation and survival, as well as lens fiber cell differentiation. However, the identities of these FGF factors, their source tissue and the genes that regulate their synthesis are unknown. We have found that Chx10-Cre;Lhx2lox/lox mice, which selectively lack Lhx2 expression in neuroretina from E10.5, showed an early arrest in lens fiber development along with severe microphthalmia. These mutant animals showed reduced expression of multiple neuroretina-expressed FGFs and canonical FGF-regulated genes in neuroretina. When FGF expression was genetically restored in Lhx2-deficient neuroretina of Chx10-Cre;Lhx2lox/lox mice, we observed a partial but nonetheless substantial rescue of the defects in lens cell proliferation, survival and fiber differentiation. These data demonstrate that neuroretinal expression of Lhx2 and neuroretina-derived FGF factors are crucial for lens fiber development in vivo. PMID:27633990

  3. Experimental Myocardial Infarction Upregulates Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor-23.

    PubMed

    Andrukhova, Olena; Slavic, Svetlana; Odörfer, Kathrin I; Erben, Reinhold G

    2015-10-01

    Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of death worldwide. Epidemiological studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to MI incidence. Because fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) is a master regulator of vitamin D hormone production and has been shown to be associated with cardiac hypertrophy per se, we explored the hypothesis that FGF23 may be a previously unrecognized pathophysiological factor causally linked to progression of cardiac dysfunction post-MI. Here, we show that circulating intact Fgf23 was profoundly elevated, whereas serum vitamin D hormone levels were suppressed, after induction of experimental MI in rat and mouse models, independent of changes in serum soluble Klotho or serum parathyroid hormone. Both skeletal and cardiac expression of Fgf23 was increased after MI. Although the molecular link between the cardiac lesion and circulating Fgf23 concentrations remains to be identified, our study has uncovered a novel heart-bone-kidney axis that may have important clinical implications and may inaugurate the new field of cardio-osteology. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

  4. Regulation by basic fibroblast growth factor of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis in cultured vascular endothelial cells.

    PubMed

    Kaji, T; Hiraga, S; Ohkawara, S; Inada, M; Yamamoto, C; Kozuka, H; Koizumi, F

    1995-05-01

    The alteration of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells after exposure to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was investigated. It was found that the incorporation of [3H]glucosamine into GAGs was markedly increased by bFGF in both the cell layer and the conditioned medium; however, that of [35S]sulfate was not changed by the growth factor. These results indicated that bFGF enhanced the sugar-chain formation but did not affect their sulfation in endothelial GAG production. Similar changes were observed in either bovine aortic smooth-muscle cells and human fibroblastic IMR-90 cells to greater and lesser degrees, respectively. Characterization of GAGs in the endothelial cell layer and the conditioned medium revealed that bFGF enhanced both heparan sulfate and the other GAGs to a similar degree. The present data suggest that bFGF may be involved in the regulation of the blood coagulation system via altering GAGs of the vascular tissue when the endothelium was damaged.

  5. Association of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 With Atrial Fibrillation in Chronic Kidney Disease, From the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study

    PubMed Central

    Mehta, Rupal; Cai, Xuan; Lee, Jungwha; Scialla, Julia J.; Bansal, Nisha; Sondheimer, James H.; Chen, Jing; Hamm, L. Lee; Ricardo, Ana C.; Navaneethan, Sankar D.; Deo, Rajat; Rahman, Mahboob; Feldman, Harold I.; Go, Alan S.; Isakova, Tamara; Wolf, Myles

    2016-01-01

    Importance Levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) are elevated in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and strongly associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, and death. Whether FGF23 is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation in CKD is unknown. Objective To investigate the association of FGF23 with atrial fibrillation in CKD. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective cohort study of 3876 individuals with mild to severe CKD who enrolled in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study between June 19, 2003, and September 3, 2008, and were followed up through March 31, 2013. Exposures Baseline plasma FGF23 levels. Main Outcomes and Measures Prevalent and incident atrial fibrillation. Results The study cohort comprised 3876 participants. Their mean (SD) age was 57.7 (11.0) years, and 44.8% (1736 of 3876) were female. Elevated FGF23 levels were independently associated with increased odds of prevalent atrial fibrillation (n = 660) after adjustment for cardiovascular and CKD-specific factors (odds ratio of highest vs lowest FGF23 quartile, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.69-3.13; P < .001 for linear trend across quartiles). During a median follow-up of 7.6 years (interquartile range, 6.3-8.6 years), 247 of the 3216 participants who were at risk developed incident atrial fibrillation (11.9 events per 1000 person-years). In fully adjusted models, elevated FGF23 was independently associated with increased risk of incident atrial fibrillation after adjustment for demographic, cardiovascular, and CKD-specific factors, and other markers of mineral metabolism (hazard ratio of highest vs lowest FGF23 quartile, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.00-2.53; P = .02 for linear trend across quartiles). The results were unchanged when further adjusted for ejection fraction, but individual adjustments for left ventricular mass index, left atrial area, and interim heart failure events partially attenuated the association of elevated FGF23 with incident atrial fibrillation. Conclusions and Relevance Elevated FGF23 is independently associated with prevalent and incident atrial fibrillation in patients with mild to severe CKD. The effect may be partially mediated through a diastolic dysfunction pathway that includes left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial enlargement, and heart failure events. PMID:27434583

  6. Identification and Characterization of FGF2-Dependent mRNA: microRNA Networks During Lens Fiber Cell Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Wolf, Louise; Gao, Chun S.; Gueta, Karen; Xie, Qing; Chevallier, Tiphaine; Podduturi, Nikhil R.; Sun, Jian; Conte, Ivan; Zelenka, Peggy S.; Ashery-Padan, Ruth; Zavadil, Jiri; Cvekl, Ales

    2013-01-01

    MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling regulate a wide range of cellular functions, including cell specification, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival. In lens, both these systems control lens fiber cell differentiation; however, a possible link between these processes remains to be examined. Herein, the functional requirement for miRNAs in differentiating lens fiber cells was demonstrated via conditional inactivation of Dicer1 in mouse (Mus musculus) lens. To dissect the miRNA-dependent pathways during lens differentiation, we used a rat (Rattus norvegicus) lens epithelial explant system, induced by FGF2 to differentiate, followed by mRNA and miRNA expression profiling. Transcriptome and miRNome analysis identified extensive FGF2-regulated cellular responses that were both independent and dependent on miRNAs. We identified 131 FGF2-regulated miRNAs. Seventy-six of these miRNAs had at least two in silico predicted and inversely regulated target mRNAs. Genes modulated by the greatest number of FGF-regulated miRNAs include DNA-binding transcription factors Nfib, Nfat5/OREBP, c-Maf, Ets1, and N-Myc. Activated FGF signaling influenced bone morphogenetic factor/transforming growth factor-β, Notch, and Wnt signaling cascades implicated earlier in lens differentiation. Specific miRNA:mRNA interaction networks were predicted for c-Maf, N-Myc, and Nfib (DNA-binding transcription factors); Cnot6, Cpsf6, Dicer1, and Tnrc6b (RNA to miRNA processing); and Ash1l, Med1/PBP, and Kdm5b/Jarid1b/Plu1 (chromatin remodeling). Three miRNAs, including miR-143, miR-155, and miR-301a, down-regulated expression of c-Maf in the 3′-UTR luciferase reporter assays. These present studies demonstrate for the first time global impact of activated FGF signaling in lens cell culture system and predicted novel gene regulatory networks connected by multiple miRNAs that regulate lens differentiation. PMID:24142921

  7. Role of FGF/FGFR signaling in skeletal development and homeostasis: learning from mouse models

    PubMed Central

    Su, Nan; Jin, Min; Chen, Lin

    2014-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling plays essential roles in bone development and diseases. Missense mutations in FGFs and FGFRs in humans can cause various congenital bone diseases, including chondrodysplasia syndromes, craniosynostosis syndromes and syndromes with dysregulated phosphate metabolism. FGF/FGFR signaling is also an important pathway involved in the maintenance of adult bone homeostasis. Multiple kinds of mouse models, mimicking human skeleton diseases caused by missense mutations in FGFs and FGFRs, have been established by knock-in/out and transgenic technologies. These genetically modified mice provide good models for studying the role of FGF/FGFR signaling in skeleton development and homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the mouse models of FGF signaling-related skeleton diseases and recent progresses regarding the molecular mechanisms, underlying the role of FGFs/FGFRs in the regulation of bone development and homeostasis. This review also provides a perspective view on future works to explore the roles of FGF signaling in skeletal development and homeostasis. PMID:26273516

  8. Antibody-Mediated Activation of FGFR1 Induces FGF23 Production and Hypophosphatemia

    PubMed Central

    Kolumam, Ganesh; Zavala-Solorio, Jose; Wyatt, Shelby K.; Gandham, Vineela D.; Carano, Richard A. D.; Sonoda, Junichiro

    2013-01-01

    The phosphaturic hormone Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) controls phosphate homeostasis by regulating renal expression of sodium-dependent phosphate co-transporters and cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in vitamin D catabolism. Multiple FGF Receptors (FGFRs) can act as receptors for FGF23 when bound by the co-receptor Klotho expressed in the renal tubular epithelium. FGFRs also regulate skeletal FGF23 secretion; ectopic FGFR activation is implicated in genetic conditions associated with FGF23 overproduction and hypophosphatemia. The identity of FGFRs that mediate the activity of FGF23 or that regulate skeletal FGF23 secretion remains ill defined. Here we report that pharmacological activation of FGFR1 with monoclonal anti-FGFR1 antibodies (R1MAb) in adult mice is sufficient to cause an elevation in serum FGF23 and mild hypophosphatemia. In cultured rat calvariae osteoblasts, R1MAb induces FGF23 mRNA expression and FGF23 protein secretion into the culture medium. In a cultured kidney epithelial cell line, R1MAb acts as a functional FGF23 mimetic and activates the FGF23 program. siRNA-mediated Fgfr1 knockdown induced the opposite effects. Taken together, our work reveals the central role of FGFR1 in the regulation of FGF23 production and signal transduction, and has implications in the pathogenesis of FGF23-related hypophosphatemic disorders. PMID:23451204

  9. Fibroblast growth factor 23, iron and inflammation - are they related in early stages of chronic kidney disease?

    PubMed

    Lukaszyk, Ewelina; Lukaszyk, Mateusz; Koc-Zorawska, Ewa; Bodzenta-Lukaszyk, Anna; Malyszko, Jolanta

    2017-06-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) levels are elevated in impaired renal function. Inflammation and iron are potential regulators of FGF-23. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between FGF-23 concentration, novel iron status biomarkers and inflammatory parameters among patients with early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study population included 84 patients with CKD in the early stage. Serum hemoglobin, fibrinogen, creatinine, iron, transferrin saturation and ferritin levels were measured using standard laboratory methods. Commercially available kits were used to measure: intact FGF-23, hepcidin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). In patients with CKD no differences in FGF-23 concentration according to iron status were observed. Lower iron concentration was associated with higher concentrations of hsCRP, IL-6 and fibrinogen. In univariate and multivariate analysis FGF-23 correlated with fibrinogen ( r = -0.23, p < 0.05) and eGFR ( r = -0.36, p < 0.05). FGF-23 is affected by kidney function and fibrinogen but not iron status parameters in the early stages of CKD. Our data are paving the way for further studies on the role of FGF-23 in iron metabolism, especially in early stages of CKD.

  10. Fibroblast Growth Factor 23–Induced Hypophosphatemia in Acute Leukemia

    PubMed Central

    Reinert, Rachel B; Bixby, Dale; Koenig, Ronald J

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)–induced hypophosphatemia is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome of phosphate wasting that, if unrecognized, may cause tumor-induced osteomalacia. It is classically associated with benign mesenchymal tumors but occasionally has been found in patients with other malignancies. Hypophosphatemia has been associated with acute leukemia but has not previously been reported to be due to inappropriate FGF23 secretion. Here, we describe FGF23-induced severe hypophosphatemia and renal phosphate wasting associated with a mixed-phenotype Philadelphia chromosome-like acute leukemia in a previously healthy 22-year-old man. He was found to have low serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and extremely high FGF23 levels, as well as inappropriate urinary phosphorus excretion. The hypophosphatemia improved with calcitriol and oral phosphate treatment but normalized only during chemotherapy-induced ablation of the blasts. FGF23 levels declined with a reduction in peripheral blast counts. Using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we found that the leukemia cells were the source of FGF23. To our knowledge, this is the first description of FGF23-induced hypophosphatemia associated with acute leukemia. We recommend that the FGF23 paraneoplastic syndrome be considered as a possible etiology of hypophosphatemia in patients with acute leukemia. PMID:29696242

  11. Characterization of release of basic fibroblast growth factor from bovine retinal endothelial cells in monolayer cultures.

    PubMed Central

    Brooks, R A; Burrin, J M; Kohner, E M

    1991-01-01

    Release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was investigated in bovine retinal endothelial cells (BREC) maintained in monolayer culture. Confluent cells released bFGF into serum-free culture medium or medium containing 5% serum at rates of up to 105.2 and 61.3 pM/day respectively. bFGF release coincided with a decrease in monolayer cell number and increases in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration and cells and cell-debris particles in the medium, which suggested that cell damage and lysis were responsible for growth-factor release. Maximum bFGF release at 24 h (230 +/- 10 pM) occurred when the cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (10 micrograms/ml), which also produced the greatest changes in parameters of cell damage. Sub-confluent cells showed little overt damage at 24 h, but released bFGF (78 +/- 20 pM) along with LDH, indicating that some cell lysis had occurred. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was also released into serum-free culture medium at a rate of 0.34 nM/day, but not into medium containing serum or when the cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide. This implies that the mechanism of IGF-1 release is different from that of bFGF and is not related to cell damage. Culture medium conditioned by BREC stimulated the proliferation of these cells, as measured by an increase in their incorporation of [methyl-3H]thymidine from 7550 +/- 479 to 10467 +/- 924 d.p.m. These results demonstrate that bFGF is released from damaged BREC and that medium conditioned by these cells can stimulate retinal-endothelial-cell proliferation. This strengthens the case for an involvement of this growth factor in retinal neovascularization. Images Fig. 1. PMID:2039465

  12. Fibroblast growth factor rescues brain endothelial cells lacking presenilin 1 from apoptotic cell death following serum starvation.

    PubMed

    Gama Sosa, Miguel A; De Gasperi, Rita; Hof, Patrick R; Elder, Gregory A

    2016-07-22

    Presenilin 1 (Psen1) is important for vascular brain development and is known to influence cellular stress responses. To understand the role of Psen1 in endothelial stress responses, we investigated the effects of serum withdrawal on wild type (wt) and Psen1-/- embryonic brain endothelial cells. Serum starvation induced apoptosis in Psen1-/- cells but did not affect wt cells. PI3K/AKT signaling was reduced in serum-starved Psen1-/- cells, and this was associated with elevated levels of phospho-p38 consistent with decreased pro-survival AKT signaling in the absence of Psen1. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF1 and FGF2), but not vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) rescued Psen1-/- cells from serum starvation induced apoptosis. Inhibition of FGF signaling induced apoptosis in wt cells under serum withdrawal, while blocking γ-secretase activity had no effect. In the absence of serum, FGF2 immunoreactivity was distributed diffusely in cytoplasmic and nuclear vesicles of wt and Psen1-/- cells, as levels of FGF2 in nuclear and cytosolic fractions were not significantly different. Thus, sensitivity of Psen1-/- cells to serum starvation is not due to lack of FGF synthesis but likely to effects of Psen1 on FGF release onto the cell surface and impaired activation of the PI3K/AKT survival pathway.

  13. Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 Imparts Hierarchy and Vasoreactivity to the Microcirculation of Renal Tumors and Suppresses Metastases*

    PubMed Central

    Yin, Hao; Frontini, Matthew J.; Arpino, John-Michael; Nong, Zengxuan; O'Neil, Caroline; Xu, Yiwen; Balint, Brittany; Ward, Aaron D.; Chakrabarti, Subrata; Ellis, Christopher G.; Gros, Robert; Pickering, J. Geoffrey

    2015-01-01

    Tumor vessel normalization has been proposed as a therapeutic paradigm. However, normal microvessels are hierarchical and vasoreactive with single file transit of red blood cells through capillaries. Such a network has not been identified in malignant tumors. We tested whether the chaotic tumor microcirculation could be reconfigured by the mesenchyme-selective growth factor, FGF9. Delivery of FGF9 to renal tumors in mice yielded microvessels that were covered by pericytes, smooth muscle cells, and a collagen-fortified basement membrane. This was associated with reduced pulmonary metastases. Intravital microvascular imaging revealed a haphazard web of channels in control tumors but a network of arterioles, bona fide capillaries, and venules in FGF9-expressing tumors. Moreover, whereas vasoreactivity was absent in control tumors, arterioles in FGF9-expressing tumors could constrict and dilate in response to adrenergic and nitric oxide releasing agents, respectively. These changes were accompanied by reduced hypoxia in the tumor core and reduced expression of the angiogenic factor VEGF-A. FGF9 was found to selectively amplify a population of PDGFRβ-positive stromal cells in the tumor and blocking PDGFRβ prevented microvascular differentiation by FGF9 and also worsened metastases. We conclude that harnessing local mesenchymal stromal cells with FGF9 can differentiate the tumor microvasculature to an extent not observed previously. PMID:26183774

  14. Biological role, clinical significance, and therapeutic possibilities of the recently discovered metabolic hormone fibroblastic growth factor 21.

    PubMed

    Iglesias, Pedro; Selgas, Rafael; Romero, Sara; Díez, Juan J

    2012-09-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a 181 amino acid circulating protein, is a member of the FGF superfamily, with relevant metabolic actions. It acts through the interaction with specific FGF receptors and a cofactor called β-Klotho, whose expression is predominantly detected in metabolically active organs. FGF21 stimulates glucose uptake in adipocytes via the induction of glucose transporter-1. This action is additive and independent of insulin. β-Cell function and survival are preserved, and glucagon secretion is reduced by this protein, thus decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity. Lipid profile has been shown to be improved by FGF21 in several animal models. FGF21 increases energy expenditure in rodents and induces weight loss in diabetic nonhuman primates. It also exerts favorable effects on hepatic steatosis and reduces tissue lipid content in rodents. Adaptive metabolic responses to fasting, including stimulation of ketogenesis and fatty acid oxidation, seem to be partially mediated by FGF21. In humans, serum FGF21 concentrations have been found elevated in insulin-resistant states, such as impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. FGF21 levels are correlated with hepatic insulin resistance index, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and blood glucose after an oral glucose tolerance test. A relationship between FGF21 levels and long-term diabetic complications, such as nephropathy and carotid atheromatosis, has been reported. FGF21 levels decreased in diabetic patients after starting therapy with insulin or oral agents. Increased FGF21 serum levels have also been found to be associated with obesity. In children, it is correlated with BMI and leptin levels, whereas in adults, FGF21 levels are mainly related to several components of the metabolic syndrome. Serum FGF21 levels have been found to be elevated in patients with ischemic heart disease. In patients with renal disease, FGF21 levels exhibited a progressive increase as renal function deteriorates. Circulating FGF21 levels seem to be related to insulin resistance and inflammation in dialysis patients. In summary, FGF21 is a recently identified hormone with antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and thermogenic properties. Direct or indirect potentiation of its effects might be a potential therapeutic target in insulin-resistant states.

  15. MEMBRANE-TYPE 1 MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASE DOWNREGULATES FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR-2 BINDING TO THE CELL SURFACE AND INTRACELLULAR SIGNALING

    PubMed Central

    Tassone, Evelyne; Valacca, Cristina; Mignatti, Paolo

    2014-01-01

    Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP, MMP-14), a transmembrane proteinase with an extracellular catalytic domain and a short cytoplasmic tail, degrades extracellular matrix components and controls diverse cell functions through proteolytic and non-proteolytic interactions with extracellular, intracellular and transmembrane proteins. Here we show that in tumor cells MT1-MMP downregulates fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) signaling by reducing the amount of FGF-2 bound to the cell surface with high and low affinity. FGF-2 induces weaker activation of ERK1/2 MAP kinase in MT1-MMP expressing cells than in cells devoid of MT1-MMP. This effect is abolished in cells that express proteolytically inactive MT1-MMP but persists in cells expressing MT1-MMP mutants devoid of hemopexin-like or cytoplasmic domain, showing that FGF-2 signaling is downregulated by MT1-MMP proteolytic activity. MT1-MMP expression results in downregulation of FGFR-1 and -4, and in decreased amount of cell surface-associated FGF-2. In addition, MT1-MMP strongly reduces the amount of FGF-2 bound to the cell surface with low affinity. Because FGF-2 association with low-affinity binding sites is a prerequisite for binding to its high-affinity receptors, downregulation of low-affinity binding to the cell surface results in decreased FGF-2 signaling. Consistent with this conclusion, FGF-2 induction of tumor cell migration and invasion in vitro is stronger in cells devoid of MT1-MMP than in MT1-MMP expressing cells. Thus, MT1-MMP controls FGF-2 signaling by a proteolytic mechanism that decreases the cell’s biological response to FGF-2. PMID:24986796

  16. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lu Jiawei; Division of Molecular Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Torrance, CA 90502; Lu Zhenyu

    The corneal endothelial cells form a boundary layer between anterior chamber and cornea. This single cell layer is important to maintain cornea transparency by eliciting net fluid transport into the anterior chamber. Injuries of the corneal endothelial layer in humans lead to corneal swelling and translucence. This hindrance is thought to be due to limited proliferative capacity of the endothelial layer. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-{beta}2) are both found in aqueous humor, and these two cytokines promote and inhibit cell growth, respectively. The intracellular signaling mechanisms by which TGF-{beta}2 suppresses the mitogenic response tomore » FGF-2, however, remain unclear. We have addressed this question by investigating potential crosstalk between FGF-2-induced and TGF-{beta}2-regulated intracellular signaling events in cultured bovine corneal endothelial (BCE) cells. We found that TGF-{beta}2 and FGF-2 oppositely affect BCE cell proliferation and TGF-{beta}2 can override the stimulating effects of FGF-2 by increasing COX-2 expression in these cells. Consistent with these findings, overexpression of COX-2 significantly reduced FGF-2-induced cell proliferation whereas a COX-2 specific inhibitor NS398 reversed the effect of TGF-{beta}2 on FGF-2-induced cell proliferation. The COX-2 product prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) blocks FGF-2-induced cell proliferation. Whereas FGF-2 stimulates cell proliferation by activating the AKT pathway, TGF-{beta}2 and PGE-2 both inhibit this pathway. In accordance with the effect of PGE-2, cAMP also inhibits FGF-2-induced AKT activation. These findings suggest that the mitogenic response to FGF-2 in vivo in the corneal endothelial layer may be inhibited by TGF-{beta}2-induced suppression of the PI3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway.« less

  17. Suramin inhibits bFGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane.

    PubMed Central

    Danesi, R.; Del Bianchi, S.; Soldani, P.; Campagni, A.; La Rocca, R. V.; Myers, C. E.; Paparelli, A.; Del Tacca, M.

    1993-01-01

    The effects of suramin, an inhibitor of growth factor mitogenic activity, were evaluated on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced proliferation of bovine aortic endothelial cells and on angiogenesis in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chick embryos. The role of bFGF gene expression in endothelial cell growth was also investigated by using an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to bFGF. The 4-fold increase in [3H]-thymidine uptake in endothelial cells in vitro upon stimulation with 10 ng ml-1 of bFGF was inhibited by suramin 300 micrograms ml-1. bFGF antisense oligomer (10 microM) reduced [3H]-thymidine incorporation in exponentially growing cells by 76%; this effect was reversed by bFGF 10 ng ml-1. In the CAM of chick embryos suramin 50 micrograms was a more potent inhibitor of angiogenesis than the combination of heparin 60 micrograms/hydrocortisone 50 micrograms; the mean value of the area with reduced vascularity was significantly larger in suramin-treated CAMs (2.4 cm2) than in heparin/hydrocortisone (0.6 cm2), while the reduction of vascular density was similar (- 35 and - 29% compared to controls, respectively), In conclusion, the effects of treatments with bFGF and bFGF antisense oligomer demonstrate that bFGF plays a relevant role in endothelial cell proliferation and may be the target of suramin since the drug is able to suppress basal and bFGF-induced endothelial cell growth; in addition to this, suramin is a more potent angiogenesis inhibitor in the CAM than the combination of heparin/hydrocortisone. Images Figure 1 Figure 4 PMID:7692920

  18. Fibroblast growth factor 21 is not required for glucose homeostasis, ketosis and tumour suppression associated to ketogenic diets in mice

    PubMed Central

    Stemmer, Kerstin; Zani, Fabio; Habegger, Kirk M.; Neff, Christina; Kotzbeck, Petra; Bauer, Michaela; Yalamanchilli, Suma; Azad, Ali; Lehti, Maarit; Martins, Paulo J.F.; Müller, Timo D.; Pfluger, Paul T.; Seeley, Randy J.

    2016-01-01

    AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Ketogenic diets (KDs) increasingly gained attention as effective means for weight loss and potential adjunctive treatment of cancer. Metabolic benefits of KDs are regularly ascribed towards enhanced hepatic secretion of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21, and its systemic effects on fatty acid oxidation, energy expenditure and body weight. Ambiguous data from Fgf21 knockout strains and low FGF21 concentrations reported for humans in ketosis have nevertheless cast doubt regarding the endogenous function of FGF21. We here aimed to elucidate the causal role of FGF21 in mediating therapeutic benefits of KDs on metabolism and cancer. METHODS We established a dietary model of increased vs. decreased FGF21 by feeding C57BL/6J mice with KDs, either depleted or enriched with protein, respectively. We furthermore used wild type and Fgf21 knockout mice that were subjected to the respective diets, and monitored energy and glucose homeostasis as well as tumor growth after transplantation of Lewis-Lung-Carcinoma cells. RESULTS Hepatic and circulating but not adipose tissue FGF21 levels were profoundly increased by protein starvation and independent of the state of ketosis. We demonstrate that endogenous FGF21 is not essential for the maintenance of normoglycemia upon protein and carbohydrate starvation and is dispensable for the effects of KDs on energy expenditure. Furthermore, the tumor-suppressing effects of KDs were independent from FGF21, and rather driven by concomitant protein and carbohydrate starvation. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION Our data indicate that multiple systemic effects of KDs exposure in mice that were previously ascribed towards increased FGF21 secretion are rather a consequence of protein malnutrition. PMID:26099854

  19. FGF-23 as a Predictor of Renal Outcome in Diabetic Nephropathy

    PubMed Central

    Zatz, Roberto; Graciolli, Fabiana G.; dos Reis, Luciene M.; Barros, Rui T.; Jorgetti, Vanda; Moysés, Rosa M.A.

    2011-01-01

    Summary Background and objectives Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) has emerged as a new factor in mineral metabolism in chronic kidney disease (CKD). An important regulator of phosphorus homeostasis, FGF-23 has been shown to independently predict CKD progression in nondiabetic renal disease. We analyzed the relation between FGF-23 and renal outcome in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Design, setting, participants, & measurements DN patients participating in a clinical trial (enalapril+placebo versus enalapril+losartan) had baseline data collected and were followed until June 2009 or until the primary outcome was reached. Four patients were lost to follow-up. The composite primary outcome was defined as death, doubling of serum creatinine, and/or dialysis need. Results At baseline, serum FGF-23 showed a significant association with serum creatinine, intact parathyroid hormone, proteinuria, urinary fractional excretion of phosphate, male sex, and race. Interestingly, FGF-23 was not related to calcium, phosphorus, 25OH-vitamin D, or 24-hour urinary phosphorus. Mean follow-up time was 30.7 ± 10 months. Cox regression showed that FGF-23 was an independent predictor of the primary outcome, even after adjustment for creatinine clearance and intact parathyroid hormone (10 pg/ml FGF-23 increase = hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.16, P = 0.02). Finally, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significantly higher risk of the primary outcome in patients with FGF-23 values of >70 pg/ml. Conclusions FGF-23 is a significant independent predictor of renal outcome in patients with macroalbuminuric DN. Further studies should clarify whether this relation is causal and whether FGF-23 should be a new therapeutic target for CKD prevention. PMID:20966122

  20. Gas-Phase Analysis of the Complex of Fibroblast GrowthFactor 1 with Heparan Sulfate: A Traveling Wave Ion Mobility Spectrometry (TWIMS) and Molecular Modeling Study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Yuejie; Singh, Arunima; Xu, Yongmei; Zong, Chengli; Zhang, Fuming; Boons, Geert-Jan; Liu, Jian; Linhardt, Robert J.; Woods, Robert J.; Amster, I. Jonathan

    2017-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) regulate several cellular developmental processes by interacting with cell surface heparan proteoglycans and transmembrane cell surface receptors (FGFR). The interaction of FGF with heparan sulfate (HS) is known to induce protein oligomerization, increase the affinity of FGF towards its receptor FGFR, promoting the formation of the HS-FGF-FGFR signaling complex. Although the role of HS in the signaling pathways is well recognized, the details of FGF oligomerization and formation of the ternary signaling complex are still not clear, with several conflicting models proposed in literature. Here, we examine the effect of size and sulfation pattern of HS upon FGF1 oligomerization, binding stoichiometry and conformational stability, through a combination of ion mobility (IM) and theoretical modeling approaches. Ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IMMS) of FGF1 in the presence of several HS fragments ranging from tetrasaccharide (dp4) to dodecasaccharide (dp12) in length was performed. A comparison of the binding stoichiometry of variably sulfated dp4 HS to FGF1 confirmed the significance of the previously known high-affinity binding motif in FGF1 dimerization, and demonstrated that certain tetrasaccharide-length fragments are also capable of inducing dimerization of FGF1. The degree of oligomerization was found to increase in the presence of dp12 HS, and a general lack of specificity for longer HS was observed. Additionally, collision cross-sections (CCSs) of several FGF1-HS complexes were calculated, and were found to be in close agreement with experimental results. Based on the (CCSs) a number of plausible binding modes of 2:1 and 3:1 FGF1-HS are proposed.

  1. Identification and characterization of VEGF and FGF from Hydra.

    PubMed

    Krishnapati, Lakshmi-Surekha; Ghaskadbi, Surendra

    2013-01-01

    Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) play important roles in the formation of the blood vascular system and in axon guidance, nervous system development and function. Here, we report isolation and characterization of VEGF and FGF homologues from Hydra vulgaris Ind-Pune, a Cnidarian which exhibits an organized nervous system and primitive epithelio-muscular cells. VEGF expression was prominent in the endoderm of the peduncle region and tentacles, as evident from in situ hybridization of whole polyps and its transverse sections. High levels of FGF were detected in the ectoderm of the budding region. The expression of VEGF in endodermal and FGF in interstitial cells was confirmed using sf-1 hydra, a temperature-sensitive mutant strain of Hydra magnipapillata. Tissue-specific expression of VEGF and FGF was confirmed by semi quantitative RT-PCR for ectodermal and endodermal tissues in H. vulgaris Ind-Pune. Treatment with SU5416, a specific inhibitor of the VEGF receptor, did not affect the whole polyp, but did delay both budding and head regeneration, suggesting a possible role of VEGF in nerve cell development, tube formation and/or in branching. FGF expression in the ectoderm of budding region, where the majority of interstitial stem cells reside suggests its role in interstitial stem cell maintenance. Further, activation of canonical Wnt signalling with the glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibitor alsterpaullone caused down-regulation of VEGF and FGF, suggesting an antagonistic relationship between the Wnt and VEGF/FGF pathways. Our results indicate that VEGF and FGF evolved early in evolution, before the development of the blood vascular system, and open up the possibility of elucidating the evolutionarily ancient functions of VEGF and FGF.

  2. Fibroblast growth factor 23: associations with antiretroviral therapy in patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C.

    PubMed

    Young, J; Mucsi, I; Rollet-Kurhajec, K C; Klein, M B

    2016-05-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has been associated with cardiovascular mortality. We estimate associations between the level of plasma FGF23 and exposure to abacavir (ABC) and to other components of antiretroviral therapy in patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C. Both intact and c-terminal FGF23 were measured in plasma using commercial assays for a sub-cohort of 295 patients selected at random from the 1150 patients enrolled in the Canadian Co-infection Cohort. The multiplicative effects of antiretroviral drug exposures and covariates on median FGF23 were then estimated using a hierarchical Bayesian model. The median level of intact FGF23 was independent of either past or recent exposure to abacavir, with multiplicative ratios of 1.00 and 1.07, 95% credible intervals 0.90-1.12 and 0.94-1.23, respectively. Median intact FGF23 tended to increase with past use of both nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors, but tended to decrease with recent use of either tenofovir, efavirenz or lopinavir. There were no obvious associations between the median level of c-terminal FGF23 and individual drugs or drug classes. Age, female gender, smoking and the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index were all associated with a higher median c-terminal FGF23 but not with a higher median intact FGF23. The level of FGF23 in plasma was independent of exposure to ABC. Lower levels of intact FGF23 with recent use of tenofovir, efavirenz or lopinavir may reflect their adverse effects on bone and vitamin D metabolism relative to other drugs in their respective drug classes. © 2015 British HIV Association.

  3. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dai, Xiaoyong; Cai, Cuizan; Xiao, Fei

    Highlights: • A specific aFGF-binding peptide AP8 was identified from a phage display library. • AP8 could inhibit aFGF-stimulated cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. • AP8 arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase by suppressing Cyclin D1. • AP8 could block the activation of Erk1/2 and Akt kinase. • AP8 counteracted proliferation and cell cycle via influencing PA2G4 and PCNA. - Abstract: It has been reported that acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) is expressed in breast cancer and via interactions with fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) to promote the stage and grade of the disease. Thus, aFGF/FGFRs havemore » been considered essential targets in breast cancer therapy. We identified a specific aFGF-binding peptide (AGNWTPI, named AP8) from a phage display heptapeptide library with aFGF after four rounds of biopanning. The peptide AP8 contained two (TP) amino acids identical and showed high homology to the peptides of the 182–188 (GTPNPTL) site of high-affinity aFGF receptor FGFR1. Functional analyses indicated that AP8 specifically competed with the corresponding phage clone A8 for binding to aFGF. In addition, AP8 could inhibit aFGF-stimulated cell proliferation, arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase by increasing PA2G4 and suppressing Cyclin D1 and PCNA, and blocked the aFGF-induced activation of Erk1/2 and Akt kinase in both breast cancer cells and vascular endothelial cells. Therefore, these results indicate that peptide AP8, acting as an aFGF antagonist, is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer.« less

  4. Pharmacological inhibition of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor signaling ameliorates FGF23-mediated hypophosphatemic rickets.

    PubMed

    Wöhrle, Simon; Henninger, Christine; Bonny, Olivier; Thuery, Anne; Beluch, Noemie; Hynes, Nancy E; Guagnano, Vito; Sellers, William R; Hofmann, Francesco; Kneissel, Michaela; Graus Porta, Diana

    2013-04-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a circulating factor secreted by osteocytes that is essential for phosphate homeostasis. In kidney proximal tubular cells FGF23 inhibits phosphate reabsorption and leads to decreased synthesis and enhanced catabolism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25[OH]2 D3 ). Excess levels of FGF23 cause renal phosphate wasting and suppression of circulating 1,25(OH)2 D3 levels and are associated with several hereditary hypophosphatemic disorders with skeletal abnormalities, including X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH) and autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets (ARHR). Currently, therapeutic approaches to these diseases are limited to treatment with activated vitamin D analogues and phosphate supplementation, often merely resulting in partial correction of the skeletal aberrations. In this study, we evaluate the use of FGFR inhibitors for the treatment of FGF23-mediated hypophosphatemic disorders using NVP-BGJ398, a novel selective, pan-specific FGFR inhibitor currently in Phase I clinical trials for cancer therapy. In two different hypophosphatemic mouse models, Hyp and Dmp1-null mice, resembling the human diseases XLH and ARHR, we find that pharmacological inhibition of FGFRs efficiently abrogates aberrant FGF23 signaling and normalizes the hypophosphatemic and hypocalcemic conditions of these mice. Correspondingly, long-term FGFR inhibition in Hyp mice leads to enhanced bone growth, increased mineralization, and reorganization of the disturbed growth plate structure. We therefore propose NVP-BGJ398 treatment as a novel approach for the therapy of FGF23-mediated hypophosphatemic diseases. Copyright © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

  5. FGF-23 and cardiovascular disease: review of literature.

    PubMed

    Batra, Jasveen; Buttar, Rupinder Singh; Kaur, Pardeep; Kreimerman, Jacqueline; Melamed, Michal L

    2016-12-01

    This review examines associations between fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and cardiovascular disease. FGF-23 is a hormone produced by osteocytes and osteoblasts that aids with phosphate excretion by the kidney and acts as a negative feedback regulator for activated vitamin D synthesis. Recent studies have found associations between elevated FGF-23 levels and a number of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, endothelial dysfunction, cardiovascular events and mortality. Recent studies have explored the possible effects of FGF-23 on the cardiovascular system. In animal and observational human studies, there is a link between elevated FGF-23 levels and multiple cardiovascular outcomes, including hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiovascular events and mortality. Further studies are required to evaluate whether decreasing FGF-23 levels improves cardiovascular outcomes.

  6. Fibroblast Activation Protein Cleaves and Inactivates Fibroblast Growth Factor 21*

    PubMed Central

    Dunshee, Diana Ronai; Bainbridge, Travis W.; Kljavin, Noelyn M.; Zavala-Solorio, Jose; Schroeder, Amy C.; Chan, Ruby; Corpuz, Racquel; Wong, Manda; Zhou, Wei; Deshmukh, Gauri; Ly, Justin; Sutherlin, Daniel P.; Ernst, James A.; Sonoda, Junichiro

    2016-01-01

    FGF21 is a stress-induced hormone with potent anti-obesity, insulin-sensitizing, and hepatoprotective properties. Although proteolytic cleavage of recombinant human FGF21 in preclinical species has been observed previously, the regulation of endogenously produced FGF21 is not well understood. Here we identify fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as the enzyme that cleaves and inactivates human FGF21. A selective chemical inhibitor, immunodepletion, or genetic deletion of Fap stabilized recombinant human FGF21 in serum. In addition, administration of a selective FAP inhibitor acutely increased circulating intact FGF21 levels in cynomolgus monkeys. On the basis of our findings, we propose selective FAP inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach to increase endogenous FGF21 activity for the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and related metabolic disorders. PMID:26797127

  7. Therapeutics Targeting FGF Signaling Network in Human Diseases.

    PubMed

    Katoh, Masaru

    2016-12-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling through its receptors, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, or FGFR4, regulates cell fate, angiogenesis, immunity, and metabolism. Dysregulated FGF signaling causes human diseases, such as breast cancer, chondrodysplasia, gastric cancer, lung cancer, and X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets. Recombinant FGFs are pro-FGF signaling therapeutics for tissue and/or wound repair, whereas FGF analogs and gene therapy are under development for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. FGF traps, anti-FGF/FGFR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and small-molecule FGFR inhibitors are anti-FGF signaling therapeutics under development for the treatment of cancer, chondrodysplasia, and rickets. Here, I discuss the benefit-risk and cost-effectiveness issues of precision medicine targeting FGFRs, ALK, EGFR, and FLT3. FGFR-targeted therapy should be optimized for cancer treatment, focusing on genomic tests and recurrence. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Low molecular weight fibroblast growth factor-2 signals via protein kinase C and myofibrillar proteins to protect against postischemic cardiac dysfunction.

    PubMed

    Manning, Janet R; Perkins, Sarah O; Sinclair, Elizabeth A; Gao, Xiaoqian; Zhang, Yu; Newman, Gilbert; Pyle, W Glen; Schultz, Jo El J

    2013-05-15

    Among its many biological roles, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) acutely protects the heart from dysfunction associated with ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Our laboratory has demonstrated that this is due to the activity of the low molecular weight (LMW) isoform of FGF2 and that FGF2-mediated cardioprotection relies on the activity of protein kinase C (PKC); however, which PKC isoforms are responsible for LMW FGF2-mediated cardioprotection, and their downstream targets, remain to be elucidated. To identify the PKC pathway(s) that contributes to postischemic cardiac recovery by LMW FGF2, mouse hearts expressing only LMW FGF2 (HMWKO) were bred to mouse hearts not expressing PKCα (PKCαKO) or subjected to a selective PKCε inhibitor (εV(1-2)) before and during I/R. Hearts only expressing LMW FGF2 showed significantly improved postischemic recovery of cardiac function following I/R (P < 0.05), which was significantly abrogated in the absence of PKCα (P < 0.05) or presence of PKCε inhibition (P < 0.05). Hearts only expressing LMW FGF2 demonstrated differences in actomyosin ATPase activity as well as increases in the phosphorylation of troponin I and T during I/R compared with wild-type hearts; several of these effects were dependent on PKCα activity. This evidence indicates that both PKCα and PKCε play a role in LMW FGF2-mediated protection from cardiac dysfunction and that PKCα signaling to the contractile apparatus is a key step in the mechanism of LMW FGF2-mediated protection against myocardial dysfunction.

  9. Exogenous fibroblast growth factor 9 attenuates cartilage degradation and aggravates osteophyte formation in post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

    PubMed

    Zhou, S; Wang, Z; Tang, J; Li, W; Huang, J; Xu, W; Luo, F; Xu, M; Wang, J; Wen, X; Chen, L; Chen, H; Su, N; Shen, Y; Du, X; Xie, Y; Chen, L

    2016-12-01

    The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of exogenous fibroblast growth factor (FGF)9 on the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA). The expression of FGF9 in articular cartilage with OA is detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The effects of intra-articular exogenous FGF9 injection on post-traumatic OA induced by the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery are evaluated. Cartilage changes and osteophyte formation in knee joints are investigated by histological analysis. Changes in subchondral bone are evaluated by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). The effect of exogenous FGF9 on an interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced ex vivo OA model of human articular cartilage tissues is also evaluated. FGF9 expression was down-regulated in articular chondrocytes of OA but ectopically induced at sites of osteophyte formation. Intra-articular injection of exogenous FGF9 attenuated articular cartilage degradation in mice after DMM surgery. Exogenous FGF9 suppressed collagen X and MMP13 expressions in OA cartilage, while promoted collagen II expression. Similar results were observed in IL-1β-induced ex vivo OA model. Intra-articular injection of FGF9 had no significant effect on the subchondral bone of knee joints after DMM surgery, but aggravated osteophyte formation. The expressions of SOX9 and collagen II, and cell proliferation were up-regulated at sites of initial osteophyte formation in mice with exogenous FGF9 treatment. Intra-articular injection of exogenous FGF9 delays articular cartilage degradation in post-traumatic OA, while aggravates osteophyte formation. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  10. Rapid enzymatic degradation of (/sup 125/I) (Tyr 10) FGF (1-10) by serum in vitro and involvement in the determination of circulating FGF by RIA

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gauthier, T.; Maftouh, M.; Picard, C.

    1987-06-15

    In the conditions used in the RIA procedure for circulating FGF quantitation, the tracer (/sup 125/I) (Tyr 10) FGF (1-10) was extensively degraded into two non immunoreactive peptides corresponding to a sequential removal of two amino acid residues at the NH2-terminus i.e. Pro and Ala. A FGF like immunoreactive fraction exists in serum the molecular weight of which was estimated to be 240 Kda. This fraction was also able to perform the same extensive degradation of (Tyr 10) FGF (1-10) than whole serum. The results presented raise the question of the validity of RIA for the determination of circulating FGF.more » They also present evidence that a high molecular weight serum fraction which reacts as immunoreactive FGF is an enzymatic activity responsible for biodegradation of the growth factor rather than a distinct biological entity which is related to the FGF structure.« less

  11. The portal-drained viscera release fibroblast growth factor 19 in humans.

    PubMed

    Koelfat, Kiran V K; Bloemen, Johanne G; Jansen, Peter L M; Dejong, Cornelis H C; Schaap, Frank G; Olde Damink, Steven W M

    2016-12-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) is an ileum-derived endrocrine factor that is produced in response to transepithelial bile salt flux. FGF19 represses bile salt synthesis in the liver. Despite the general assumption that FGF19 signals to the liver via portal blood, no human data are available to support this notion. The aim was to study portal FGF19 levels, and determined bile salt and FGF19 fluxes across visceral organs in humans. Bile salt and FGF19 levels were assessed in arterial, portal, and hepatic venous blood collected from fasted patients who underwent partial liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (n = 30). Fluxes across the portal-drained viscera (PDV), liver, and splanchnic area were calculated. Portal bile salt levels (7.8 [5.0-12.4] μmol/L) were higher than levels in arterial (2.7 [1.7-5.5] μmol/L, P < 0.0001) and hepatic venous blood (3.4 [2.5-6.5] μmol/L, P < 0.0001). Bile salts released by the PDV (+1.2 [+0.7-+2.0] mmol kg -1  h -1 , P < 0.0001) were largely taken up by the liver (-1.0 [-1.8 to -0.4] mmol kg -1  h -1 , P < 0.0001). Portal levels of FGF19 (161 ± 78 pg/mL) were higher than arterial levels (135 ± 65 pg/mL, P = 0.046). A net release of FGF19 by the PDV (+4.0 [+2.1 to +9.9] ng kg -1  h -1 , P < 0.0001) was calculated. There was no significant flux of FGF19 across the liver (-0.2 [-3.7 to +7.4] ng kg -1  h -1 , P = 0.93). In conclusion, FGF19 levels in human portal blood are higher than in arterial blood. FGF19 is released by the portal-drained viscera under fasted steady state conditions. © 2016 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.

  12. Fgf Signaling is Required for Photoreceptor Maintenance in the Adult Zebrafish Retina

    PubMed Central

    Hochmann, Sarah; Kaslin, Jan; Hans, Stefan; Weber, Anke; Machate, Anja; Geffarth, Michaela; Funk, Richard H. W.; Brand, Michael

    2012-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (Fgf) are secreted signaling molecules that have mitogenic, patterning, neurotrophic and angiogenic properties. Their importance during embryonic development in patterning and morphogenesis of the vertebrate eye is well known, but less is known about the role of Fgfs in the adult vertebrate retina. To address Fgf function in adult retina, we determined the spatial distribution of components of the Fgf signaling pathway in the adult zebrafish retina. We detected differential expression of Fgf receptors, ligands and downstream Fgf targets within specific retinal layers. Furthermore, we blocked Fgf signaling in the retina, by expressing a dominant negative variant of Fgf receptor 1 conditionally in transgenic animals. After blocking Fgf signaling we observe a fast and progressive photoreceptor degeneration and disorganization of retinal tissue, coupled with cell death in the outer nuclear layer. Following the degeneration of photoreceptors, a profound regeneration response is triggered that starts with proliferation in the inner nuclear layer. Ultimately, rod and cone photoreceptors are regenerated completely. Our study reveals the requirement of Fgf signaling to maintain photoreceptors and for proliferation during regeneration in the adult zebrafish retina. PMID:22291943

  13. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lundasen, Thomas; Molecular Nutrition Unit, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, NOVUM, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 86 Stockholm; Hunt, Mary C.

    The metabolic regulator fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has antidiabetic properties in animal models of diabetes and obesity. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we here show that the hepatic gene expression of FGF21 is regulated by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR{alpha}). Fasting or treatment of mice with the PPAR{alpha} agonist Wy-14,643 induced FGF21 mRNA by 10-fold and 8-fold, respectively. In contrast, FGF21 mRNA was low in PPAR{alpha} deficient mice, and fasting or treatment with Wy-14,643 did not induce FGF21. Obese ob/ob mice, known to have increased PPAR{alpha} levels, displayed 12-fold increased hepatic FGF21 mRNA levels. The potential importance of PPAR{alpha} formore » FGF21 expression also in human liver was shown by Wy-14,643 induction of FGF21 mRNA in human primary hepatocytes, and PPAR{alpha} response elements were identified in both the human and mouse FGF21 promoters. Further studies on the mechanisms of regulation of FGF21 by PPAR{alpha} in humans will be of great interest.« less

  14. THE STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY OF THE FGF19 SUBFAMILY

    PubMed Central

    Beenken, Andrew; Mohammadi, Moosa

    2013-01-01

    The ability of the Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) 19 subfamily to signal in an endocrine fashion sets this subfamily apart from the remaining five FGF subfamilies known for their paracrine functions during embryonic development. Compared to the members of paracrine FGF subfamiles, the three members of the FGF 19 subfamily, namely FGF19, FGF21 and FGF23, have poor affinity for heparan sulfate (HS) and therefore can diffuse freely in the HS-rich extracellular matrix to enter into the bloodstream. In further contrast to paracrine FGFs, FGF 19 subfamily members have unusually poor affinity for their cognate FGF receptors (FGFRs) and therefore cannot bind and activate them in a solely HS-dependent fashion. As a result, the FGF 19 subfamily requires α/βklotho coreceptor proteins in order to bind, dimerize and activate their cognate FGFRs. This klotho-dependency also determines the tissue specificity of endocrine FGFs. Recent structural and biochemical studies have begun to shed light onto the molecular basis for the klotho-dependent endocrine mode of action of the FGF 19 subfamily. Crystal structures of FGF 19 and FGF23 show that the topology of the HS binding site (HBS) of FGF19 subfamily members deviates drastically from the common topology adopted by the paracrine FGFs. The distinct topologies of the HBS of FGF 19 and FGF23 prevent HS from direct hydrogen bonding with the backbone atoms of the HBS of these ligands and accordingly decrease the HS binding affinity of this subfamily. Recent biochemical data reveal that the αklotho ectodomain binds avidly to the ectodomain of FGFR1c, the main cognate FGFR of FGF23, creating a de novo high affinity binding site for the C-terminal tail of FGF23. The isolated FGF23 C-terminus can be used to effectively inhibit the formation of the FGF23-FGFR1c-αklotho complex and alleviate hypophosphatemia in renal phosphate disorders due to elevated levels of FGF23. PMID:22396159

  15. Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 in Bed Rest and Spaceflight

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bokhari, R.; Zwart, S. R; Fields, E.; Heer, M.; Sibonga, J.; Smith, S. M.

    2014-01-01

    Many nutritional factors influence bone, from the basics of calcium and vitamin D, to factors which influence bone through acid/base balance, including protein, sodium, and more. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a recently identified factor, secreted from osteocytes, which is involved in classic (albeit complex) feedback loops controlling phosphorus homeostasis through both vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1, 2). As osteocytes are gravity sensing cells, it is important to determine if there are changes in FGF23 during spaceflight. In extreme cases, such as chronic kidney disease, FGF23 levels are highly elevated. FGF23 imbalances, secondary to dietary influences, may contribute to skeletal demineralization and kidney stone risk during spaceflight. Presented with an imbalanced dietary phosphorus to calcium ratio, increased secretion of FGF23 will inhibit renal phosphorus reabsorption, resulting in increased excretion and reduced circulating phosphorus. Increased intake and excretion of phosphorus is associated with increased kidney stone risk in both the terrestrial and microgravity environments. Highly processed foods and carbonated beverages are associated with higher phosphorus content. Ideally, the dietary calcium to phosphorus ratio should be at minimum 1:1. Nutritional requirements for spaceflight suggest that this ratio not be less than 0.67 (3), while the International Space Station (ISS) menu provides 1020 mg Ca and 1856 mg P, for a ratio of 0.55 (3). Subjects in NASA's bed rest studies, by design, have consumed intake ratios much closer to 1.0 (4). FGF23 also has an inhibitory influence on PTH secretion and 1(alpha)-hydroxylase, both of which are required for activating vitamin D with the conversion of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Decreased 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D will result in decreased intestinal phosphorus absorption, and increased urinary phosphorus excretion (via decreased renal reabsorption). Should a decrease in 1,25- dihydroxyvitamin D be necessary to reduce intestinal phosphorus absorption, calcium absorption will also proportionally be reduced, potentially leading to skeletal demineralization. Demineralization of bone can increase kidney stone risk, a medical issue that could prove detrimental to mission success. Given the interrelationships described above, we sought to determine circulating FGF23 concentrations in spaceflight and ground analog studies to better understand the potential effects of dietary phosphorus on bone and calcium metabolism. We analyzed serum from ISS astronauts participating in studies of bone biochemistry, including the Nutrition SMO and Pro K experiments, and we also evaluated FGF23 during extended-duration bed rest. Serum intact FGF23 levels were determined using an ELISA kit from Kainos laboratories in Japan. While initial evaluation of the data showed no changes over time during flight or bed rest, evaluation continues of FGF23 data in light of dietary factors, PTH, vitamin D status, and other biochemical and endocrine factors.

  16. Structure of a Multilayer Nanofilm To Increase the Encapsulation Efficiency of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor.

    PubMed

    Han, Uiyoung; Hong, Jinkee

    2018-03-05

    In this study, we established the structure of a multilayer nanofilm that more efficiently encapsulates basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). First, a positively charged layer material was selected from biocompatible polymers such as collagen (Col), poly(beta-amino ester) (Poly2), and chitosan (Chi), while considering the film thickness. We then investigated the change in bFGF encapsulation efficiency when the multilayer structure was changed from a tetralayer to a trilayer. As a result, we obtained a highly improved bFGF encapsulation efficiency in the nanofilm using a positively charged layer formed by a blend of Col and Poly2 and a negatively charged poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) layer within a trilayered structure. In particular, we found that a significant amount of adsorbed bFGF was desorbed again during the film fabrication process of a tetralayered nanofilm. In the conventional nanofilm, bFGF was regarded as a polycation and formed a multilayer nanofilm that was composed of a tetralayered structure and was represented as (polycation/polyanion/bFGF/polyanion) n where n = number of repeated tetralayers. Here, we suggested that bFGF should not be considered a polycation, rather it should be considered as a small quantity of molecule that exists between the polyanion and polycation layers. In this case, the nanofilm is composed of repeating units of (polycation/polyanion/bFGF/polycation/polyanion), because the amount of adsorbed bFGF is considerably lower than that of other building blocks.

  17. Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Levels Associate with AKI and Death in Critical Illness.

    PubMed

    Leaf, David E; Jacob, Kirolos A; Srivastava, Anand; Chen, Margaret E; Christov, Marta; Jüppner, Harald; Sabbisetti, Venkata S; Martin, Aline; Wolf, Myles; Waikar, Sushrut S

    2017-06-01

    Elevated plasma levels of the osteocyte-derived hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) have emerged as a powerful biomarker of cardiovascular disease and death in patients with CKD. Whether elevated urinary or plasma FGF23 levels are prospectively associated with AKI and death in critically ill patients is unknown. We therefore conducted a prospective cohort study of 350 critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units at an academic medical center to investigate whether higher urinary FGF23 levels associate with the composite end point of AKI or in-hospital mortality (AKI/death). We measured urinary FGF23 levels within 24 hours of admission to the intensive care unit. In a subcohort ( n =131) we also measured plasma levels of FGF23, calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D metabolites. Urinary and plasma FGF23 levels, but not other mineral metabolites, significantly associated with AKI/death. In multivariate analyses, patients in the highest compared with the lowest quartile of urinary FGF23 had a 3.9 greater odds (95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 9.5) of AKI/death. Higher urinary FGF23 levels also independently associated with greater hospital, 90-day, and 1-year mortality; longer length of stay; and several other important adverse outcomes. In conclusion, elevated FGF23 levels measured in the urine or plasma may be a promising novel biomarker of AKI, death, and other adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. Copyright © 2017 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  18. The effects of maternal iron deficiency on infant fibroblast growth factor-23 and mineral metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Braithwaite, V.S.; Prentice, A.; Darboe, M.K.; Prentice, A.M.; Moore, S.E.

    2016-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), a phosphate(Phos)-regulating hormone, is abnormally elevated in hypophosphataemic syndromes and an elevated FGF23 is a predictor of mortality in kidney disease. Recent findings suggest iron deficiency as a potential mediator of FGF23 expression and murine studies have shown in utero effects of maternal iron deficiency on offspring FGF23 and phosphate metabolism. Our aim was to investigate the impact of maternal iron status on infant FGF23 and mineral metabolites over the first 2 years of life. Infants born to mothers with normal (NIn = 25,) and low (LIn = 25) iron status during pregnancy, from a mother-infant trial (ISRCTN49285450) in rural Gambia, West Africa, had blood and plasma samples analysed at 12, 24, 52, 78 and 104 weeks (wk) of age. Circulating intact-FGF23 (I-FGF23), Phos, total alkaline phosphatase (TALP) and haemoglobin (Hb) decreased and estimated glomerular filtration rate increased over time [all P ≤ 0.0001)]. C-terminal-FGF23 (C-FGF23) and TALP were significantly higher in LI compared with NI, from 52 wk for C-FGF23 [Beta coefficient (SE) 18.1 (0.04) %, P = 0.04] and from 24 wk for TALP [44.7 (29.6) U/L, P = 0.04]. Infant Hb was the strongest negative predictor of C-FGF23 concentration [− 21% (4%) RU/mL, P ≤ 0.0001], Phos was the strongest positive predictor of I-FGF23 [32.0(3.9) pg/mL, P ≤ 0.0001] and I-FGF23 did not predict C-FGF23 over time [− 0.5% (0.5%), P = 0.3]. In conclusion, this study suggests that poor maternal iron status is associated with a higher infant C-FGF23 and TALP but similar I-FGF23 concentrations in infants and young children. These findings further highlight the likely public health importance of preventing iron deficiency during pregnancy. Whether or not children who are born to iron deficient mothers have persistently high concentrations of these metabolites and are more likely to be at risk of impaired bone development and pre-disposed to rickets requires further research. PMID:26453792

  19. Priming Dental Pulp Stem Cells With Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Increases Angiogenesis of Implanted Tissue-Engineered Constructs Through Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Secretion.

    PubMed

    Gorin, Caroline; Rochefort, Gael Y; Bascetin, Rumeyza; Ying, Hanru; Lesieur, Julie; Sadoine, Jérémy; Beckouche, Nathan; Berndt, Sarah; Novais, Anita; Lesage, Matthieu; Hosten, Benoit; Vercellino, Laetitia; Merlet, Pascal; Le-Denmat, Dominique; Marchiol, Carmen; Letourneur, Didier; Nicoletti, Antonino; Vital, Sibylle Opsahl; Poliard, Anne; Salmon, Benjamin; Muller, Laurent; Chaussain, Catherine; Germain, Stéphane

    2016-03-01

    Tissue engineering strategies based on implanting cellularized biomaterials are promising therapeutic approaches for the reconstruction of large tissue defects. A major hurdle for the reliable establishment of such therapeutic approaches is the lack of rapid blood perfusion of the tissue construct to provide oxygen and nutrients. Numerous sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) displaying angiogenic potential have been characterized in the past years, including the adult dental pulp. Establishment of efficient strategies for improving angiogenesis in tissue constructs is nevertheless still an important challenge. Hypoxia was proposed as a priming treatment owing to its capacity to enhance the angiogenic potential of stem cells through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release. The present study aimed to characterize additional key factors regulating the angiogenic capacity of such MSCs, namely, dental pulp stem cells derived from deciduous teeth (SHED). We identified fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) as a potent inducer of the release of VEGF and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) by SHED. We found that FGF-2 limited hypoxia-induced downregulation of HGF release. Using three-dimensional culture models of angiogenesis, we demonstrated that VEGF and HGF were both responsible for the high angiogenic potential of SHED through direct targeting of endothelial cells. In addition, FGF-2 treatment increased the fraction of Stro-1+/CD146+ progenitor cells. We then applied in vitro FGF-2 priming to SHED before encapsulation in hydrogels and in vivo subcutaneous implantation. Our results showed that FGF-2 priming is more efficient than hypoxia at increasing SHED-induced vascularization compared with nonprimed controls. Altogether, these data demonstrate that FGF-2 priming enhances the angiogenic potential of SHED through the secretion of both HGF and VEGF. ©AlphaMed Press.

  20. FGF23 regulates renal sodium handling and blood pressure

    PubMed Central

    Andrukhova, Olena; Slavic, Svetlana; Smorodchenko, Alina; Zeitz, Ute; Shalhoub, Victoria; Lanske, Beate; Pohl, Elena E; Erben, Reinhold G

    2014-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) is a bone-derived hormone regulating renal phosphate reabsorption and vitamin D synthesis in renal proximal tubules. Here, we show that FGF23 directly regulates the membrane abundance of the Na+:Cl− co-transporter NCC in distal renal tubules by a signaling mechanism involving the FGF receptor/αKlotho complex, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), and with-no lysine kinase-4 (WNK4). Renal sodium (Na+) reabsorption and distal tubular membrane expression of NCC are reduced in mouse models of Fgf23 and αKlotho deficiency. Conversely, gain of FGF23 function by injection of wild-type mice with recombinant FGF23 or by elevated circulating levels of endogenous Fgf23 in Hyp mice increases distal tubular Na+ uptake and membrane abundance of NCC, leading to volume expansion, hypertension, and heart hypertrophy in a αKlotho and dietary Na+-dependent fashion. The NCC inhibitor chlorothiazide abrogates FGF23-induced volume expansion and heart hypertrophy. Our findings suggest that FGF23 is a key regulator of renal Na+ reabsorption and plasma volume, and may explain the association of FGF23 with cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease patients. PMID:24797667

  1. Hypophosphataemia due to FGF-23 producing B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

    PubMed

    Elderman, Jan H; Wabbijn, Marike; de Jongh, Felix

    2016-04-26

    Oncogenic osteomalacia (or tumour-induced osteomalacia) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by overproduction of fibroblastic growth factor 23 (FGF-23) by tumours. Excessive production of FGF-23 can lead to severe, symptomatic hypophosphataemia. The majority of cases have been associated with benign tumours of bone or soft tissue, such as haemangiopericytomas or other neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. We present a case of a 68-year-old woman with an FGF-23 producing B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Treatment with immunochemotherapy resulted in normalisation of serum FGF-23 and phosphate levels. 2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

  2. Hypophosphataemia due to FGF-23 producing B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

    PubMed Central

    Elderman, Jan H; Wabbijn, Marike; de Jongh, Felix

    2016-01-01

    Oncogenic osteomalacia (or tumour-induced osteomalacia) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by overproduction of fibroblastic growth factor 23 (FGF-23) by tumours. Excessive production of FGF-23 can lead to severe, symptomatic hypophosphataemia. The majority of cases have been associated with benign tumours of bone or soft tissue, such as haemangiopericytomas or other neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. We present a case of a 68-year-old woman with an FGF-23 producing B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Treatment with immunochemotherapy resulted in normalisation of serum FGF-23 and phosphate levels. PMID:27118742

  3. Effects of lower versus higher phosphate diets on fibroblast growth factor-23 levels in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Tsai, Wan-Chuan; Wu, Hon-Yen; Peng, Yu-Sen; Hsu, Shih-Ping; Chiu, Yen-Ling; Chen, Hung-Yuan; Yang, Ju-Yeh; Ko, Mei-Ju; Pai, Mei-Fen; Tu, Yu-Kang; Hung, Kuan-Yu; Chien, Kuo-Liong

    2018-02-06

    Elevated fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) levels increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to compare the effects of different dietary interventions, lower versus higher phosphate levels, on FGF23 in patients with CKD. We conducted electronic literature searches of Medline, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for publications up to 29 October 2016 for randomized clinical trials that compared lower versus higher phosphate dietary interventions in adults with CKD. The primary outcome was the difference in change-from-baseline FGF23 levels between intervention groups. Considering the difference in measurement units between intact FGF23 and C-terminal FGF23 assays, the treatment effect was analysed as the standardized mean difference (SMD) with the 95% confidence interval (CI). We identified five trials enrolling a total of 94 normophosphataemic patients with Stage 3B CKD. The study duration ranged from 1 to 12 weeks. Compared with higher phosphate diets, lower phosphate diets tended to reduce FGF23 levels (SMD -0.74, 95% CI -1.54 to 0.07, P = 0.07). Subgroup analyses showed a trend (P for interaction = 0.09) towards a better FGF23-lowering effect by lower phosphate diets in studies using the intact FGF23 assay (SMD -1.14, 95% CI -2.24 to -0.04) than those using the C-terminal FGF23 assay (SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.67 to 0.57). Short-term dietary phosphate restriction tends to reduce FGF23 levels in patients with moderately decreased kidney function, and the FGF23-lowering effects tend to be more prominent when measured with the intact FGF23 assay. © The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

  4. Endothelial Heparan Sulfate 6-O-Sulfation Levels Regulate Angiogenic Responses of Endothelial Cells to Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor*

    PubMed Central

    Ferreras, Cristina; Rushton, Graham; Cole, Claire L.; Babur, Muhammad; Telfer, Brian A.; van Kuppevelt, Toin H.; Gardiner, John M.; Williams, Kaye J.; Jayson, Gordon C.; Avizienyte, Egle

    2012-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) are potent pro-angiogenic growth factors that play a pivotal role in tumor angiogenesis. The activity of these growth factors is regulated by heparan sulfate (HS), which is essential for the formation of FGF2/FGF receptor (FGFR) and VEGF165/VEGF receptor signaling complexes. However, the structural characteristics of HS that determine activation or inhibition of such complexes are only partially defined. Here we show that ovarian tumor endothelium displays high levels of HS sequences that harbor glucosamine 6-O-sulfates when compared with normal ovarian vasculature where these sequences are also detected in perivascular area. Reduced HS 6-O-sulfotransferase 1 (HS6ST-1) or 6-O-sulfotransferase 2 (HS6ST-2) expression in endothelial cells impacts upon the prevalence of HS 6-O-sulfate moieties in HS sequences, which consist of repeating short, highly sulfated S domains interspersed by transitional N-acetylated/N-sulfated domains. 1–40% reduction in 6-O-sulfates significantly compromises FGF2- and VEGF165-induced endothelial cell sprouting and tube formation in vitro and FGF2-dependent angiogenesis in vivo. Moreover, HS on wild-type neighboring endothelial or smooth muscle cells fails to restore endothelial cell sprouting and tube formation. The affinity of FGF2 for HS with reduced 6-O-sulfation is preserved, although FGFR1 activation is inhibited correlating with reduced receptor internalization. These data show that 6-O-sulfate moieties in endothelial HS are of major importance in regulating FGF2- and VEGF165-dependent endothelial cell functions in vitro and in vivo and highlight HS6ST-1 and HS6ST-2 as potential targets of novel antiangiogenic agents. PMID:22927437

  5. Alcoholic fatty liver is enhanced in CYP2A5 knockout mice: the role of the PPARα-FGF21 axis

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Xue; Ward, Stephen C.; Cederbaum, Arthur I.; Xiong, Huabao; Lu, Yongke

    2017-01-01

    Background & Aims Cytochrome P450 2A5 (CYP2A5) is induced by ethanol, and the ethanol induction of CYP2A5 is regulated by nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). Cyp2a5 knockout (Cyp2a5−/−) mice develop more severe alcoholic fatty liver than Cyp2a5+/+ mice. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a PPARα-regulated liver hormone, is involved in hepatic lipid metabolism. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver are enhanced in Pparα knockout (Pparα−/−) mice. This study investigates the relationship between the PPARα-FGF21 axis and the enhanced alcoholic fatty liver in Cyp2a5−/− mice. Methods Mice were fed the Lieber-Decarli ethanol diet to induce alcoholic fatty liver. Results More severe alcoholic fatty liver disease was developed in Cyp2a5−/− mice than in Cyp2a5+/+ mice. Basal FGF21 levels were higher in Cyp2a5−/− mice than in Cyp2a5+/+ mice, but ethanol did not further increase the elevated FGF21 levels in Cyp2a5−/− mice while FGF21 was induced by ethanol in Cyp2a5+/+ mice. Basal levels of serum FGF21 were lower in Pparα−/− mice than in Pparα+/+ mice; ethanol induced FGF21 in Pparα+/+ mice but not in Pparα−/− mice, whereas ethanol induced hypertriglyceridemia in Pparα−/− mice but not in Pparα+/+ mice. Administration of recombinant FGF21 normalized serum FGF21 and triglyceride in Pparα−/− mice. Alcoholic fatty liver was enhanced in liver-specific Fgf21 knockout mice. Pparα and Cyp2a5 double knockout (Pparα−/−/Cyp2a5−/−) mice developed more severe alcoholic fatty liver than Pparα+/+/Cyp2a5−/− mice. Conclusions These results suggest that CYP2A5 protects against the development of alcoholic fatty liver disease, and the PPARα-FGF21 axis contributes to the protective effects of CYP2A5 on alcoholic fatty liver disease. PMID:28131861

  6. Therapeutic potential of fibroblast growth factor-2 for hypertrophic scars: upregulation of MMP-1 and HGF expression.

    PubMed

    Eto, Hitomi; Suga, Hirotaka; Aoi, Noriyuki; Kato, Harunosuke; Doi, Kentaro; Kuno, Shinichiro; Tabata, Yasuhiko; Yoshimura, Kotaro

    2012-02-01

    Although hypertrophic scars (HTSs) and keloids are challenging problems, their pathogenesis is not well understood, making therapy difficult. We showed that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression was downregulated in HTS compared with normal skin from the same patients, whereas type 1 and 3 collagen and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were upregulated. These differences, however, were not seen in cultured fibroblasts, suggesting the involvement of microenvironmental factors in the pathogenesis of HTS. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) highly upregulated the expression of MMP-1 and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in both HTS-derived and control fibroblasts; the upregulation was reversed by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors. An animal study using human HTS tissue implanted into nude mice indicated that controlled-release FGF-2 resulted in significantly less weight and decreased hydroxyproline content in HTS. Degradation of collagen fibers in FGF-2-treated HTS was also confirmed histologically. Western blotting showed that FGF-2-treated HTS expressed significantly higher MMP-1 protein than control. Decreased MMP-1 expression may be an important transcriptional change in HTS, and its reversal as well as upregulation of HGF by FGF-2 could be a new therapeutic approach for HTS.

  7. Loss of DMP1 causes rickets and osteomalacia and identifies a role for osteocytes in mineral metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Feng, Jian Q; Ward, Leanne M; Liu, Shiguang; Lu, Yongbo; Xie, Yixia; Yuan, Baozhi; Yu, Xijie; Rauch, Frank; Davis, Siobhan I; Zhang, Shubin; Rios, Hector; Drezner, Marc K; Quarles, L Darryl; Bonewald, Lynda F; White, Kenneth E

    2007-01-01

    The osteocyte, a terminally differentiated cell comprising 90%–95% of all bone cells1,2, may have multiple functions, including acting as a mechanosensor in bone (re)modeling3. Dentin matrix protein 1 (encoded by DMP1) is highly expressed in osteocytes4 and, when deleted in mice, results in a hypomineralized bone phenotype5. We investigated the potential for this gene not only to direct skeletal mineralization but also to regulate phosphate (Pi) homeostasis. Both Dmp1- null mice and individuals with a newly identified disorder, autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets, manifest rickets and osteomalacia with isolated renal phosphate-wasting associated with elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels and normocalciuria. Mutational analyses showed that autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets family carried a mutation affecting the DMP1 start codon, and a second family carried a 7-bp deletion disrupting the highly conserved DMP1 C terminus. Mechanistic studies using Dmp1-null mice demonstrated that absence of DMP1 results in defective osteocyte maturation and increased FGF23 expression, leading to pathological changes in bone mineralization. Our findings suggest a bone-renal axis that is central to guiding proper mineral metabolism. PMID:17033621

  8. Role of fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling in kidney development.

    PubMed

    Bates, Carlton M

    2007-03-01

    Fibroblast growth factor receptors (Fgfrs) are expressed in the ureteric bud and metanephric mesenchyme of the developing kidney. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that exogenous fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) increase growth and maturation of the metanephric mesenchyme and ureteric bud. Deletion of fgf7, fgf10, and fgfr2IIIb (the receptor isoform that binds Fgf7 and Fgf10) in mice lead to smaller kidneys with fewer collecting ducts and nephrons. Overexpression of a dominant negative receptor isoform in transgenic mice has revealed more striking defects including renal aplasia or severe dysplasia. Moreover, deletion of many fgf ligands and receptors in mice results in early embryonic lethality, making it difficult to determine their roles in kidney development. Recently, conditional targeting approaches revealed that deletion of fgf8 from the metanephric mesenchyme interrupts nephron formation. Furthermore, deletion of fgfr2 from the ureteric bud resulted in both ureteric bud branching and stromal mesenchymal patterning defects. Deletion of both fgfr1 and fgfr2 in the metanephric mesenchyme resulted in renal aplasia, characterized by defects in metanephric mesenchyme formation and initial ureteric bud elongation and branching. Thus, Fgfr signaling is critical for growth and patterning of all renal lineages at early and later stages of kidney development.

  9. FGF21 Regulates Sweet and Alcohol Preference.

    PubMed

    Talukdar, Saswata; Owen, Bryn M; Song, Parkyong; Hernandez, Genaro; Zhang, Yuan; Zhou, Yingjiang; Scott, William T; Paratala, Bhavna; Turner, Tod; Smith, Andrew; Bernardo, Barbara; Müller, Christian P; Tang, Hao; Mangelsdorf, David J; Goodwin, Bryan; Kliewer, Steven A

    2016-02-09

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormone induced by various metabolic stresses, including ketogenic and high-carbohydrate diets, that regulates energy homeostasis. In humans, SNPs in and around the FGF21 gene have been associated with macronutrient preference, including carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake. Here we show that FGF21 administration markedly reduces sweet and alcohol preference in mice and sweet preference in cynomolgus monkeys. In mice, these effects require the FGF21 co-receptor β-Klotho in the central nervous system and correlate with reductions in dopamine concentrations in the nucleus accumbens. Since analogs of FGF21 are currently undergoing clinical evaluation for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, our findings raise the possibility that FGF21 administration could affect nutrient preference and other reward behaviors in humans. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. F-prostanoid receptor regulation of fibroblast growth factor 2 signaling in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Sales, Kurt J; Boddy, Sheila C; Williams, Alistair R W; Anderson, Richard A; Jabbour, Henry N

    2007-08-01

    Prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha) is a potent bioactive lipid in the female reproductive tract, and exerts its function after coupling with its heptahelical G-protein-coupled receptor [F-series-prostanoid (FP) receptor] to initiate cell signaling and target gene transcription. In the present study, we found elevated expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2, FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1), and FP receptor, colocalized within the neoplastic epithelial cells of endometrial adenocarcinomas. We investigated a role for PGF(2alpha)-FP receptor interaction in modulating FGF2 expression and signaling using an endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line stably expressing the FP receptor to the levels detected in endometrial adenocarcinomas (FPS cells) and endometrial adenocarcinoma tissue explants. PGF(2alpha)-FP receptor activation rapidly induced FGF2 mRNA expression, and elevated FGF2 protein expression and secretion into the culture medium in FPS cells and endometrial adenocarcinoma explants. The effect of PGF(2alpha) on the expression and secretion of FGF2 could be abolished by treatment of FPS cells and endometrial tissues with an FP receptor antagonist (AL8810) and inhibitor of ERK (PD98059). Furthermore, we have shown that FGF2 can promote the expression of FGF2 and cyclooxygenase-2, and enhance proliferation of endometrial adenocarcinoma cells via the FGFR1 and ERK pathways, thereby establishing a positive feedback loop to regulate neoplastic epithelial cell function in endometrial adenocarcinomas.

  11. Essential roles of zebrafish bmp2a, fgf10, and fgf24 in the specification of the ventral pancreas

    PubMed Central

    Naye, François; Voz, Marianne L.; Detry, Nathalie; Hammerschmidt, Matthias; Peers, Bernard; Manfroid, Isabelle

    2012-01-01

    In vertebrates, pancreas and liver arise from bipotential progenitors located in the embryonic gut endoderm. Bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways have been shown to induce hepatic specification while repressing pancreatic fate. Here we show that BMP and FGF factors also play crucial function, at slightly later stages, in the specification of the ventral pancreas. By analyzing the pancreatic markers pdx1, ptf1a, and hlxb9la in different zebrafish models of BMP loss of function, we demonstrate that the BMP pathway is required between 20 and 24 h postfertilization to specify the ventral pancreatic bud. Knockdown experiments show that bmp2a, expressed in the lateral plate mesoderm at these stages, is essential for ventral pancreas specification. Bmp2a action is not restricted to the pancreatic domain and is also required for the proper expression of hepatic markers. By contrast, through the analysis of fgf10−/−; fgf24−/− embryos, we reveal the specific role of these two FGF ligands in the induction of the ventral pancreas and in the repression of the hepatic fate. These mutants display ventral pancreas agenesis and ectopic masses of hepatocytes. Overall, these data highlight the dynamic role of BMP and FGF in the patterning of the hepatopancreatic region. PMID:22219376

  12. Fibroblast surface-associated FGF-2 promotes contact-dependent colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion through FGFR-SRC signaling and integrin αvβ5-mediated adhesion

    PubMed Central

    Knuchel, Sarah; Anderle, Pascale; Werfelli, Patricia; Diamantis, Eva; Rüegg, Curzio

    2015-01-01

    Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts were reported to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) invasion by secreting motility factors and extracellular matrix processing enzymes. Less is known whether fibroblasts may induce CRC cancer cell motility by contact-dependent mechanisms. To address this question we characterized the interaction between fibroblasts and SW620 and HT29 colorectal cancer cells in 2D and 3D co-culture models in vitro. Here we show that fibroblasts induce contact-dependent cancer cell elongation, motility and invasiveness independently of deposited matrix or secreted factors. These effects depend on fibroblast cell surface-associated fibroblast growth factor (FGF) -2. Inhibition of FGF-2 or FGF receptors (FGFRs) signaling abolishes these effects. FGFRs activate SRC in cancer cells and inhibition or silencing of SRC in cancer cells, but not in fibroblasts, prevents fibroblasts-mediated effects. Using an RGD-based integrin antagonist and function-blocking antibodies we demonstrate that cancer cell adhesion to fibroblasts requires integrin αvβ5. Taken together, these results demonstrate that fibroblasts induce cell-contact-dependent colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion under 2D and 3D conditions in vitro through fibroblast cell surface-associated FGF-2, FGF receptor-mediated SRC activation and αvβ5 integrin-dependent cancer cell adhesion to fibroblasts. The FGF-2-FGFRs-SRC-αvβ5 integrin loop might be explored as candidate therapeutic target to block colorectal cancer invasion. PMID:25973543

  13. Fibroblast surface-associated FGF-2 promotes contact-dependent colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion through FGFR-SRC signaling and integrin αvβ5-mediated adhesion.

    PubMed

    Knuchel, Sarah; Anderle, Pascale; Werfelli, Patricia; Diamantis, Eva; Rüegg, Curzio

    2015-06-10

    Carcinoma-associated fibroblasts were reported to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) invasion by secreting motility factors and extracellular matrix processing enzymes. Less is known whether fibroblasts may induce CRC cancer cell motility by contact-dependent mechanisms. To address this question we characterized the interaction between fibroblasts and SW620 and HT29 colorectal cancer cells in 2D and 3D co-culture models in vitro. Here we show that fibroblasts induce contact-dependent cancer cell elongation, motility and invasiveness independently of deposited matrix or secreted factors. These effects depend on fibroblast cell surface-associated fibroblast growth factor (FGF) -2. Inhibition of FGF-2 or FGF receptors (FGFRs) signaling abolishes these effects. FGFRs activate SRC in cancer cells and inhibition or silencing of SRC in cancer cells, but not in fibroblasts, prevents fibroblasts-mediated effects. Using an RGD-based integrin antagonist and function-blocking antibodies we demonstrate that cancer cell adhesion to fibroblasts requires integrin αvβ5. Taken together, these results demonstrate that fibroblasts induce cell-contact-dependent colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion under 2D and 3D conditions in vitro through fibroblast cell surface-associated FGF-2, FGF receptor-mediated SRC activation and αvβ5 integrin-dependent cancer cell adhesion to fibroblasts. The FGF-2-FGFRs-SRC-αvβ5 integrin loop might be explored as candidate therapeutic target to block colorectal cancer invasion.

  14. Growth factors FGF8 and FGF2 and their receptor FGFR1, transcriptional factors Msx-1 and MSX-2, and apoptotic factors p19 and RIP5 participate in the early human limb development.

    PubMed

    Becic, Tina; Kero, Darko; Vukojevic, Katarina; Mardesic, Snjezana; Saraga-Babic, Mirna

    2018-04-01

    The expression pattern of fibroblast growth factors FGF8 and FGF2 and their receptor FGFR1, transcription factors MSX-1 and MSX-2, as well as cell proliferation (Ki-67) and cell death associated caspase-3, p19 and RIP5 factors were analyzed in histological sections of eight 4th-9th-weeks developing human limbs by immunohistochemistry and semi-thin sectioning. Increasing expression of all analyzed factors (except FGF8) characterized both the multilayered human apical ectodermal ridge (AER), sub-ridge mesenchyme (progress zone) and chondrocytes in developing human limbs. While cytoplasmic co-expression of MSX-1 and MSX-2 was observed in both limb epithelium and mesenchyme, p19 displayed strong cytoplasmic expression in non-proliferating cells. Nuclear expression of Ki-67 proliferating cells, and partly of MSX-1 and MSX-2 was detected in the whole limb primordium. Strong expression of factors p19 and RIP5, both in the AER and mesenchyme of human developing limbs indicates their possible involvement in control of cell senescence and cell death. In contrast to animal studies, expression of FGFR1 in the surface ectoderm and p19 in the whole limb primordium might reflect interspecies differences in limb morphology. Expression of FGF2 and downstream RIP5 gene, and transcription factors Msx-1 and MSX-2 did not show human-specific changes in expression pattern. Based on their spatio-temporal expression during human limb development, our study indicates role of FGFs and Msx genes in stimulation of cell proliferation, limb outgrowth, digit elongation and separation, and additionally MSX-2 in control of vasculogenesis. The cascade of orchestrated gene expressions, including the analyzed developmental factors, jointly contribute to the complex human limb development. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  15. Wnt and FGF signals interact to coordinate growth with cell fate specification during limb development.

    PubMed

    ten Berge, Derk; Brugmann, Samantha A; Helms, Jill A; Nusse, Roel

    2008-10-01

    A fundamental question in developmental biology is how does an undifferentiated field of cells acquire spatial pattern and undergo coordinated differentiation? The development of the vertebrate limb is an important paradigm for understanding these processes. The skeletal and connective tissues of the developing limb all derive from a population of multipotent progenitor cells located in its distal tip. During limb outgrowth, these progenitors segregate into a chondrogenic lineage, located in the center of the limb bud, and soft connective tissue lineages located in its periphery. We report that the interplay of two families of signaling proteins, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and Wnts, coordinate the growth of the multipotent progenitor cells with their simultaneous segregation into these lineages. FGF and Wnt signals act together to synergistically promote proliferation while maintaining the cells in an undifferentiated, multipotent state, but act separately to determine cell lineage specification. Withdrawal of both signals results in cell cycle withdrawal and chondrogenic differentiation. Continued exposure to Wnt, however, maintains proliferation and re-specifies the cells towards the soft connective tissue lineages. We have identified target genes that are synergistically regulated by Wnts and FGFs, and show how these factors actively suppress differentiation and promote growth. Finally, we show how the spatial restriction of Wnt and FGF signals to the limb ectoderm, and to a specialized region of it, the apical ectodermal ridge, controls the distribution of cell behaviors within the growing limb, and guides the proper spatial organization of the differentiating tissues.

  16. Mechanisms of impaired nephrogenesis with fetal growth restriction: altered renal transcription and growth factor expression

    PubMed Central

    Abdel-Hakeem, Ahmed K; Henry, Tasmia Q; Magee, Thomas R; Desai, Mina; Ross, Michael; Mansano, Roy; Torday, John; Nast, Cynthia C.

    2010-01-01

    Objective Maternal food restriction during pregnancy results in growth restricted newborns and reduced glomerular number, contributing to programmed offspring hypertension. We investigated whether reduced nephrogenesis may be programmed by dysregulation of factors controlling ureteric bud branching and mesenchyme to epithelial transformation. Study Design 10 to 20 days gestation, Sprague Dawley pregnant rats (n=6/group) received ad libitum food; FR rats were 50% food restricted. At embryonic day 20, mRNA and protein expression of WT1, Pax2, FGF2, GDNF, cRET, WNT4, WNT11, BMP4, BMP7, and FGF7 were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Results Maternal FR resulted in up-regulated mRNA expression for WT1, FGF2, and BMP7 whereas Pax2, GDNF, FGF7, BMP4, WNT4, and WNT11 mRNAs were down-regulated. Protein expression was concordant for WT1, GDNF, Pax2, FGF7, BMP4 and WNT4. Conclusion Maternal FR altered gene expression of fetal renal transcription and growth factors, and likely contributes to development of offspring hypertension. PMID:18639218

  17. Fetal and post-natal lung defects reveal a novel and required role for Fgf8 in lung development

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Shibin; Poe, Bryan; Schwarz, Margaret; Elliot, Sarah; Albertine, Kurt H.; Fenton, Stephen; Garg, Vidu; Moon, Anne M.

    2016-01-01

    The fibroblast growth factor, FGF8, has been shown to be essential for vertebrate cardiovascular, craniofacial, brain and limb development. Here we report that Fgf8 function is required for normal progression through the late fetal stages of lung development that culminate in alveolar formation. Budding, lobation and branching morphogenesis are unaffected in early stage Fgf8 hypomorphic and conditional mutant lungs. Excess proliferation during fetal development disrupts distal airspace formation, mesenchymal and vascular remodeling, and Type I epithelial cell differentiation resulting in postnatal respiratory failure and death. Our findings reveal a previously unknown, critical role for Fgf8 function in fetal lung development and suggest that this factor may also contribute to postnatal alveologenesis. Given the high number of premature infants with alveolar dysgenesis and lung dysplasia, and the accumulating evidence that short-term benefits of available therapies may be outweighed by long term detrimental effects on postnatal alveologenesis, the therapeutic implications of identifying a factor or pathway that can be targeted to stimulate normal alveolar development are profound. PMID:20727874

  18. Effect of peritoneal dialysis on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and endostatin of the peritoneum in peritoneal dialysis patients.

    PubMed

    Gao, Dan; Zhao, Zhan-Zheng; Liang, Xian-Hui; Li, Yan; Cao, Ying; Liu, Zhang-Suo

    2011-11-01

    The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and endostatin (ES) in human peritoneum and investigate the relationship between them and peritoneum neoangiogensis in the patients with uraemia and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Peritoneal biopsies were obtained from normal subjects (n = 8), uraemic predialysis patients (n = 12) and PD patients (n = 10). The mRNA expression of VEGF, bFGF and ES in peritoneal tissues were measured through real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of VEGF, bFGF and ES in peritoneal tissues were determined through western blot. Microvessel density (MVD) of peritoneal tissue was assessed using immunohistochemistry with CD34 monoclonal antibody. The mRNA and protein of VEGF, bFGF and ES were expressed in all peritoneal samples. Compared with the normal control group, the mRNA and protein expression of VEGF and bFGF in peritoneal tissues were all significantly upregulated in the uraemic predialysis and PD group (all P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the protein expression of ES were significantly upregulated in the uraemic predialysis and PD group (all (P < 0.05), but the mRNA expression of ES did not have obvious differences in the uraemic predialysis and PD group as compared to the normal control group (P > 0.05). MVD of peritoneal tissue were increased in the uraemic predialysis and PD group compared with the normal group (all P < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between VEGF mRNA expression and MVD, bFGF mRNA expression and MVD. The mRNA expression of VEGF and bFGF, the protein expression of VEGF, bFGF, and ES and microvessel density (MVD) are increased both in the uraemic predialysis and PD patients. These results show that uraemia circumstances and non-physiological compatibility of peritoneal dialysis solution might increase VEGF, bFGF and ES expression and MVD, which might participate in the increment of the peritoneum neoangiogensis and ultrafiltration failure in PD patients. © 2011 The Authors. Nephrology © 2011 Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology.

  19. FGF receptors control vitamin D and phosphate homeostasis by mediating renal FGF-23 signaling and regulating FGF-23 expression in bone.

    PubMed

    Wöhrle, Simon; Bonny, Olivier; Beluch, Noemie; Gaulis, Swann; Stamm, Christelle; Scheibler, Marcel; Müller, Matthias; Kinzel, Bernd; Thuery, Anne; Brueggen, Joseph; Hynes, Nancy E; Sellers, William R; Hofmann, Francesco; Graus-Porta, Diana

    2011-10-01

    The functional interaction between fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and Klotho in the control of vitamin D and phosphate homeostasis is manifested by the largely overlapping phenotypes of Fgf23- and Klotho-deficient mouse models. However, to date, targeted inactivation of FGF receptors (FGFRs) has not provided clear evidence for an analogous function of FGFRs in this process. Here, by means of pharmacologic inhibition of FGFRs, we demonstrate their involvement in renal FGF-23/Klotho signaling and elicit their role in the control of phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis. Specifically, FGFR loss of function counteracts renal FGF-23/Klotho signaling, leading to deregulation of Cyp27b1 and Cyp24a1 and the induction of hypervitaminosis D and hyperphosphatemia. In turn, this initiates a feedback response leading to high serum levels of FGF-23. Further, we show that FGFR inhibition blocks Fgf23 transcription in bone and that this is dominant over vitamin D-induced Fgf23 expression, ultimately impinging on systemic FGF-23 protein levels. Additionally, we identify Fgf23 as a specific target gene of FGF signaling in vitro. Thus, in line with Fgf23- and Klotho-deficient mouse models, our study illustrates the essential function of FGFRs in the regulation of vitamin D and phosphate levels. Further, we reveal FGFR signaling as a novel in vivo control mechanism for Fgf23 expression in bone, suggesting a dual function of FGFRs in the FGF-23/Klotho pathway leading to vitamin D and phosphate homeostasis. Copyright © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

  20. Tertiary Excess of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Hypophosphatemia Following Kidney Transplantation

    PubMed Central

    Seeherunvong, Wacharee; Wolf, Myles

    2010-01-01

    Hypophosphatemia due to inappropriate urinary phosphate wasting is a frequent metabolic complication of the early period following kidney transplantation. Although previously considered to be caused by tertiary hyperparathyroidism, recent evidence suggests a primary role for persistently elevated circulating levels of the phosphorus-regulating hormone, fibroblast growth factors 23 (FGF23). In the setting of a healthy renal allograft, markedly increased FGF23 levels from the dialysis period induce renal phosphate wasting and inhibition of calcitriol production, which contribute to hypophosphatemia. While such tertiary FGF23 excess and resultant hypophosphatemia typically abates within the first few weeks to months post-transplant, some recipients manifest persistent renal phosphate wasting. Furthermore, increased FGF23 levels have been associated with increased risk of kidney disease progression, cardiovascular disease and death outside of the transplant setting. Whether tertiary FGF23 excess is associated with adverse transplant outcomes is unknown. In this article, we review the physiology of FGF23, summarize its relationship with hypophosphatemia after kidney transplantation, and speculate on its potential impact on long term outcomes of renal allograft recipients. PMID:20946192

  1. FGF21 Mediates Endocrine Control of Simple Sugar Intake and Sweet Taste Preference by the Liver.

    PubMed

    von Holstein-Rathlou, Stephanie; BonDurant, Lucas D; Peltekian, Lila; Naber, Meghan C; Yin, Terry C; Claflin, Kristin E; Urizar, Adriana Ibarra; Madsen, Andreas N; Ratner, Cecilia; Holst, Birgitte; Karstoft, Kristian; Vandenbeuch, Aurelie; Anderson, Catherine B; Cassell, Martin D; Thompson, Anthony P; Solomon, Thomas P; Rahmouni, Kamal; Kinnamon, Sue C; Pieper, Andrew A; Gillum, Matthew P; Potthoff, Matthew J

    2016-02-09

    The liver is an important integrator of nutrient metabolism, yet no liver-derived factors regulating nutrient preference or carbohydrate appetite have been identified. Here we show that the liver regulates carbohydrate intake through production of the hepatokine fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), which markedly suppresses consumption of simple sugars, but not complex carbohydrates, proteins, or lipids. Genetic loss of FGF21 in mice increases sucrose consumption, whereas acute administration or overexpression of FGF21 suppresses the intake of both sugar and non-caloric sweeteners. FGF21 does not affect chorda tympani nerve responses to sweet tastants, instead reducing sweet-seeking behavior and meal size via neurons in the hypothalamus. This liver-to-brain hormonal axis likely represents a negative feedback loop as hepatic FGF21 production is elevated by sucrose ingestion. We conclude that the liver functions to regulate macronutrient-specific intake by producing an endocrine satiety signal that acts centrally to suppress the intake of "sweets." Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Binding of FGF2 to FGFR2 in an autocrine mode in trophectoderm cells is indispensable for mouse blastocyst formation through PKC-p38 pathway.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jing; Zhang, Dan; Yu, Ying; Zhang, Run-Ju; Hu, Xiao-Ling; Huang, He-Feng; Lu, Yong-Chao

    2015-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGF1, FGF2 and FGF4) and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4) have been reported to be expressed in preimplantation embryos and be required for their development. However, the functions of these molecules in trophectoderm cells (TEs) that lead to the formation of the blastocyst as well as the underlying mechanism have not been elucidated. The present study has demonstrated for the first time that endogenous FGF2 secreted by TEs can regulate protein expression and distribution in TEs via the FGFR2-mediated activation of PKC and p38, which are important for the development of expanded blastocysts. This finding provides the first explanation for the long-observed phenomenon that only high concentrations of exogenous FGFs have effects on embryonic development, but in vivo the amount of endogenous FGFs are trace. Besides, the present results suggest that FGF2/FGFR2 may act in an autocrine fashion and activate the downstream PKC/p38 pathway in TEs during expanded blastocyst formation.

  3. Fibroblast Growth Factor-based Signaling through Synthetic Heparan Sulfate Blocks Copolymers Studied Using High Cell Density Three-dimensional Cell Printing*

    PubMed Central

    Sterner, Eric; Masuko, Sayaka; Li, Guoyun; Li, Lingyun; Green, Dixy E.; Otto, Nigel J.; Xu, Yongmei; DeAngelis, Paul L.; Liu, Jian; Dordick, Jonathan S.; Linhardt, Robert J.

    2014-01-01

    Four well-defined heparan sulfate (HS) block copolymers containing S-domains (high sulfo group content) placed adjacent to N-domains (low sulfo group content) were chemoenzymatically synthesized and characterized. The domain lengths in these HS block co-polymers were ∼40 saccharide units. Microtiter 96-well and three-dimensional cell-based microarray assays utilizing murine immortalized bone marrow (BaF3) cells were developed to evaluate the activity of these HS block co-polymers. Each recombinant BaF3 cell line expresses only a single type of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) but produces neither HS nor fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). In the presence of different FGFs, BaF3 cell proliferation showed clear differences for the four HS block co-polymers examined. These data were used to examine the two proposed signaling models, the symmetric FGF2-HS2-FGFR2 ternary complex model and the asymmetric FGF2-HS1-FGFR2 ternary complex model. In the symmetric FGF2-HS2-FGFR2 model, two acidic HS chains bind in a basic canyon located on the top face of the FGF2-FGFR2 protein complex. In this model the S-domains at the non-reducing ends of the two HS proteoglycan chains are proposed to interact with the FGF2-FGFR2 protein complex. In contrast, in the asymmetric FGF2-HS1-FGFR2 model, a single HS chain interacts with the FGF2-FGFR2 protein complex through a single S-domain that can be located at any position within an HS chain. Our data comparing a series of synthetically prepared HS block copolymers support a preference for the symmetric FGF2-HS2-FGFR2 ternary complex model. PMID:24563485

  4. Effective treatment of steatosis and steatohepatitis by fibroblast growth factor 1 in mouse models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

    PubMed

    Liu, Weilin; Struik, Dicky; Nies, Vera J M; Jurdzinski, Angelika; Harkema, Liesbeth; de Bruin, Alain; Verkade, Henkjan J; Downes, Michael; Evans, Ronald M; van Zutphen, Tim; Jonker, Johan W

    2016-02-23

    Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disorder and is strongly associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Currently, there is no approved pharmacological treatment for this disease, but improvement of insulin resistance using peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonists, such as thiazolidinediones (TZDs), has been shown to reduce steatosis and steatohepatitis effectively and to improve liver function in patients with obesity-related NAFLD. However, this approach is limited by adverse effects of TZDs. Recently, we have identified fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) as a target of nuclear receptor PPARγ in visceral adipose tissue and as a critical factor in adipose remodeling. Because FGF1 is situated downstream of PPARγ, it is likely that therapeutic targeting of the FGF1 pathway will eliminate some of the serious adverse effects associated with TZDs. Here we show that pharmacological administration of recombinant FGF1 (rFGF1) effectively improves hepatic inflammation and damage in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice and in choline-deficient mice, two etiologically different models of NAFLD. Hepatic steatosis was effectively reduced only in ob/ob mice, suggesting that rFGF1 stimulates hepatic lipid catabolism. Potentially adverse effects such as fibrosis or proliferation were not observed in these models. Because the anti-inflammatory effects were observed in both the presence and absence of the antisteatotic effects, our findings further suggest that the anti-inflammatory property of rFGF1 is independent of its effect on lipid catabolism. Our current findings indicate that, in addition to its potent glucose-lowering and insulin-sensitizing effects, rFGF1 could be therapeutically effective in the treatment of NAFLD.

  5. Fibroblast growth factor-21 restores insulin sensitivity but induces aberrant bone microstructure in obese insulin-resistant rats.

    PubMed

    Charoenphandhu, Narattaphol; Suntornsaratoon, Panan; Krishnamra, Nateetip; Sa-Nguanmoo, Piangkwan; Tanajak, Pongpun; Wang, Xiaojie; Liang, Guang; Li, Xiaokun; Jiang, Chao; Chattipakorn, Nipon; Chattipakorn, Siriporn

    2017-03-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 is a potent endocrine factor that improves insulin resistance and obesity-associated metabolic disorders. However, concomitant activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ by FGF-21 makes bone susceptible to osteopenia and fragility fracture. Since an increase in body weight often induced adaptive change in bone by making it resistant to fracture, it was unclear whether FGF-21 would still induce bone defects in overweight rats. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate bone microstructure and its mechanical properties in high fat diet (HF)-fed rats treated with 0.1 mg/kg/day FGF-21. Eighteen male rats were divided into two groups to receive either a normal diet or HF for 12 weeks. HF rats were then divided into two subgroups to receive either vehicle or FGF-21 for 4 weeks. The results showed that HF led to obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, as indicated by hyperinsulinemia with euglycemia. In HF rats, there was an increase in tibial yield displacement (an indicator of ability to be deformed without losing toughness, as determined by 3-point bending) without changes in tibial trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) or cortical bone parameters, e.g., cortical thickness and bone area. FGF-21 treatment strongly improved the metabolic parameters and increased insulin sensitivity in HF rats. However, FGF-21-treated HF rats showed lower yield displacement, trabecular vBMD, trabecular bone volume, trabecular thickness, and osteoblast surface compared with vehicle-treated HF rats. These findings suggest that, despite being a potent antagonist of insulin resistance and visceral fat accumulation, FGF-21 is associated with bone defects in HF rats.

  6. Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Cause-Specific Mortality in the General Population: The Northern Manhattan Study

    PubMed Central

    Souma, Nao; Isakova, Tamara; Lipiszko, David; Sacco, Ralph L.; Elkind, Mitchell S. V.; DeRosa, Janet T.; Silverberg, Shonni J.; Mendez, Armando J.; Dong, Chuanhui

    2016-01-01

    Context: An elevated fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients with kidney disease. The relationship between FGF23 and cause-specific mortality in the general population is unknown. Objective: To investigate the association of elevated FGF23 with the risk of cause-specific mortality in a racially and ethnically diverse urban general population. Design, Setting, Participants: The Northern Manhattan Study is a population-based prospective cohort study. Residents who were > 39 years old and had no history of stroke were enrolled between 1993 and 2001. Participants with available blood samples for baseline FGF23 testing were included in the current study (n = 2525). Main Outcome Measures: Cause-specific death events. Results: A total of 1198 deaths (474 vascular, 612 nonvascular, 112 unknown cause) occurred during a median follow-up of 14 years. Compared to participants in the lowest FGF23 quintile, those in the highest quintile had a 2.07-fold higher risk (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45, 2.94) of vascular death and a 1.64-fold higher risk (95% CI, 1.22, 2.20) of nonvascular death in fully adjusted models. Higher FGF23 was independently associated with increased risk of mortality due to cancer, but only in Hispanic participants (hazard ratio per 1 unit increase in ln FGF23 of 1.87; 95% CI, 1.40, 2.50; P for interaction = .01). Conclusions: Elevated FGF23 was independently associated with increased risk of vascular and nonvascular mortality in a diverse general population and with increased risk of cancer death specifically in Hispanic individuals. PMID:27501282

  7. Fibroblast growth factor 19 increases metabolic rate and reverses dietary and leptin-deficient diabetes.

    PubMed

    Fu, Ling; John, Linu M; Adams, Sean H; Yu, Xing Xian; Tomlinson, Elizabeth; Renz, Mark; Williams, P Mickey; Soriano, Robert; Corpuz, Racquel; Moffat, Barbara; Vandlen, Richard; Simmons, Laura; Foster, Jessica; Stephan, Jean-Philippe; Tsai, Siao Ping; Stewart, Timothy A

    2004-06-01

    Hormonal control of metabolic rate can be important in regulating the imbalance between energy intake and expenditure that underlies the development of obesity. In mice fed a high-fat diet, human fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) increased metabolic rate [1.53 +/- 0.06 liters O(2)/h.kg(0.75) (vehicle) vs. 1.93 +/- 0.05 liters O(2)/h.kg(0.75) (FGF19); P < 0.001] and decreased respiratory quotient [0.82 +/- 0.01 (vehicle) vs. 0.80 +/- 0.01 (FGF19); P < 0.05]. In contrast to the vehicle-treated mice that gained weight (0.14 +/- 0.05 g/mouse.d), FGF19-treated mice lost weight (-0.13 +/- 0.03 g/mouse.d; P < 0.001) without a significant change in food intake. Furthermore, in addition to a reduction in weight gain, treatment with FGF19 prevented or reversed the diabetes that develops in mice made obese by genetic ablation of brown adipose tissue or genetic absence of leptin. To explore the mechanisms underlying the FGF19-mediated increase in metabolic rate, we profiled the FGF19-induced gene expression changes in the liver and brown fat. In brown adipose tissue, chronic exposure to FGF19 led to a gene expression profile that is consistent with activation of this tissue. We also found that FGF19 acutely increased liver expression of the leptin receptor (1.8-fold; P < 0.05) and decreased the expression of acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 2 (0.6-fold; P < 0.05). The gene expression changes were consistent with the experimentally determined increase in fat oxidation and decrease in liver triglycerides. Thus, FGF19 is able to increase metabolic rate concurrently with an increase in fatty acid oxidation.

  8. Effects of combination therapy using basic fibroblast growth factor and mature adipocyte-derived dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells on skin graft revascularisation.

    PubMed

    Asami, Takashi; Soejima, Kazutaka; Kashimura, Tsutomu; Kazama, Tomohiko; Matsumoto, Taro; Morioka, Kosuke; Nakazawa, Hiroaki

    2015-01-01

    Although the benefits of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for wound healing and angiogenesis are well known, its effects on the process of skin graft revascularisation have not been clarified. It was hypothesised that bFGF would be beneficial to promote taking of skin grafts, but that the effect might be limited in the case of bFGF monotherapy. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy of combination therapy using bFGF and dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. DFAT cells have multilineage differentiation potential, including into endothelial cells, similar to the case of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Commercially available human recombinant bFGF was used. DFAT cells were prepared from SD strain rats as an adipocyte progenitor cell line from mature adipocytes. Full-thickness skin was lifted from the back of SD strain rats and then grafted back to the original wound site. Four groups were established prior to skin grafting: control group (skin graft alone), bFGF group (treated with bFGF), DFAT group (treated with DFAT cells), and combination group (treated with both bFGF and DFAT cells). Tissue specimens for histological examination were harvested 48 hours after grafting. The histological findings for the bFGF group showed vascular augmentation in the grafted dermis compared with the control group. However, the difference in the number of revascularised vessels per unit area did not reach statistical significance against the control group. In contrast, in the combination group, skin graft revascularisation was significantly promoted, especially in the upper dermis. The results suggest that replacement of the existing graft vessels was markedly promoted by the combination therapy using bFGF and DFAT cells, which may facilitate skin graft taking.

  9. Role of angiopoietin-2 in the cardioprotective effect of fibroblast growth factor 21 on ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes

    PubMed Central

    Hu, Shuoqiang; Cao, Shujun; Liu, Jinghua

    2017-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) exerts a protective effect in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced cardiac injury. However, the exact molecular mechanism underlying the FGF21 action remains unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of angiopoietin-2 (Angpt2) in the cardioprotective effect of FGF21. For this purpose, the H9C2 cell line was subjected to simulated I/R or aerobic conditions with or without FGF21 administration. Certain groups were also transfected with Angpt2 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Cell viability, apoptosis rate and cell migration were examined, and the expression levels of Angpt2, glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and caspase-3 were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analyses. The results demonstrated that FGF21 administration suppressed apoptosis and increased the cell migration ability following I/R-induced injury. qPCR and western blot data showed a decreased level of GLUT1 after I/R-induced injury, which was reversed by FGF21 administration. Furthermore, inhibition of Angpt2 expression using siRNA enhanced the cardioprotective effect of FGF21 by upregulation of GLUT1. In conclusion, FGF21 administration protected against I/R-induced injury in cardiomyocytes, and further inhibition of Angpt2 with FGF21 administration induced the expression of GLUT1, which may promote the energy metabolism in cardiomyocytes, consequently resulting in a more efficient cardioprotective effect. These results suggested that FGF21 administration and inhibition of Angpt2 could be a novel therapeutic approach for I/R-induced cardiac injury. PMID:28672998

  10. A decrease in fasting FGF19 levels is associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese adolescents.

    PubMed

    Wojcik, Malgorzata; Janus, Dominika; Dolezal-Oltarzewska, Katarzyna; Kalicka-Kasperczyk, Anna; Poplawska, Karolina; Drozdz, Dorota; Sztefko, Krystyna; Starzyk, Jerzy B

    2012-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) is a hormone released from the small intestine; recently, it has emerged as an endocrine regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of FGF19 in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study included 23 (17 boys) obese adolescents (mean age of 14.1 years) with NAFLD. The control group consisted of 34 (13 boys) obese peers with normal ultrasonographic imaging and normal liver function tests. The definition of NAFLD was based on clinical criteria: elevated alanine aminotransferase (>35 U/L) and liver steatosis features on ultrasound imaging. Serum FGF19 levels were measured in a fasting blood sample. The definition of insulin resistance was based on the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) threshold: >2.5. There was a significant difference between mean FGF19 levels in patients with NAFLD and controls (142.2 vs. 206 pg/mL, p=0.04). Mean fasting FGF19 levels were decreased in insulin-resistant patients in comparison with the non-insulin-resistant group (155.0 vs. 221.0 pg/mL, p=0.05). There was an inverse correlation between FGF19 and alanine aminotransferase levels (R=-0.3, p<0.05) and triglycerides (R=-0.27, p<0.05). A decrease in fasting FGF19 is associated with the development of NAFLD in obese adolescents. A decrease in fasting FGF19 levels may be a new important risk factor for NAFLD and the metabolic syndrome in adolescents. Further studies are needed to explain whether exogenous delivery of FGF19 might be therapeutically beneficial.

  11. TGF-β induction of FGF-2 expression in stromal cells requires integrated smad3 and MAPK pathways.

    PubMed

    Strand, Douglas W; Liang, Yao-Yun; Yang, Feng; Barron, David A; Ressler, Steven J; Schauer, Isaiah G; Feng, Xin-Hua; Rowley, David R

    2014-01-01

    Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) regulates the reactive stroma microenvironment associated with most carcinomas and mediates expression of many stromal derived factors important for tumor progression, including FGF-2 and CTGF. TGF-β is over-expressed in most carcinomas, and FGF-2 action is important in tumor-induced angiogenesis. The signaling mechanisms of how TGF-β regulates FGF-2 expression in the reactive stroma microenvironment are not understood. Accordingly, we have assessed key signaling pathways that mediate TGF-β1-induced FGF-2 expression in prostate stromal fibroblasts and mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) null for Smad2 and Smad3. TGF-β1 induced phosphorylation of Smad2, Smad3, p38 and ERK1/2 proteins in both control MEFs and prostate fibroblasts. Of these, Smad3, but not Smad2 was found to be required for TGF-β1 induction of FGF-2 expression in stromal cells. ChIP analysis revealed a Smad3/Smad4 complex was associated with the -1.9 to -2.3 kb upstream proximal promoter of the FGF-2 gene, further suggesting a Smad3-specific regulation. In addition, chemical inhibition of p38 or ERK1/2 MAPK activity also blocked TGF-β1-induced FGF-2 expression in a Smad3-independent manner. Conversely, inhibition of JNK signaling enhanced FGF-2 expression. Together, these data indicate that expression of FGF-2 in fibroblasts in the tumor stromal cell microenvironment is coordinately dependent on both intact Smad3 and MAP kinase signaling pathways. These pathways and key downstream mediators of TGF-β action in the tumor reactive stroma microenvironment, may evolve as putative targets for therapeutic intervention.

  12. A role for Hippo/YAP-signaling in FGF-induced lens epithelial cell proliferation and fibre differentiation.

    PubMed

    Dawes, L J; Shelley, E J; McAvoy, J W; Lovicu, F J

    2018-04-01

    Recent studies indicate an important role for the transcriptional co-activator Yes-associated protein (YAP), and its regulatory pathway Hippo, in controlling cell growth and fate during lens development; however, the exogenous factors that promote this pathway are yet to be identified. Given that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-signaling is an established regulator of lens cell behavior, the current study investigates the relationship between this pathway and Hippo/YAP-signaling during lens cell proliferation and fibre differentiation. Rat lens epithelial explants were cultured with FGF2 to induce epithelial cell proliferation or fibre differentiation. Immunolabeling methods were used to detect the expression of Hippo-signaling components, Total and Phosphorylated YAP, as well as fibre cell markers, Prox-1 and β-crystallin. FGF-induced lens cell proliferation was associated with a strong nuclear localisation of Total-YAP and low-level immuno-staining for phosphorylated-YAP. FGF-induced lens fibre differentiation was associated with a significant increase in cytoplasmic phosphorylated YAP (inactive state) and enhanced expression of core Hippo-signaling components. Inhibition of YAP with Verteporfin suppressed FGF-induced lens cell proliferation and ablated cell elongation during lens fibre differentiation. Inhibition of either FGFR- or MEK/ERK-signaling suppressed FGF-promoted YAP nuclear translocation. Here we propose that FGF promotes Hippo/YAP-signaling during lens cell proliferation and differentiation, with FGF-induced nuclear-YAP expression playing an essential role in promoting the proliferation of lens epithelial cells. An FGF-induced switch from proliferation to differentiation, hence regulation of lens growth, may play a key role in mediating Hippo suppression of YAP transcriptional activity. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Decreased placental and muscular expression of the fibroblast growth factor 19 in gestational diabetes mellitus.

    PubMed

    Wang, Dongyu; Xu, Shuqia; Ding, Wenjing; Zhu, Caixia; Deng, Songqing; Qiu, Xiwen; Wang, Zilian

    2018-05-07

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 19 has been shown to improve glycaemic homeostasis and lipid metabolism in animal models. In humans, decreased FGF19 level has been described in diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the expression of FGF19 in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Samples for measurement were obtained from 20 GDM women and 25 healthy controls. The mRNA and protein expression levels of FGF19, FGF21 and co-receptor β-klotho (KLB) in placenta, rectus muscle and subcutaneous fat tissues were quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western-blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Women with GDM had significantly lower mRNA and protein expressions of FGF19 than control women had in placenta (mRNA: 0.33 ± 0.05 vs. 0.72 ± 0.09; protein: 0.34 ± 0.13 vs. 0.85 ± 0.20) and rectus muscle (mRNA: 0.83 ± 0.11 vs. 1.28 ± 0.19; protein: 0.78 ± 0.24 vs. 1.23 ± 0.39). However, there were no significant differences between GDM women and controls with respect to the expression levels of FGF21 and KLB in placenta and rectus muscle. There were almost no detectable FGF19 and FGF21 expressions in subcutaneous fat tissue. Moreover, KLB expression levels were not different between GDM and control group in subcutaneous fat. FGF19expressions are decreased in GDM women's placenta and rectus muscle. This may contribute to the pathophysiology or development of GDM. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  14. Free Fatty Acids Link Metabolism and Regulation of the Insulin-Sensitizing Fibroblast Growth Factor-21

    PubMed Central

    Mai, Knut; Andres, Janin; Biedasek, Katrin; Weicht, Jessica; Bobbert, Thomas; Sabath, Markus; Meinus, Sabine; Reinecke, Franziska; Möhlig, Matthias; Weickert, Martin O.; Clemenz, Markus; Pfeiffer, Andreas F.H.; Kintscher, Ulrich; Spuler, Simone; Spranger, Joachim

    2009-01-01

    OBJECTIVE Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 improves insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in obese or diabetic animal models, while human studies revealed increased FGF-21 levels in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Given that FGF-21 has been suggested to be a peroxisome proliferator–activator receptor (PPAR) α–dependent regulator of fasting metabolism, we hypothesized that free fatty acids (FFAs), natural agonists of PPARα, might modify FGF-21 levels. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The effect of fatty acids on FGF-21 was investigated in vitro in HepG2 cells. Within a randomized controlled trial, the effects of elevated FFAs were studied in 21 healthy subjects (13 women and 8 men). Within a clinical trial including 17 individuals, the effect of insulin was analyzed using an hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and the effect of PPARγ activation was studied subsequently in a rosiglitazone treatment trial over 8 weeks. RESULTS Oleate and linoleate increased FGF-21 expression and secretion in a PPARα-dependent fashion, as demonstrated by small-interfering RNA–induced PPARα knockdown, while palmitate had no effect. In vivo, lipid infusion induced an increase of circulating FGF-21 in humans, and a strong correlation between the change in FGF-21 levels and the change in FFAs was observed. An artificial hyperinsulinemia, which was induced to delineate the potential interaction between elevated FFAs and hyperinsulinemia, revealed that hyperinsulinemia also increased FGF-21 levels in vivo, while rosiglitazone treatment had no effect. CONCLUSIONS The results presented here offer a mechanism explaining the induction of the metabolic regulator FGF-21 in the fasting situation but also in type 2 diabetes and obesity. PMID:19401423

  15. Involvement of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) and its receptors in the regulation of mouse sperm physiology.

    PubMed

    Saucedo, Lucia; Sobarzo, Cristian; Brukman, Nicolás; Guidobaldi, Hector Alejandro; Lustig, Livia; Giojalas, Laura Cecilia; Buffone, Mariano Gabriel; Vazquez-Levin, Monica Hebe; Marín-Briggiler, Clara

    2018-06-04

    Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) and its receptors (FGFRs) have been described in several tissues, where they regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation, motility and apoptosis. Although FGF2/FGFRs expression in the male reproductive tract has been reported, there is scarce evidence on their presence in the female reproductive tract and their involvement in the modulation of sperm function. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the expression of FGF2 in the female reproductive tract and to assess the role of the FGF2/FGFRs system in the regulation of sperm physiology using the murine model. FGF2 was detected in uterus and oviduct protein extracts, and it was immunolocalized in epithelial cells of the uterus, isthmus and ampulla, as well as in the cumulus oophorus-oocyte complex. The receptors FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4 were immunodetected in the flagellum and acrosomal region of sperm recovered from the cauda epididymis. Analysis of testis sections showed the expression of FGFRs in germ cells at different stages of the spermatogenesis, suggesting the testicular origin of the sperm FGFRs. Sperm incubation with recombinant FGF2 (rFGF2) led to increased sperm motility and velocity, and to enhanced intracellular Ca2+ levels and acrosomal loss compared to the control. In conclusion, this study shows that FGF2 is expressed in tissues of the female reproductive tract. Also, the fact that functional FGFRs are present in mouse sperm and that rFGF2 affects sperm motility and acrosomal exocytosis, suggests the involvement of this system in the in vivo regulation of sperm function.

  16. Characterization of the cell of origin and propagation potential of the fibroblast growth factor 9-induced mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Soejima, Kenzo; Kuroda, Aoi; Ishioka, Kota; Yasuda, Hiroyuki; Naoki, Katsuhiko; Shizuko, Kagawa; Hamamoto, Junko; Yin, Yongjun; Ornitz, David M.; Betsuyaku, Tomoko

    2014-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 9 is essential for lung development and is highly expressed in a subset of human lung adenocarcinomas. We recently described a mouse model in which FGF9 expression in the lung epithelium caused proliferation of the airway epithelium at the terminal bronchioles and led to rapid development of adenocarcinoma. Here, we used this model to characterize the effects of prolonged FGF9 induction on the proximal and distal lung epithelia, and examined the propagation potential of FGF9-induced lung tumors. We show that prolonged FGF9 overexpression in the lung resulted in the development of adenocarcinomas arising from both alveolar type II and airway secretory cells in the lung parenchyma and airways, respectively. We found that tumor cells harbored tumor-propagating cells that were able to form secondary tumors in recipient mice regardless of FGF9 expression. However, the highest degree of tumor propagation was observed when unfractionated tumor cells were coadministered with autologous, tumor-associated mesenchymal cells. Although the initiation of lung adenocarcinomas was dependent on activation of the FGF9/FGF receptor (FGFR) 3 signaling axis, maintenance and propagation of the tumor was independent of this signaling. Activation of an alternative FGF/FGFR and the interaction with tumor stromal cells is likely to be responsible for the development of this independence. This study demonstrates the complex role of FGF/FGFR signaling in the initiation, growth, and propagation of lung cancer. Our findings suggest that analyzing the expressions of FGFs/FGFRs in human lung cancer will be a useful tool for guiding customized therapy. PMID:25413587

  17. Balance between fibroblast growth factor 10 and secreted frizzled-relate protein-1 controls the development of hair follicle by competitively regulating β-catenin signaling.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Haihua; Nan, Weixiao; Wang, Shiyong; Si, Huazhe; Li, Guangyu

    2018-07-01

    Growth of hairs depends on the regular development of hair follicles which are hypothesized to be regulated by fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) and secreted frizzled-relate protein-1 (sFRP1). In the current study, the effect of FGF10 or sFRP1 on hair follicle cells was assessed and the possible mechanism mediating the interaction between FGF10 and sFRP1 in hair follicle cells was explored. Out root sheath (ORS) and dermal papilla (DP) cells were isolated from mink skin tissues and subjected to administrations of FGF10 (50 ng/ml) or sFRP1 (10 ng/ml). Then proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and migration potentials of both cell types were detected. Moreover, the nuclear translocation of β-catenin was determined. The results showed that the administration of FGF10 increased cell proliferation and migration potential in both cell types, which was associated with the up-regulated nuclear level of β-catenin. To the contrary, the administration of sFRP1 decreased cell proliferation and migration potentials while induced the G1 cell cycle arrest in both cell types by inhibiting nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Compared with the sole administrations, the co-treatment of FGF10 and sFRP1 had a medium effect on cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, cell migration, and nuclear β-catenin level, representing an antagonistic interaction between the two factors, which was exerted by competitively regulating β-catenin pathway. Conclusively, the cycle of hair follicles was promoted by FGF10 while blocked by sFRP1 and the interplay between the two factors controlled the development of hair follicles by competitively regulating β-catenin signaling. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

  18. Controlled delivery of fibroblast growth factor-1 and neuregulin-1 from biodegradable microparticles promotes cardiac repair in a rat myocardial infarction model through activation of endogenous regeneration.

    PubMed

    Formiga, Fabio R; Pelacho, Beatriz; Garbayo, Elisa; Imbuluzqueta, Izaskun; Díaz-Herráez, Paula; Abizanda, Gloria; Gavira, Juan J; Simón-Yarza, Teresa; Albiasu, Edurne; Tamayo, Esther; Prósper, Felipe; Blanco-Prieto, Maria J

    2014-01-10

    Acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF1) and neuregulin-1 (NRG1) are growth factors involved in cardiac development and regeneration. Microparticles (MPs) mediate cytokine sustained release, and can be utilized to overcome issues related to the limited therapeutic protein stability during systemic administration. We sought to examine whether the administration of microparticles (MPs) containing FGF1 and NRG1 could promote cardiac regeneration in a myocardial infarction (MI) rat model. We investigated the possible underlying mechanisms contributing to the beneficial effects of this therapy, especially those linked to endogenous regeneration. FGF1- and NRG1-loaded MPs were prepared using a multiple emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Seventy-three female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent permanent left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion, and MPs were intramyocardially injected in the peri-infarcted zone four days later. Cardiac function, heart tissue remodeling, revascularization, apoptosis, cardiomyocyte proliferation, and stem cell homing were evaluated one week and three months after treatment. MPs were shown to efficiently encapsulate FGF1 and NRG1, releasing the bioactive proteins in a sustained manner. Three months after treatment, a statistically significant improvement in cardiac function was detected in rats treated with growth factor-loaded MPs (FGF1, NRG1, or FGF1/NRG1). The therapy led to inhibition of cardiac remodeling with smaller infarct size, a lower fibrosis degree and induction of tissue revascularization. Cardiomyocyte proliferation and progenitor cell recruitment were detected. Our data support the therapeutic benefit of NRG1 and FGF1 when combined with protein delivery systems for cardiac regeneration. This approach could be scaled up for use in pre-clinical and clinical studies. © 2013.

  19. Effects of fibroblast growth factor-2 on the expression and regulation of chemokines in human dental pulp cells.

    PubMed

    Kim, Young-Suk; Min, Kyung-San; Jeong, Dong-Ho; Jang, Jun-Hyeog; Kim, Hae-Won; Kim, Eun-Cheol

    2010-11-01

    Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) participates in both hematopoiesis and osteogenesis; however, the effects of FGF-2 on chemokines during odontoblastic differentiation have not been reported. This study investigated whether human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) treated with FGF-2 could express chemokines during differentiation into odontoblastic cells and sought to identify its underlying mechanism of action. To analyze differentiation, we measured alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcified nodule formation by alizarin red staining, and marker RNA (mRNA) expression by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expression of chemokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and MIP-3α, were evaluated by RT-PCR. ALP activity, the mineralization, and mRNA expression for odontoblastic markers were enhanced by FGF-2 in HDPCs. FGF-2 also up-regulated the expression of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, MIP-1α, and MIP-3α mRNAs, which were attenuated by inhibitors of p38, ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinases, protein kinase C, phosphoinositide-3 kinase, and NF-κB. Taken together, these data suggest that FGF-2 plays a role not only as a differentiation inducing factor in the injury repair processes of pulpal tissue but also as a positive regulator of chemokine expression, which may help in tissue engineering and pulp regeneration using HDPCs. However, the fate of odontoblastic or osteoblastic differentiation, effective local delivery for FGF-2, interaction of chemotatic and odontogenic factors, and other limitations will need to be overcome before a major modality for the treatment of pulp disease. Copyright © 2010 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Fibroblast growth factor 2 inhibits up-regulation of bone morphogenic proteins and their receptors during osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Biver, Emmanuel, E-mail: ebiver@yahoo.fr; Department of Rheumatology, Lille University Hospital, Roger Salengro Hospital, 59037 Lille cedex; Service of Bone Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine Specialties, University Hospital of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 14

    2012-11-02

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer FGF modulates BMPs pathway in HMSCs by down-regulating BMP/BMPR expression. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer This effect is mediated by ERK and JNK MAPKs pathways. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Crosstalk between FGF and BMPs must be taken into account in skeletal bioengineering. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It must also be considered in the use of recombinant BMPs in orthopedic and spine surgeries. -- Abstract: Understanding the interactions between growth factors and bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) signaling remains a crucial issue to optimize the use of human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs) and BMPs in therapeutic perspectives and bone tissue engineering. BMPs are potent inducers of osteoblastic differentiation. They exertmore » their actions via BMP receptors (BMPR), including BMPR1A, BMPR1B and BMPR2. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is expressed by cells of the osteoblastic lineage, increases their proliferation and is secreted during the healing process of fractures or in surgery bone sites. We hypothesized that FGF2 might influence HMSC osteoblastic differentiation by modulating expressions of BMPs and their receptors. BMP2, BMP4, BMPR1A and mainly BMPR1B expressions were up-regulated during this differentiation. FGF2 inhibited HMSCs osteoblastic differentiation and the up-regulation of BMPs and BMPR. This effect was prevented by inhibiting the ERK or JNK mitogen-activated protein kinases which are known to be activated by FGF2. These data provide a mechanism explaining the inhibitory effect of FGF2 on osteoblastic differentiation of HMSCs. These crosstalks between growth and osteogenic factors should be considered in the use of recombinant BMPs in therapeutic purpose of fracture repair or skeletal bioengineering.« less

  1. Additive effects of fibroblast growth factor 23 neutralization and dietary phytase on chick calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

    PubMed

    Ren, Z Z; Bütz, D E; Wahhab, A N; Piepenburg, A J; Cook, M E

    2017-05-01

    Phytase hydrolyzes phytate rendering phosphorus available for intestinal absorption, while systemic neutralization of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), using anti-FGF-23 antibody, has been shown to increase phosphate retention. Hence, neutralization of FGF-23 should be additive with phytase in reducing dietary non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) needs in chickens fed plant-based diets rich in phytic acid. This study was designed to test the additive effects of maternally derived anti-FGF-23 antibody and dietary phytase on the performance of chicks fed a low nPP diet from one to 14 d. Single Comb White Leghorn laying hens were vaccinated with either an adjuvant control or a synthetic FGF-23 peptide (GMNPPPYS). Chicks from vaccinated hens with control or anti-FGF-23 maternal antibodies were fed either a diet containing 0.2% nPP and 0.9% calcium with or without 500 unit phytase per kg of diet (2 × 2 factorial with main effects of antibody type and phytase addition, n = 15 pens of chicks/treatment). A significant interaction between dietary phytase and maternally derived anti-FGF-23 antibody on growth and feed efficiency was observed (P ≤ 0.05), in which chicks receiving either phytase or maternally derived anti-FGF-23 antibody had improved body weight gain (21 or 15%, respectively) and feed efficiency (16 or 18%, respectively) as compared to chicks with control antibody and not fed phytase. Both phytase and maternally derived anti-FGF-23 antibody independently increased (P ≤ 0.05) plasma phosphate (11 and 11%, respectively) and percent tibiotarsus ash (13 and 11%, respectively). Significant main effects and the lack of an interaction supported an additive effect of phytase and anti-FGF-23 antibody on plasma phosphate and percent tibiotarsus ash. Feeding phytase to chicks fed 0.2% nPP increased plasma FGF-23 levels by 22% (P ≤ 0.05); however, no effects of anti-FGF-23 antibody on plasma FGF-23 levels were observed. In conclusion, dietary phytase and presence of anti-FGF-23 antibody have an additive effect on plasma phosphate and tibiotarsus ash in chicks fed low nPP diets. Data support that phytase and anti-FGF-23 antibody increase phosphate utilization by different mechanisms. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

  2. Fibroblast growth factor 19 in patients with bile acid diarrhoea: a prospective comparison of FGF19 serum assay and SeHCAT retention.

    PubMed

    Pattni, S S; Brydon, W G; Dew, T; Johnston, I M; Nolan, J D; Srinivas, M; Basumani, P; Bardhan, K D; Walters, J R F

    2013-10-01

    Bile acid diarrhoea is a common, under-diagnosed cause of chronic watery diarrhoea, responding to specific treatment with bile acid sequestrants. We previously showed patients with bile acid diarrhoea have lower median levels compared with healthy controls, of the ileal hormone fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), which regulates bile acid synthesis. To measure serum FGF19 and SeHCAT retention prospectively in patients with chronic diarrhoea. One hundred and fifty-two consecutive patients were grouped according to (75) Se-homocholic acid taurine (SeHCAT) 7-day retention: normal (>15%) in 72 (47%) diarrhoea controls; ≤15% in 54 (36%) with primary bile acid diarrhoea, and in 26 (17%) with secondary bile acid diarrhoea. Fasting blood was assayed for FGF19, 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4) and total bile acids. FGF19 was significantly lower in the primary bile acid diarrhoea group compared with the diarrhoea control group (median 147 vs. 225 pg/mL, P < 0.001), and also in the secondary group (P < 0.006). FGF19 and SeHCAT values were positively correlated (rs = 0.44, P < 0.001); both were inversely related to C4. Other significant relationships included SeHCAT and body mass index (BMI)(P = 0.02), and FGF19 with age (P < 0.01). The negative and positive predictive values of FGF19 ≤ 145 pg/mL for a SeHCAT <10% were 82% and 61%, respectively, and were generally improved in an index including BMI, age and C4. In a subset of 28 primary patients, limited data suggested that FGF19 could predict response to sequestrant therapy. Reduced fibroblast growth factor 19 is a feature of bile acid diarrhoea. Further studies will fully define its role in predicting the response of these patients to therapy. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  3. Stimulation of fibroblast growth factor 23 by metabolic acidosis requires osteoblastic intracellular calcium signaling and prostaglandin synthesis.

    PubMed

    Krieger, Nancy S; Bushinsky, David A

    2017-10-01

    Serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) increases progressively in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with increased mortality. FGF23 is synthesized in osteoblasts and osteocytes; however, the factors regulating its production are not clear. Patients with CKD have decreased renal acid excretion leading to metabolic acidosis (MET). During MET, acid is buffered by bone with release of mineral calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P). MET increases intracellular Ca signaling and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)-induced prostaglandin production in the osteoblast, leading to decreased bone formation and increased bone resorption. We found that MET directly stimulates FGF23 in mouse bone organ cultures and primary osteoblasts. We hypothesized that MET increases FGF23 through similar pathways that lead to bone resorption. Neonatal mouse calvariae were incubated in neutral (NTL, pH = 7.44, Pco 2 = 38 mmHg, [HCO 3 - ] = 27 mM) or acid (MET, pH = 7.18, Pco 2 = 37 mmHg, [HCO 3 - ] = 13 mM) medium without or with 2-APB (50 μM), an inhibitor of intracellular Ca signaling or NS-398 (1 μM), an inhibitor of COX2. Each agent significantly inhibited MET stimulation of medium FGF23 protein and calvarial FGF23 RNA as well as bone resorption at 48 h. To exclude the potential contribution of MET-induced bone P release, we utilized primary calvarial osteoblasts. In these cells each agent inhibited MET stimulation of FGF23 RNA expression at 6 h. Thus stimulation of FGF23 by MET in mouse osteoblasts utilizes the same initial signaling pathways as MET-induced bone resorption. Therapeutic interventions directed toward correction of MET, especially in CKD, have the potential to not only prevent bone resorption but also lower FGF23 and perhaps decrease mortality. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

  4. Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 is Associated With Adiposity in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: Possible Cross Talk Between Bone and Adipose Tissue.

    PubMed

    Chiang, Janet M; Kaysen, George A; Schafer, Anne L; Delgado, Cynthia; Johansen, Kirsten L

    2018-03-29

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) may be involved in signaling between bone and adipose tissue in dialysis patients, but its role is uncertain. We sought to examine the association between FGF-23 and adiposity and whether this association is mediated in part by leptin. We performed univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses using data from 611 participants in a cohort of prevalent hemodialysis patients recruited from dialysis centers in Atlanta, GA and San Francisco, CA from 2009 to 2011. We also investigated the role of leptin in these relationships. Participants were aged ≥18 years, English or Spanish speaking, and receiving hemodialysis for at least 3 months. Outcome measures of adiposity included body mass index, waist circumference, and body fat measured by bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy. Mean age was 56 ± 14 years, 39.8% were female, and median serum FGF-23 was 807 pg/mL. In fully adjusted models, FGF-23 was inversely associated with body mass index (-0.24 kg/m 2 per 50% higher FGF-23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.38 to -0.10), waist circumference (-0.44 cm per 50% higher FGF-23, 95% CI: -0.79 to -0.08), and percent body fat (-0.58% per 50% higher FGF-23, 95% CI: -0.79 to -0.37). Leptin was inversely associated with FGF-23. Addition of leptin to body composition models attenuated the associations between FGF-23 and measures of adiposity, but FGF-23 remained significantly associated with percent body fat (-0.17% per 50% higher FGF-23, 95% CI: -0.32 to -0.02). We found a negative association between FGF-23 and adiposity that appears to be mediated in part by leptin. As adipose tissue provides a "protective energy depot" for patients with chronic illness, a decrease in adipose tissue may be one mechanism in which higher FGF-23 levels may contribute to increased mortality in dialysis patients. Copyright © 2018 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Polyguluronate sulfate and its oligosaccharides but not heparin promotes FGF19/FGFR1c signaling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lan, Ying; Zeng, Xuan; Guo, Zhihua; Zeng, Pengjiao; Hao, Cui; Zhao, Xia; Yu, Guangli; Zhang, Lijuan

    2017-06-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 19(FGF19) functions as a hormone by affecting glucose metabolism. FGF19 improves glucose tolerance when overexpressed in mice with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. A functional cellular FGF19 receptor consists of FGF receptor (FGFR) and glycosaminoglycan complexed with either α Klotho or β Klotho. Interestingly, in mice with diet-induced diabetes, a single injection of FGF1 is enough to restore blood sugar levels to a healthy range. FGF1 binds heparin with high affinity whereas FGF19 does not, indicating that polysaccharides other than heparin might enhance FGF19/FGFR signaling. Using a FGFs/FGFR1c signaling-dependent BaF3 cell proliferation assay, we discovered that polyguluronate sulfate (PGS) and its oligosaccharides, PGS12 and PGS25, but not polyguluronate (PG), a natural marine polysaccharide, enhanced FGF19/FGFR1c signaling better than that of heparin based on 3H-thymidine incorporation. Interestingly, PGS6, PGS8, PGS10, PGS12, PGS25, and PGS, but not PG, had comparable FGF1/FGFR1c signal-stimulating activity compared to that of heparin. These results indicated that PGS and its oligosaccharides were excellent FGF1/FGFR1c and FGF19/FGFR1c signaling enhancers at cellular level. Since the inexpensive PGS and PGS oligosaccharides can be absorbed through oral route, these seaweed-derived compounds merit further investigation as novel agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes through enhancing FGF1/FGFR1c and FGF19/FGFR1c signaling in future.

  6. FGF21 is dispensable for hypothermia induced by fasting in mice.

    PubMed

    Oishi, Katsutaka; Sakamoto, Katsuhiko; Konishi, Morichika; Murata, Yusuke; Itoh, Nobuyuki; Sei, Hiroyoshi

    2010-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a key metabolic regulator that is induced by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) activation in response to fasting. We recently reported that bezafibrate, a pan-agonist of PPARs, decreases body temperature late at night through hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) activation and others have shown that mice overexpressing FGF21 are prone to torpor. We examined whether FGF21 is essential for fasting-induced hypothermia using FGF21 knockout (KO) mice. Acute fasting decreased body temperature late at night accompanied by the induction of hepatic FGF21 and hypothalamic NPY expression in wild-type mice. A deficiency of FGF21 affected neither fasting-induced hypothermia nor hypothalamic NPY induction. Fasting enhanced locomotor activity in both genotypes. On the other hand, a deficiency of FGF21 significantly attenuated chronic hypothermia and hypoactivity induced by a ketogenic diet (KD). Our findings suggest that FGF21 is not essential for the hypothermia that is associated with the early stages of fasting, although it might be involved in the adaptive response of body temperature to chronic starvation.

  7. An FGF21-adiponectin-ceramide axis controls energy expenditure and insulin action in mice.

    PubMed

    Holland, William L; Adams, Andrew C; Brozinick, Joseph T; Bui, Hai H; Miyauchi, Yukiko; Kusminski, Christine M; Bauer, Steven M; Wade, Mark; Singhal, Esha; Cheng, Christine C; Volk, Katherine; Kuo, Ming-Shang; Gordillo, Ruth; Kharitonenkov, Alexei; Scherer, Philipp E

    2013-05-07

    FGF21, a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) superfamily, has recently emerged as a regulator of metabolism and energy utilization. However, the exact mechanism(s) whereby FGF21 mediates its actions have not been elucidated. There is considerable evidence that insulin resistance may arise from aberrant accumulation of intracellular lipids in insulin-responsive tissues due to lipotoxicity. In particular, the sphingolipid ceramide has been implicated in this process. Here, we show that FGF21 rapidly and robustly stimulates adiponectin secretion in rodents while diminishing accumulation of ceramides in obese animals. Importantly, adiponectin-knockout mice are refractory to changes in energy expenditure and ceramide-lowering effects evoked by FGF21 administration. Moreover, FGF21 lowers blood glucose levels and enhances insulin sensitivity in diabetic Lep(ob/ob) mice and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice only when adiponectin is functionally present. Collectively, these data suggest that FGF21 is a potent regulator of adiponectin secretion and that FGF21 critically depends on adiponectin to exert its glycemic and insulin sensitizing effects. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Down-Regulation by Resveratrol of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor-Stimulated Osteoprotegerin Synthesis through Suppression of Akt in Osteoblasts

    PubMed Central

    Kuroyanagi, Gen; Otsuka, Takanobu; Yamamoto, Naohiro; Matsushima-Nishiwaki, Rie; Nakakami, Akira; Mizutani, Jun; Kozawa, Osamu; Tokuda, Haruhiko

    2014-01-01

    It is firmly established that resveratrol, a natural food compound abundantly found in grape skins and red wine, has beneficial properties for human health. In the present study, we investigated the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) on osteoprotegerin (OPG) synthesis in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells and whether resveratrol affects the OPG synthesis. FGF-2 stimulated both the OPG release and the expression of OPG mRNA. Resveratrol significantly suppressed the FGF-2-stimulated OPG release and the mRNA levels of OPG. SRT1720, an activator of SIRT1, reduced the FGF-2-induced OPG release and the OPG mRNA expression. PD98059, an inhibitor of upstream kinase activating p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, had little effect on the FGF-2-stimulated OPG release. On the other hand, SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase, SP600125, an inhibitor of stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK), and Akt inhibitor suppressed the OPG release induced by FGF-2. Resveratrol failed to affect the FGF-2-induced phosphorylation of p44/p42 MAP kinase, p38 MAP kinase or SAPK/JNK. The phosphorylation of Akt induced by FGF-2 was significantly suppressed by resveratrol or SRT1720. These findings strongly suggest that resveratrol down-regulates FGF-2-stimulated OPG synthesis through the suppression of the Akt pathway in osteoblasts and that the inhibitory effect of resveratrol is mediated at least in part by SIRT1 activation. PMID:25290095

  9. Fibroblast growth factor signaling is required for early somatic gonad development in zebrafish.

    PubMed

    Leerberg, Dena M; Sano, Kaori; Draper, Bruce W

    2017-09-01

    The vertebrate ovary and testis develop from a sexually indifferent gonad. During early development of the organism, primordial germ cells (the gamete lineage) and somatic gonad cells coalesce and begin to undergo growth and morphogenesis to form this bipotential gonad. Although this aspect of development is requisite for a fertile adult, little is known about the genetic regulation of early gonadogenesis in any vertebrate. Here, we provide evidence that fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling is required for the early growth phase of a vertebrate bipotential gonad. Based on mutational analysis in zebrafish, we show that the Fgf ligand 24 (Fgf24) is required for proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis of the early somatic gonad, and as a result, most fgf24 mutants are sterile as adults. Additionally, we describe the ultrastructural elements of the early zebrafish gonad and show that distinct somatic cell populations can be identified soon after the gonad forms. Specifically, we show that fgf24 is expressed in an epithelial population of early somatic gonad cells that surrounds an inner population of mesenchymal somatic gonad cells that are in direct contact with the germ cells, and that fgf24 is required for stratification of the somatic tissue. Furthermore, based on gene expression analysis, we find that differentiation of the inner mesenchymal somatic gonad cells into functional cell types in the larval and early juvenile-stage gonad is dependent on Fgf24 signaling. Finally, we argue that the role of Fgf24 in zebrafish is functionally analogous to the role of tetrapod FGF9 in early gonad development.

  10. Fibroblast growth factor 7 inhibits cholesterol 7{alpha}-hydroxylase gene expression in hepatocytes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sun, Zhichao; Yu, Xuemei; Wu, Weibin

    2012-07-13

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer FGF7 strongly and rapidly down-regulates the expression of CYP7A1 in hepatocytes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer FGF7 suppresses the expression of CYP7A1 via FGFR2 and downstream JNK activation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Blocking FGF7 abrogates HSC-induced inhibition of CYP7A1 expression in hepatocytes. -- Abstract: Cholesterol 7{alpha}-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) is the initial and rate-limiting enzyme for bile acid synthesis. Transcription of the CYP7A1 gene is regulated by bile acids, nuclear receptors and cytokines. Fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) secreted from activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) during chronic liver fibrosis regulates hepatocyte survival and liver regeneration. In the carbon tetrachloride (CCl{sub 4})-induced fibrotic mouse liver, we demonstrated thatmore » the expression of CYP7A1 was largely decreased while the expression of FGF7 was significantly increased. We further demonstrated that FGF7 inhibited CYP7A1 gene expression in hepatocytes. Knockdown study by short interfering RNA, kinase inhibition and phosphorylation assays revealed that the suppression of CYP7A1 expression by FGF7 was mediated by FGFR2 and its downstream JNK signaling cascade. The FGF7 neutralizing antibody restored CYP7A1 expression in Hep3B cells treated with conditioned medium from HSC. In summary, the data suggest that FGF7 is a novel regulator of CYP7A1 expression in hepatocytes and may prevent hepatocytes from accumulating toxic bile acids during liver injury and fibrosis.« less

  11. Epac1 increases migration of endothelial cells and melanoma cells via FGF2-mediated paracrine signaling

    PubMed Central

    Baljinnyam, Erdene; Umemura, Masanari; Chuang, Christine; De Lorenzo, Mariana S; Iwatsubo, Mizuka; Chen, Suzie; Goydos, James S; Ishikawa, Yoshihiro; Whitelock, John M; Iwatsubo, Kousaku

    2014-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) regulates endothelial and melanoma cell migration. The binding of FGF2 to its receptor requires N-sulfated heparan sulfate (HS) glycosamine. We have previously reported that Epac1, an exchange protein activated by cAMP, increases N-sulfation of HS in melanoma. Therefore, we examined whether Epac1 regulates FGF2-mediated cell–cell communication. Conditioned medium (CM) of melanoma cells with abundant expression of Epac1 increased migration of human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC) and melanoma cells with poor expression of Epac1. CM-induced increase in migration was inhibited by antagonizing FGF2, by the removal of HS and by the knockdown of Epac1. In addition, knockdown of Epac1 suppressed the binding of FGF2 to FGF receptor in HUVEC, and in vivo angiogenesis in melanoma. Furthermore, knockdown of Epac1 reduced N-sulfation of HS chains attached to perlecan, a major secreted type of HS proteoglycan that mediates the binding of FGF2 to FGF receptor. These data suggested that Epac1 in melanoma cells regulates melanoma progression via the HS–FGF2-mediated cell–cell communication. PMID:24725364

  12. Basic fibroblast growth factor protects against influenza A virus-induced acute lung injury by recruiting neutrophils.

    PubMed

    Wang, Keyu; Lai, Chengcai; Li, Tieling; Wang, Cheng; Wang, Wei; Ni, Bing; Bai, Changqing; Zhang, Shaogeng; Han, Lina; Gu, Hongjing; Zhao, Zhongpeng; Duan, Yueqiang; Yang, Xiaolan; Xing, Li; Zhao, Lingna; Zhou, Shanshan; Xia, Min; Jiang, Chengyu; Wang, Xiliang; Yang, Penghui

    2017-11-07

    Influenza virus (IAV) infection is a major cause of severe respiratory illness that affects almost every country in the world. IAV infections result in respiratory illness and even acute lung injury and death, but the underlying mechanisms responsible for IAV pathogenesis have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, the basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) level was markedly increased in H1N1 virus-infected humans and mice. FGF2, which is predominately derived from epithelial cells, recruits and activates neutrophils via the FGFR2-PI3K-AKT-NFκB signaling pathway. FGF2 depletion or knockout exacerbated influenza-associated disease by impairing neutrophil recruitment and activation. More importantly, administration of the recombinant FGF2 protein significantly alleviated the severity of IAV-induced lung injury and promoted the survival of IAV-infected mice. Based on the results from experiments in which neutrophils were depleted and adoptively transferred, FGF2 protected mice against IAV infection by recruiting neutrophils. Thus, FGF2 plays a critical role in preventing IAV-induced lung injury, and FGF2 is a promising potential therapeutic target during IAV infection. © The Author (2017). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Journal of Molecular Cell Biology, IBCB, SIBS, CAS. All rights reserved.

  13. Serum fibroblast growth factor 23 is a useful marker to distinguish vitamin D-deficient rickets from hypophosphatemic rickets.

    PubMed

    Kubota, Takuo; Kitaoka, Taichi; Miura, Kohji; Fujiwara, Makoto; Ohata, Yasuhisa; Miyoshi, Yoko; Yamamoto, Keiko; Takeyari, Shinji; Yamamoto, Takehisa; Namba, Noriyuki; Ozono, Keiichi

    2014-01-01

    Vitamin D-deficient rickets (DR) has recently re-emerged among developed countries. Vitamin D deficiency can influence biochemical results of patients with fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)-related hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets (HR), making differential diagnosis difficult. In the present study we evaluated the utility of serum FGF23 levels in the diagnosis of DR and during its treatment. The study group comprised 24 children with DR and 8 children with HR. Serum FGF23 levels and bone metabolism-related measurements were assessed. Serum FGF23 levels in patients with DR were less than 19 pg/ml, while those in patients with HR were more than 57 pg/ml. There were significant differences in serum levels of calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, as well as tubular maximum phosphate reabsorption per glomerular filtration rate between patients with DR and HR, but these values were not fully mutually exclusive. In addition, serum FGF23 and phosphate levels were increased following treatment. Serum FGF23 level is the most critical biochemical marker for distinguishing DR from HR and might be a good indicator of biochemical response to the intervention. Serum FGF23 levels show utility for the diagnosis of DR and in the assessment of its response to treatment.

  14. Iron Modifies Plasma FGF23 Differently in Autosomal Dominant Hypophosphatemic Rickets and Healthy Humans

    PubMed Central

    Peacock, Munro; Gray, Amie K.; Padgett, Leah R.; Hui, Siu L.; Econs, Michael J.

    2011-01-01

    Context: In autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) resists cleavage, causing increased plasma FGF23 levels. The clinical phenotype includes variable onset during childhood or adulthood and waxing/waning of hypophosphatemia. Delayed onset after puberty in females suggests iron status may be important. Objective: Studies were performed to test the hypothesis that plasma C-terminal and intact FGF23 concentrations are related to serum iron concentrations in ADHR. Design and Setting: Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of ADHR and a cross-sectional study in healthy subjects were conducted at an academic medical center. Participants: Participants included 37 subjects with ADHR mutations from four kindreds and 158 healthy adult controls. Main Outcome Measure: The relationships of serum iron concentrations with plasma C-terminal and intact FGF23 concentrations were evaluated. Results: Serum phosphate and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D correlated negatively with C-terminal FGF23 and intact FGF23 in ADHR but not in controls. Serum iron was negatively correlated to both C-terminal FGF23 (r = −0.386; P < 0.05) and intact FGF23 (r = −0.602; P < 0.0001) in ADHR. However, control subjects also demonstrated a negative relationship of serum iron with C-terminal FGF23 (r = −0.276; P < 0.001) but no relationship with intact FGF23. Longitudinally in ADHR subjects, C-terminal FGF23 and intact FGF23 concentrations changed negatively with iron concentrations (P < 0.001 and P = 0.055, respectively), serum phosphate changed negatively with C-terminal FGF23 and intact FGF23 (P < 0.001), and there was a positive relationship between serum iron and phosphate (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Low serum iron is associated with elevated FGF23 in ADHR. However, in controls, low serum iron was also associated with elevated C-terminal FGF23, but not intact FGF23, suggesting cleavage maintains homeostasis despite increased FGF23 expression. PMID:21880793

  15. Iron modifies plasma FGF23 differently in autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets and healthy humans.

    PubMed

    Imel, Erik A; Peacock, Munro; Gray, Amie K; Padgett, Leah R; Hui, Siu L; Econs, Michael J

    2011-11-01

    In autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) resists cleavage, causing increased plasma FGF23 levels. The clinical phenotype includes variable onset during childhood or adulthood and waxing/waning of hypophosphatemia. Delayed onset after puberty in females suggests iron status may be important. Studies were performed to test the hypothesis that plasma C-terminal and intact FGF23 concentrations are related to serum iron concentrations in ADHR. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of ADHR and a cross-sectional study in healthy subjects were conducted at an academic medical center. Participants included 37 subjects with ADHR mutations from four kindreds and 158 healthy adult controls. The relationships of serum iron concentrations with plasma C-terminal and intact FGF23 concentrations were evaluated. Serum phosphate and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D correlated negatively with C-terminal FGF23 and intact FGF23 in ADHR but not in controls. Serum iron was negatively correlated to both C-terminal FGF23 (r = -0.386; P < 0.05) and intact FGF23 (r = -0.602; P < 0.0001) in ADHR. However, control subjects also demonstrated a negative relationship of serum iron with C-terminal FGF23 (r = -0.276; P < 0.001) but no relationship with intact FGF23. Longitudinally in ADHR subjects, C-terminal FGF23 and intact FGF23 concentrations changed negatively with iron concentrations (P < 0.001 and P = 0.055, respectively), serum phosphate changed negatively with C-terminal FGF23 and intact FGF23 (P < 0.001), and there was a positive relationship between serum iron and phosphate (P < 0.001). Low serum iron is associated with elevated FGF23 in ADHR. However, in controls, low serum iron was also associated with elevated C-terminal FGF23, but not intact FGF23, suggesting cleavage maintains homeostasis despite increased FGF23 expression.

  16. FGF-23 Is a Negative Regulator of Prenatal and Postnatal Erythropoiesis*

    PubMed Central

    Coe, Lindsay M.; Madathil, Sangeetha Vadakke; Casu, Carla; Lanske, Beate; Rivella, Stefano; Sitara, Despina

    2014-01-01

    Abnormal blood cell production is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Bone-derived FGF-23 (fibroblast growth factor-23) regulates phosphate homeostasis and bone mineralization. Genetic deletion of Fgf-23 in mice (Fgf-23−/−) results in hypervitaminosis D, abnormal mineral metabolism, and reduced lymphatic organ size. Elevated FGF-23 levels are linked to CKD and greater risk of CVD, left ventricular hypertrophy, and mortality in dialysis patients. However, whether FGF-23 is involved in the regulation of erythropoiesis is unknown. Here we report that loss of FGF-23 results in increased hematopoietic stem cell frequency associated with increased erythropoiesis in peripheral blood and bone marrow in young adult mice. In particular, these hematopoietic changes are also detected in fetal livers, suggesting that they are not the result of altered bone marrow niche alone. Most importantly, administration of FGF-23 in wild-type mice results in a rapid decrease in erythropoiesis. Finally, we show that the effect of FGF-23 on erythropoiesis is independent of the high vitamin D levels in these mice. Our studies suggest a novel role for FGF-23 in erythrocyte production and differentiation and suggest that elevated FGF-23 levels contribute to the pathogenesis of anemia in patients with CKD and CVD. PMID:24509850

  17. Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor and its receptors FGFR1 and FGFR2 in human benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with finasteride.

    PubMed

    Sáez, C; González-Baena, A C; Japón, M A; Giráldez, J; Segura, D I; Rodríguez-Vallejo, J M; González-Esteban, J; Miranda, G; Torrubia, F

    1999-07-01

    The development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an androgen-dependent process which may be mediated by a number of locally produced growth factors. One of these, the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF2), has a mitogenic effect on prostatic stroma. High expression levels of bFGF have been reported in BPH. FGFR1 and FGFR2 receptors, that exhibit affinity for bFGF, have been identified in normal and hyperplastic prostate. Finasteride, a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, is an effective drug in the treatment of BPH, inducing regressive changes in the prostate of treated patients, even though its mechanisms of action are not yet completely elucidated. This study was designed to assess the effects of finasteride on the expression levels of bFGF, FGFR1, and FGFR2 in patients with BPH. The expression levels of bFGF, FGFR1, and FGFR2 in 9 patients with prostatic hyperplasia treated with finasteride were assessed by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of mRNA expression and were compared with those of 9 control patients with untreated BPH. Immunohistochemistry showed strong bFGF immunoreactivity in the prostatic stroma of untreated patients, this being somewhat weaker in the epithelium. In treated patients, epithelial immunoreactivity was practically negative, and a considerable reduction in stromal immunoreactivity was seen. These findings were also confirmed by RT-PCR. FGFR1 showed a weak immunoreactivity in the stroma and in basal epithelial cells. FGFR1 showed a weak immunoreactivity in the stroma and in basal epithelial cells. FGFR2 exhibited strong stromal immunoreactivity, becoming weaker in the basal epithelium. No differences were seen in the expression of both receptors between the groups of treated and untreated patients. A marked reduction in bFGF levels is seen in BPH treated with finasteride in comparison to untreated BPH. In our opinion, finasteride may act as a negative regulator of bFGF expression, counteracting the role of bFGF in the development of BPH.

  18. Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Influences Epidermal Homeostasis of Living Skin Equivalents through Affecting Fibroblast Phenotypes and Functions.

    PubMed

    Yang, Lujun; Zhang, Dangui; Wu, Hongjuan; Xie, Sitian; Zhang, Mingjun; Zhang, Bingna; Tang, Shijie

    2018-05-30

    To elucidate the possible mechanisms of how basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) influences epidermal homeostasis in a living skin equivalent (LSE) model. Several wound healing-related growth factors were analyzed at protein and mRNA levels for dermal fibroblasts of induced alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive or α-SMA-negative phenotypes. During culturing an LSE model by seeding normal human keratinocytes on a fibroblast-populated type I collagen gel, bFGF or neutralizing antibody for keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) was added to investigate its effects on fibroblast phenotypes and, subsequently, epidermal homeostasis by histology and immunohistochemistry. The α-SMA-positive phenotype of fibroblasts induced by transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) markedly suppressed the expression of KGF and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and slightly upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and TGF-β1 at mRNA and protein levels, compared with α-SMA-negative fibroblasts treated with bFGF. α-SMA expression of fibroblasts at the epidermal-mesenchymal junction of the LSEs was suppressed by the addition of bFGF, and a better-differentiated epidermis was presented. The abrogation of KGF from fibroblasts by the addition of the KGF neutralizing antibody disenabled the LSE culturing system to develop an epidermis. bFGF, through affecting the phenotypes and functions of fibroblasts, especially KGF expression, influenced epidermal homeostasis in an LSE model. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  19. Counter-regulatory paracrine actions of FGF-23 and 1,25(OH)2D in macrophages

    PubMed Central

    Han, Xiaobin; Li, Linqiang; Yang, Jiancheng; King, Gwendalyn; Xiao, Zhousheng; Quarles, Leigh Darryl

    2016-01-01

    Mechanisms underlying the association between fibroblastic growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and inflammation are uncertain. We found that FGF-23 was markedly up-regulated in LPS/INF-γ-induced proinflammatory M1 macrophages and Hyp mouse-derived peritoneal macrophages, but not in IL-4-induced M2 anti-inflammatory macrophages. NF-κB and JAK/STAT1 pathways mediated the increased transcription of FGF-23 in response to M1 polarization. FGF-23 stimulated TNF-α, but not IL-6, expression in M0 macrophages and suppressed Arginase-1 expression in M2 macrophages through FGFR-mediated mechanisms. 1,25(OH)2D stimulated Arginase-1 expression and inhibited FGF-23 stimulation of TNF-α. FGF-23 has proinflammatory paracrine functions and counter-regulatory actions to 1,25(OH)2D on innate immune responses. PMID:26762170

  20. [Anti-FGF23 antibody therapy for patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia].

    PubMed

    Kinoshita, Yuka; Fukumoto, Seiji

    2014-08-01

    Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a disease caused by fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) secreted from the causative tumor. This disease is cured by complete surgical removal of the tumor. However, there are several difficult cases in which the responsible tumors cannot be found, are incompletely removed, or relapse after the surgery. Anti-FGF23 antibody is being studied as a novel therapy for FGF23-related hypophosphatemic diseases. The efficacy of anti-FGF23 antibodies were confirmed using a murine model of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLHR) , which is the most common heritable form of FGF23-related hypophosphatemic disease. In addition, results of phase I study of single injection of humanized anti-FGF23 antibody for adult patients with XLHR were recently published and the safety and effectiveness of this antibody was shown. This antibody therapy may be useful for patients with TIO with similar pathogenesis to that of XLHR.

  1. Regulatory module involving FGF13, miR-504, and p53 regulates ribosomal biogenesis and supports cancer cell survival

    PubMed Central

    Bublik, Débora R.; Bursać, Slađana; Sheffer, Michal; Oršolić, Ines; Shalit, Tali; Tarcic, Ohad; Kotler, Eran; Mouhadeb, Odelia; Hoffman, Yonit; Fuchs, Gilad; Levin, Yishai; Volarević, Siniša; Oren, Moshe

    2017-01-01

    The microRNA miR-504 targets TP53 mRNA encoding the p53 tumor suppressor. miR-504 resides within the fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13) gene, which is overexpressed in various cancers. We report that the FGF13 locus, comprising FGF13 and miR-504, is transcriptionally repressed by p53, defining an additional negative feedback loop in the p53 network. Furthermore, we show that FGF13 1A is a nucleolar protein that represses ribosomal RNA transcription and attenuates protein synthesis. Importantly, in cancer cells expressing high levels of FGF13, the depletion of FGF13 elicits increased proteostasis stress, associated with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. Notably, stepwise neoplastic transformation is accompanied by a gradual increase in FGF13 expression and increased dependence on FGF13 for survival (“nononcogene addiction”). Moreover, FGF13 overexpression enables cells to cope more effectively with the stress elicited by oncogenic Ras protein. We propose that, in cells in which activated oncogenes drive excessive protein synthesis, FGF13 may favor survival by maintaining translation rates at a level compatible with the protein quality-control capacity of the cell. Thus, FGF13 may serve as an enabler, allowing cancer cells to evade proteostasis stress triggered by oncogene activation. PMID:27994142

  2. Characterizing Factors Associated With Differences in FGF19 Blood Levels and Synthesis in Patients With Primary Bile Acid Diarrhea.

    PubMed

    Johnston, Ian M; Nolan, Jonathan D; Pattni, Sanjeev S; Appleby, Richard N; Zhang, Justine H; Kennie, Sarah L; Madhan, Gaganjit K; Jameie-Oskooei, Sina; Pathmasrirengam, Shivani; Lin, Jeremy; Hong, Albert; Dixon, Peter H; Williamson, Catherine; Walters, Julian R F

    2016-03-01

    Chronic diarrhea caused by primary bile acid diarrhea (PBAD) is a common condition. We have previously shown PBAD is associated with low fasting serum levels of the ileal hormone, fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19). FGF19 is a negative regulator of hepatic bile acid synthesis and is stimulated by farnesoid X receptor agonists, which produce symptomatic improvement in PBAD. We aimed to assess possible causes for low serum FGF19 in patients with PBAD. Patients with PBAD, defined by reduced (75)Se-labelled homocholic acid taurine (SeHCAT) retention, and idiopathic diarrhea controls had measurements of fasting lipids and fasting/post-prandial FGF19 serum profiles. Specific functional variants in candidate genes were investigated in exploratory studies. In further groups, basal and bile acid-stimulated transcript expression was determined in ileal biopsies and explant cultures by quantitative PCR. FGF19 profiles in PBAD patients included low fasting and meal-stimulated responses, which were both strongly correlated with SeHCAT. A subgroup of 30% of PBAD patients had fasting hypertriglyceridemia and higher FGF19. No clear significant differences were found for any genetic variant but there were borderline associations with FGFR4 and KLB. SeHCAT retention significantly correlated with the basal ileal transcript expression of FGF19 (rs=0.59, P=0.03) and apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) (rs=0.49, P=0.04), and also with the degree of stimulation by chenodeoxycholic acid at 6 h for transcripts of FGF19 (median 184-fold, rs=0.50, P=0.02) and ileal bile acid binding protein (IBABP) (median 2.2-fold, rs=0.47, P=0.04). Median stimulation of FGF19 was lower in patients with SeHCAT retention <10% (P=0.01). These studies demonstrate a complex, multifactorial etiology of PBAD, including impairments in ileal FGF19 expression and responsiveness.

  3. Role of FGF and noggin in neural crest induction.

    PubMed

    Mayor, R; Guerrero, N; Martínez, C

    1997-09-01

    A study of the molecules noggin and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and its receptor in the induction of the prospective neural crest in Xenopus laevis embryos has been carried out, using the expression of the gene Xslu as a marker for the neural crest. We show that when a truncated FGF receptor (XFD) was expressed ectopically in order to block FGF signaling Xslu expression was inhibited. The effect of XFD on Xslu was specific and could be reversed by the coinjection of the wild-type FGF receptor (FGFR). Inhibition of Xslu expression by XFD is not a consequence of neural plate inhibition, as was shown by analyzing Xsox-2 expression. When ectoderm expressing XFD was transplanted into the prospective neural fold region of embryos Xslu induction was inhibited. The neural crest can also be induced by an interaction between neural plate and epidermis. As this induction is suppressed by the presence of XFD in the neural plate and not in the epidermis, it suggests that the neural crest is induced by FGF from the epidermis. However, treatment of neural plate with FGF was not able to induce Xslug expression, showing that in addition to FGF other non-FGF factors are also required. Previously we have suggested that the ectopic ventral expression of Xslu produced by overexpression of noggin mRNA resulted from an interaction of noggin with a ventral signal. Overexpression of XFD inhibits this effect, suggesting that FGF could be one component involved in this ventral signaling. Overexpression of FGFR produced a remarkable increase in the expression of Xslu in the posterior neural folds and around the blastopore. Injections in different blastomeres of the embryo suggest that the target cells of this effect are the ventral cells. Finally, we proposed a model in which the induction of the neural crests at the border of the neural plate requires functional FGF signaling, which possibly interacts with a neural inducer such as noggin.

  4. Treatment of X-Linked Hypophosphatemia with Calcitriol and Phosphate Increases Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Concentrations

    PubMed Central

    Imel, Erik A.; DiMeglio, Linda A.; Hui, Siu L.; Carpenter, Thomas O.; Econs, Michael J.

    2010-01-01

    Context: X-Linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is characterized by renal phosphate wasting, with inappropriately low or normal serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations causing rickets and osteomalacia. Mutations in PHEX result in increased fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) expression, elevating circulating FGF23 concentrations. Treating XLH with phosphate and calcitriol may further increase FGF23 concentrations, based on in vitro and in vivo models. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate whether current standard XLH therapies increase circulating FGF23 concentrations. Design and Setting: We conducted a prospective observational study of XLH subjects during routine clinical management at two tertiary referral centers. Patients: The study included 10 XLH patients (seven children, three adults; age, 2–30 yr) initiating therapy and five XLH patients (age, 18–41 yr) electing not to undergo therapy. Intervention(s): Oral calcitriol and phosphate were administered. Main Outcome Measures: We measured circulating intact FGF23 concentrations. Results: Baseline circulating FGF23 concentrations were elevated in 14 of 15 subjects, increasing after treatment in most subjects. Follow-up was 14.4 ± 11.7 months (treatment cohort) and 25 ± 32 months (nontreatment cohort). FGF23 concentrations increased 132.7 ± 202.4% from pretreatment to peak during therapy but did not change significantly over time in the nontreatment cohort. FGF23 concentrations were related to phosphate doses (P = 0.04) and nonsignificantly to calcitriol doses (P = 0.06). Conclusions: Treating XLH with phosphate and calcitriol was associated with concurrent increases in circulating FGF23 concentrations, which may diminish therapeutic effect or contribute to complications of therapy. Because it is unknown whether the degree of FGF23 elevation correlates with disease severity in XLH, further study is needed to determine whether adjusting therapy to minimize effects on FGF23 concentration is warranted. PMID:20157195

  5. High-efficiency production of bioactive recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 18 in Escherichia coli and its effects on hair follicle growth.

    PubMed

    Song, Lintao; Huang, Zhifeng; Chen, Yu; Li, Haiyan; Jiang, Chao; Li, Xiaokun

    2014-01-01

    Using fusion tags, expression of recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 18 (rhFGF18) in mammalian cells and Escherichia coli has been extensively used for fundamental research and clinical applications, including chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, hair growth, and neuroprotection. However, high-level rhFGF18 expression is difficult and the products are often not homogeneous. Furthermore, fusion-tagged protein has higher immunogenicity and lower bioactivity, and the removal of the fused tag is expensive. To overcome the limitations of fusion-tagged expression of protein and to prepare soluble highly bioactive rhFGF18, we have developed a rapid and efficient expression strategy. Optimized hFGF18 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and cloned into pET22b and pET3c vectors, then transformed into E. coli strains Origima (DE3) and BL21 (DE3)PlysS. The best combination of plasmid and host strain was selected, and only Origima (DE3)/pET3c-rhFGF18 was screened for high-level expressed rhFGF18. Under optimal conditions in a 30-L fermentor, the average bacterial yield and expression level of rhFGF18 of three batches were more than 652 g and 30 % respectively, after treatment with 1 mM isopropyl-thio-β-galactopyranoside for 10 h at 25 °C. The target protein was purified by CM Sepharose FF and heparin affinity chromatography. The purity of rhFGF18 was shown by HPLC to be higher than 95 %, and the yield was 155 mg/L. In vitro MTT assays demonstrated that the purified rhFGF18 could stimulate significant proliferation of NIH3T3 cells, and animal experiments showed that rhFGF18 could effectively regulate hair growth. In conclusion, this may be a better method of producing rhFGF18 to meet the increasing demand in its pharmacological application.

  6. Effects of concomitant use of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 with beta-tricalcium phosphate ({beta}-TCP) on the beagle dog 1-wall periodontal defect model

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Anzai, Jun, E-mail: anzai_jun@kaken.co.jp; Department of Periodontology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871; Kitamura, Masahiro, E-mail: kitamura@dent.osaka-u.ac.jp

    Research highlights: {yields} Concomitant use of FGF-2 and {beta}-TCP (an osteo-conductive scaffold) significantly promotes periodontal regeneration in the severe periodontitis model (1-wall defect model) of beagle dog. {yields} FGF-2 enhanced new bone formation via {beta}-TCP at the defects. {yields} In particular, FGF-2 dramatically regenerated new periodontal ligament and cementum formations at the defects, that is one of the most important healing outcomes during the process of periodontal regeneration. {yields} Epithelial downgrowth (undesirable wound healing) was decreased by administration of FGF-2. {yields} This manuscript indicates for the first time that concomitant use of FGF-2 and {beta}-TCP is efficacious in regenerating periodontalmore » tissue following severe destruction of the tissue by progression of periodontitis. -- Abstract: The effects of concomitant use of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and beta-tricalcium phosphate ({beta}-TCP) on periodontal regeneration were investigated in the beagle dog 1-wall periodontal defect model. One-wall periodontal defects were created in the mesial portion of both sides of the mandibular first molars, and 0.3% FGF-2 plus {beta}-TCP or {beta}-TCP alone was administered. Radiographic evaluation was performed at 0, 3, and 6 weeks. At 6 weeks, the periodontium with the defect site was removed and histologically analyzed. Radiographic findings showed that co-administration of FGF-2 significantly increased bone mineral contents of the defect sites compared with {beta}-TCP alone. Histologic analysis revealed that the length of the regenerated periodontal ligament, the cementum, distance to the junctional epithelium, new bone height, and area of newly formed bone were significantly increased in the FGF-2 group. No abnormal inflammatory response or ankylosis was observed in either group. These findings indicate the efficacy of concomitant use of FGF-2 and {beta}-TCP as an osteoconductive material for periodontal regeneration following severe destruction by progressive periodontitis.« less

  7. FGF-1-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in breast cancer cells is mediated by increased activities of NF-kappaB and activating protein-1.

    PubMed

    Lungu, Gina; Covaleda, Lina; Mendes, Odete; Martini-Stoica, Heidi; Stoica, George

    2008-06-01

    Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays a critical role in tumor invasion and metastasis. Here, we investigate the effect of fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) on the expression of MMP-9 in ENU1564, an ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced rat mammary adenocarcinoma cell line. We observed that FGF-1 induces a dose-dependent increase in MMP-9 mRNA, protein, and activity in ENU1564 cells. To gain insight into the molecular mechanism of MMP-9 regulation by FGF-1, we investigated the role of components of PI3K-Akt and MEK1/2-ERK signaling pathways in our system since NF-kappaB and AP-1 transcription factor binding sites have been characterized in the upstream region of the MMP-9 gene. We demonstrated that FGF-1 increases Akt phosphorylation, triggers nuclear translocation of NF-kappaBp65, and enhances degradation of cytoplasmic IkappaBalpha. Pretreatment of cells with LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, significantly inhibited MMP-9 protein expression in FGF-1-treated cells. Conversely, our data show that FGF-1 increases ERK phosphorylation in ENU1564 cells, increases c-jun and c-fos mRNA expression in a time-dependent manner, and triggers nuclear translocation of c-jun. Pretreatment of cells with PD98059, a MEK1/2 inhibitor significantly inhibited MMP-9 protein expression in FGF-1 treated cells. Finally, we observed increased DNA binding of NF-kappaB and AP-1 in FGF-1-treated cells and that mutation of either NF-kappaB or AP-1 response elements prevented MMP-9 promoter activation by FGF-1. Taken together, these results demonstrated that FGF-1-induced MMP-9 expression in ENU1564 cells is associated with increasing DNA binding activities of NF-kappaB and AP-1 and involve activation of a dual signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt and MEK1/2-ERK. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  8. Remodelling of human osteoarthritic cartilage by FGF-2, alone or combined with Sox9 via rAAV gene transfer.

    PubMed

    Cucchiarini, Magali; Terwilliger, Ernest F; Kohn, Dieter; Madry, Henning

    2009-08-01

    Compensating for the loss of extracellular cartilage matrix, as well as counteracting the alterations of the chondrocyte phenotype in osteoarthritis are of key importance to develop effective therapeutic strategies against this disorder. In the present study, we analysed the benefits of applying a potent gene combination to remodel human osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage. We employed the promising recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector to deliver the mitogenic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) factor, alone or simultaneously with the transcription factor Sox9 as a key activator of matrix synthesis, to human normal and OA articular chondrocytes. We evaluated the effects of single (FGF-2) or combined (FGF-2/SOX9) transgene expression upon the regenerative activities of chondrocytes in three dimensional cultures in vitro and in cartilage explants in situ. Single overexpression of FGF-2 enhanced the survival and proliferation of both normal and OA chondrocytes, without stimulating the matrix synthetic processes in the increased pools of cells. The mitogenic properties of FGF-2 were maintained when SOX9 was co-overexpressed and concomitant with an increase in the production of proteoglycans and type-II collagen, suggesting that the transcription factor was capable of counterbalancing the effects of FGF-2 on matrix accumulation. Also important, expression of type-X collagen, a marker of hypertrophy strongly decreased following treatment by the candidate vectors. Most remarkably, the levels of activities achieved in co-treated human OA cartilage were similar to or higher than those observed in normal cartilage. The present findings show that combined expression of candidate factors in OA cartilage can re-establish key features of normal cartilage and prevent the pathological shift of metabolic homeostasis. These data provide further motivation to develop coupled gene transfer approaches via rAAV for the treatment of human OA.

  9. Mouse species-specific control of hepatocarcinogenesis and metabolism by FGF19/FGF15.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Mei; Luo, Jian; Chen, Michael; Yang, Hong; Learned, R Marc; DePaoli, Alex M; Tian, Hui; Ling, Lei

    2017-06-01

    Bile acid nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a key molecular mediator of many metabolic processes, including the regulation of bile acid, lipid and glucose homeostasis. A significant component of FXR-mediated events essential to its biological activity is attributed to induction of the enteric endocrine hormone fibroblast growth factor (FGF)19 or its rodent ortholog, FGF15. In this report, we compared the properties of human FGF19 and murine FGF15 in the regulation of hepatocarcinogenesis and metabolism in various mouse models of disease. Tumorigenicity was assessed in three mouse models (db/db, diet-induced obese, and multi-drug resistance 2 [Mdr2]-deficient) following continuous exposure to FGF19 or FGF15 via adeno-associated viral-mediated gene delivery. Glucose, hemoglobin A1c and β-cell mass were characterized in db/db mice. Oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, and body composition were evaluated in diet-induced obese mice. Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were assessed in Mdr2-deficient mice. Expression profiles of genes encoding key proteins involved in bile acid synthesis and hepatocarcinogenesis were also determined. Both FGF15 and FGF19 hormones repressed bile acid synthesis (p<0.001 for both). However, murine FGF15 lacked the protective effects characteristic of human FGF19 in db/db mice with overt diabetes, such as weight-independent HbA1c-lowering and β-cell-protection. Unlike FGF19, FGF15 did not induce hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) in three mouse models of metabolic diseases (db/db, diet-induced obese, and multi-drug resistance 2 [Mdr2]-deficient mice), even at supra-pharmacological exposure levels. Fundamental species-associated differences between FGF19 and FGF15 may restrict the relevance of mouse models for the study of the FXR/FGF19 pathway, and underscore the importance of clinical assessment of this pathway, with respect to both safety and efficacy in humans. Activation of the nuclear receptor, FXR, leads to the production of a hormone called fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and subsequently regulation of multiple metabolic processes. Synthetic activators of FXR have been recently approved or are currently in clinical development for treatment of chronic liver diseases, including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The safety of these activators was partly assessed in mice exposed for prolonged periods of time. However, the results of this study show that mouse FGF15 and human FGF19 exhibit fundamentally different biological activities in mice. This could raise the concern of relying on rodent models for safety assessment of FXR activators. The potential risk of HCC development in patients treated with FXR agonists may need to be monitored. Copyright © 2017 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Oil Body-Bound Oleosin-rhFGF-10: A Novel Drug Delivery System that Improves Skin Penetration to Accelerate Wound Healing and Hair Growth in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Jing; Cai, Jingbo; Wang, Hongyu; Tian, Haishan; Huang, Jian; Qiang, Weidong; Zhang, Linbo; Li, Haiyan; Li, Xiaokun; Jiang, Chao

    2017-01-01

    Recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 10 (rhFGF-10) is frequently used to treat patients with skin injuries. It can also promote hair growth. However, the effective application of rhFGF-10 is limited because of its poor stability and transdermal absorption. In this study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blotting were used to identify transgenic safflowers carrying a gene encoding an oleosin-rhFGF-10 fusion protein. The size and structural integrity of oleosin-rhFGF-10 in oil bodies extracted from transgenic safflower seeds was characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting. Oil body extracts containing oleosin-rhFGF-10 were topically applied to mouse skin. The absorption of oleosin-rhFGF-10 was studied by immunohistochemistry. Its efficiency in promoting wound healing and hair regeneration were evaluated in full thickness wounds and hair growth assays. We identified a safflower line that carried the transgene and expressed a 45 kDa oleosin-rhFGF-10 protein. Oil body-bound oleosin-rhFGF-10 was absorbed by the skin with higher efficiency and speed compared with prokaryotically-expressed rhFGF-10. Oleosin-rhFGF-10 also enhanced wound closure and promoted hair growth better than rhFGF-10. The application of oleosin-rhFGF-10 in oil bodies promoted its delivery through the skin, providing a basis for improved therapeutic effects in enhancing wound healing and hair growth. PMID:29057820

  11. Oil Body-Bound Oleosin-rhFGF-10: A Novel Drug Delivery System that Improves Skin Penetration to Accelerate Wound Healing and Hair Growth in Mice.

    PubMed

    Li, Wenqing; Yang, Jing; Cai, Jingbo; Wang, Hongyu; Tian, Haishan; Huang, Jian; Qiang, Weidong; Zhang, Linbo; Li, Haiyan; Li, Xiaokun; Jiang, Chao

    2017-10-18

    Recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 10 (rhFGF-10) is frequently used to treat patients with skin injuries. It can also promote hair growth. However, the effective application of rhFGF-10 is limited because of its poor stability and transdermal absorption. In this study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blotting were used to identify transgenic safflowers carrying a gene encoding an oleosin-rhFGF-10 fusion protein. The size and structural integrity of oleosin-rhFGF-10 in oil bodies extracted from transgenic safflower seeds was characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting. Oil body extracts containing oleosin-rhFGF-10 were topically applied to mouse skin. The absorption of oleosin-rhFGF-10 was studied by immunohistochemistry. Its efficiency in promoting wound healing and hair regeneration were evaluated in full thickness wounds and hair growth assays. We identified a safflower line that carried the transgene and expressed a 45 kDa oleosin-rhFGF-10 protein. Oil body-bound oleosin-rhFGF-10 was absorbed by the skin with higher efficiency and speed compared with prokaryotically-expressed rhFGF-10. Oleosin-rhFGF-10 also enhanced wound closure and promoted hair growth better than rhFGF-10. The application of oleosin-rhFGF-10 in oil bodies promoted its delivery through the skin, providing a basis for improved therapeutic effects in enhancing wound healing and hair growth.

  12. Fibroblast growth factor 2 regulates bone sialoprotein gene transcription in human breast cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Li, Zhengyang; Wang, Zhitao; Yang, Li; Li, Xinyue; Sasaki, Yoko; Wang, Shuang; Araki, Shouta; Mezawa, Masaru; Takai, Hideki; Nakayama, Youhei; Ogata, Yorimasa

    2010-03-01

    Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a major non-collagenous, extracellular matrix glycoprotein associated with mineralized tissues. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is recognized as a potent mitogen for a variety of mesenchymal cells. FGF2 produced by osteoblasts accumulates in the bone matrix and acts as an autocrine/paracrine regulator of osteoblasts. We previously reported that FGF2 regulates BSP gene transcription through the FGF2 response element (FRE) and activator protein 1 (AP1) binding site overlapping with the glucocorticoid response element in the rat BSP gene promoter. In the present study, FGF2 (10 ng/ml) increased BSP and Runx2 mRNA levels at 6 h in MCF7 human breast cancer cells. Transient transfection analyses were performed using chimeric constructs of the human BSP gene promoter linked to a luciferase reporter gene. Treatment of MCF7 cells with FGF2 (10 ng/ml) increased the luciferase activity of the constructs between -84LUC and -927LUC. Gel mobility shift analyses showed that FGF2 increased the binding of AP1 and CRE2. The CRE2- and AP1-protein complexes were disrupted by antibodies against CREB1, c-Fos, c-Jun, Fra2, p300 and Runx2. These studies demonstrate that FGF2 stimulates BSP transcription in MCF7 human breast cancer cells by targeting the AP1 and CRE2 elements in the human BSP gene promoter.

  13. Fibroblast growth factor deficiencies impact anxiety-like behavior and the serotonergic system.

    PubMed

    Brooks, Leah R; Enix, Courtney L; Rich, Samuel C; Magno, Jinno A; Lowry, Christopher A; Tsai, Pei-San

    2014-05-01

    Serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) are organized in anatomically distinct subregions that form connections with specific brain structures to modulate diverse behaviors, including anxiety-like behavior. It is unclear if the functional heterogeneity of these neurons is coupled to their developmental heterogeneity, and if abnormal development of specific DR serotonergic subregions can permanently impact anxiety circuits and behavior. The goal of this study was to examine if deficiencies in different components of fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling could preferentially impact the development of specific populations of DR serotonergic neurons to alter anxiety-like behavior in adulthood. Wild-type and heterozygous male mice globally hypomorphic for Fgf8, Fgfr1, or both (Fgfr1/Fgf8) were tested in an anxiety-related behavioral battery. Both Fgf8- and Fgfr1/Fgf8-deficient mice display increased anxiety-like behavior as measured in the elevated plus-maze and the open-field tests. Immunohistochemical staining of a serotonergic marker, tryptophan hydroxylase (Tph), revealed reductions in specific populations of serotonergic neurons in the ventral, interfascicular, and ventrolateral/ventrolateral periaqueductal gray subregions of the DR in all Fgf-deficient mice, suggesting a neuroanatomical basis for increased anxiety-like behavior. Overall, this study suggests Fgf signaling selectively modulates the development of different serotonergic neuron subpopulations. Further, it suggests anxiety-like behavior may stem from developmental disruption of these neurons, and individuals with inactivating mutations in Fgf signaling genes may be predisposed to anxiety disorders. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  14. [Regulation of airway stem cell proliferation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis].

    PubMed

    Yang, S X; Wu, Q; Sun, X; Li, X; Li, K; Xu, L; Li, Y; Zhang, Q Y; Zhang, Y C; Chen, H Y

    2016-09-01

    To investigate the effect of fibroblasts on regulating airway stem cell proliferation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Lung cell suspension was prepared from β-actin-GFP mice. Airway stem cells were obtained by fluorescence activated cell sorting and co-cultured with lung fibroblasts. The fibroblasts were treated with TGF-β inhibitor SB43142. The expression of growth factors FGF1/2 and the effect of FGF1/2 on stem cell proliferation were observed. The cloning efficiency of airway stem cells, when co-cultured with normal lung fibroblast cells for 8 days, was (3.5±1.1)%, while the cloning efficiency was reduced to (0.04±0.04)% when co-cultured with lung fibroblasts from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant(P=0.002 5). TGF-β receptor inhibitor SB431542 increased lung fibroblast growth factors FGF1/2 expression.FGF1 mRNA expression was increased to the experimental group 0.005 5 from 0.000 2 in the control group.FGF2 mRNA expression of the amount raised to the experimental group 0.000 15 from 0.000 8 in the control group.FGF1/2 promoted the growth of airway stem cells. After FGF1/2 was co-cultured with normal lung fibroblast cells for 8 days, the cloning efficiency of airway stem cells was (0.3±0.1)%. During the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, fibroblast secreted FGF1/2 regulate airway stem cell proliferation.

  15. Increased Circulating FGF23 Does Not Lead to Cardiac Hypertrophy in the Male Hyp Mouse Model of XLH.

    PubMed

    Liu, Eva S; Thoonen, Robrecht; Petit, Elizabeth; Yu, Binglan; Buys, Emmanuel S; Scherrer-Crosbie, Marielle; Demay, Marie B

    2018-05-01

    Serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) markedly increase with renal impairment, with FGF23 levels correlating with the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). FGF23 activates calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) signaling and induces hypertrophy in murine cardiomyocytes. X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is characterized by high circulating levels of FGF23 but, in contrast to CKD, is associated with hypophosphatemia. The cardiac effects of high circulating levels of FGF23 in XLH are not well defined. Thus, studies were undertaken to define the cardiac phenotype in the mouse model of XLH (Hyp mice). Echocardiographic and histological analyses demonstrated that Hyp left ventricles (LVs) are smaller than those of wild-type mice. Messenger RNA expression of cardiac hypertrophy markers was not altered in the LV or right ventricle of Hyp mice. However, the Hyp LVs had increased expression of the NFAT target genes NFATc1 and RCAN1. To determine whether phosphate alone can induce markers of hypertrophy, differentiated C2C12 myocytes were treated with phosphate. Phosphate treatment increased expression of cardiac hypertrophy markers, supporting a primary role for phosphate in inducing LVH. Although previous studies showed that increased circulating FGF23 and phosphate levels are associated with LVH, our results demonstrated that in XLH, high circulating levels of FGF23 in the setting of hypophosphatemia do not induce cardiac hypertrophy.

  16. Single-domain antibodies that compete with the natural ligand fibroblast growth factor block the internalization of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Veggiani, Gianluca; Ossolengo, Giuseppe; Aliprandi, Marisa

    2011-05-20

    Highlights: {yields} Recombinant antibodies for FGFR1 were isolated from a llama naive library in VHH format. {yields} These antibodies compete with the natural ligand FGF-2 for the same epitope on FGFR1. {yields} The antibody competition inhibits the FGF-2-dependent internalization of FGFR1. -- Abstract: Single-domain antibodies in VHH format specific for fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) were isolated from a phage-display llama naive library. In particular, phage elution in the presence of the natural receptor ligand fibroblast growth factor (FGF) allowed for the identification of recombinant antibodies that compete with FGF for the same region on the receptor surface. Thesemore » antibodies posses a relatively low affinity for FGFR1 and were never identified when unspecific elution conditions favoring highly affine binders were applied to panning procedures. Two populations of competitive antibodies were identified that labeled specifically the receptor-expressing cells in immunofluorescence and recognize distinct epitopes. Antibodies from both populations effectively prevented FGF-dependent internalization and nuclear accumulation of the receptor in cultured cells. This achievement indicates that these antibodies have a capacity to modulate the receptor physiology and, therefore, constitute powerful reagents for basic research and a potential lead for therapeutic applications.« less

  17. Nitric oxide mediates angiogenesis induced in vivo by platelet-activating factor and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

    PubMed Central

    Montrucchio, G.; Lupia, E.; de Martino, A.; Battaglia, E.; Arese, M.; Tizzani, A.; Bussolino, F.; Camussi, G.

    1997-01-01

    We evaluated the role of an endogenous production of nitric oxide (NO) in the in vitro migration of endothelial cells and in the in vivo angiogenic response elicited by platelet-activating factor (PAF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The NO synthase inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME), but not its enantiomer D-NAME, prevented chemotaxis of endothelial cells induced in vitro by PAF and by TNF. The motogenic activity of TNF was also inhibited by WEB 2170, a specific PAF-receptor antagonist. In contrast, chemotaxis induced by bFGF was not prevented by L-NAME or by WEB 2170. Angiogenesis was studied in vivo in a murine model in which Matrigel was used as a vehicle for the delivery of mediators. In this model, the angiogenesis induced by PAF and TNF was inhibited by WEB 2170 and L-NAME but not by D-NAME. In contrast, angiogenesis induced by bFGF was not affected by L-NAME or by WEB 2170. TNF, but not bFGF, induced PAF synthesis within Matrigel. These results suggest that NO mediates the angiogenesis induced by PAF as well as that induced by TNF, which is dependent on the production of PAF. In contrast, the angiogenic effect of bFGF appears to be both PAF and NO independent. Images Figure 3 Figure 4 PMID:9250168

  18. Comparative Evaluation of TRAIL, FGF-2 and VEGF-A-Induced Angiogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo

    PubMed Central

    Cartland, Siân P.; Genner, Scott W.; Zahoor, Amna; Kavurma, Mary M.

    2016-01-01

    Tumor necrosis-factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been implicated in angiogenesis; the growth of new blood vessels from an existing vessel bed. Our aim was to compare pro-angiogenic responses of TRAIL, vascular endothelial growth-factor-A (VEGF-A) and fibroblast growth-factor-2 (FGF-2) either separately (10 ng/mL) or in combination, followed by the assessment of proliferation, migration and tubule formation using human microvascular endothelial-1 (HMEC-1) cells in vitro. Angiogenesis was also measured in vivo using the Matrigel plug assay. TRAIL and FGF-2 significantly augmented HMEC-1 cell proliferation and migration, with combination treatment having an enhanced effect on cell migration only. In contrast, VEGF-A did not stimulate HMEC-1 migration at 10 ng/mL. Tubule formation was induced by all three factors, with TRAIL more effective compared to VEGF-A, but not FGF-2. TRAIL at 400 ng/mL, but not VEGF-A, promoted CD31-positive staining into the Matrigel plug. However, FGF-2 was superior, stimulating cell infiltration and angiogenesis better than TRAIL and VEGF-A in vivo. These findings demonstrate that each growth factor is more effective at different processes of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Understanding how these molecules stimulate different processes relating to angiogenesis may help identify new strategies and treatments aimed at inhibiting or promoting dysregulated angiogenesis in people. PMID:27918462

  19. Comparative Evaluation of TRAIL, FGF-2 and VEGF-A-Induced Angiogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo.

    PubMed

    Cartland, Siân P; Genner, Scott W; Zahoor, Amna; Kavurma, Mary M

    2016-12-02

    Tumor necrosis-factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been implicated in angiogenesis; the growth of new blood vessels from an existing vessel bed. Our aim was to compare pro-angiogenic responses of TRAIL, vascular endothelial growth-factor-A (VEGF-A) and fibroblast growth-factor-2 (FGF-2) either separately (10 ng/mL) or in combination, followed by the assessment of proliferation, migration and tubule formation using human microvascular endothelial-1 (HMEC-1) cells in vitro. Angiogenesis was also measured in vivo using the Matrigel plug assay. TRAIL and FGF-2 significantly augmented HMEC-1 cell proliferation and migration, with combination treatment having an enhanced effect on cell migration only. In contrast, VEGF-A did not stimulate HMEC-1 migration at 10 ng/mL. Tubule formation was induced by all three factors, with TRAIL more effective compared to VEGF-A, but not FGF-2. TRAIL at 400 ng/mL, but not VEGF-A, promoted CD31-positive staining into the Matrigel plug. However, FGF-2 was superior, stimulating cell infiltration and angiogenesis better than TRAIL and VEGF-A in vivo. These findings demonstrate that each growth factor is more effective at different processes of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Understanding how these molecules stimulate different processes relating to angiogenesis may help identify new strategies and treatments aimed at inhibiting or promoting dysregulated angiogenesis in people.

  20. Psychological Stress Delays Periodontitis Healing in Rats: The Involvement of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Ya-Juan; Li, Qiang; Cheng, Bai-Xiang; Zhang, Min; Chen, Yong-Jin

    2012-01-01

    Objective. To evaluate the effects of psychological stress on periodontitis healing in rats and the contribution of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression to the healing process. Methods. Ninety-six rats were randomly distributed into control group, periodontitis group, and periodontitis plus stress group. Then, the rats were sacrificed at baseline and week(s) 1, 2, and 4. The periodontitis healing condition was assessed, and the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and bFGF were tested by immunohistochemistry. Results. The stressed rats showed reduced body weight gain, behavioral changes, and increased serum corticosterone and ACTH levels (P < 0.05). The surface of inflammatory infiltrate, alveolar bone loss, attachment loss, and expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in the stress group were higher than those in the periodontitis group at weeks 2 and 4 (P < 0.05). Rats with experimental periodontitis showed decreased bFGF expression (P < 0.05), and the recovery of bFGF expression in the stress group was slower than that in the periodontitis group (P < 0.05). Negative correlations between inflammatory cytokines and bFGF were detected. Conclusion. Psychological stress could delay periodontitis healing in rats, which may be partly mediated by downregulation of the expression of bFGF in the periodontal ligament. PMID:23326020

  1. FGF21 Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Induced Cognitive Impairment via Metabolic Regulation and Anti-inflammation of Obese Mice.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qingzhi; Yuan, Jing; Yu, Zhanyang; Lin, Li; Jiang, Yinghua; Cao, Zeyuan; Zhuang, Pengwei; Whalen, Michael J; Song, Bo; Wang, Xiao-Jie; Li, Xiaokun; Lo, Eng H; Xu, Yuming; Wang, Xiaoying

    2018-06-01

    Accumulating studies suggest that overnutrition-associated obesity may lead to development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndromes (MetS). MetS and its components are important risk factors of mild cognitive impairment, age-related cognitive decline, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. It has been recently proposed that development of a disease-course modification strategy toward early and effective risk factor management would be clinically significant in reducing the risk of metabolic disorder-initiated cognitive decline. In the present study, we propose that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a novel candidate for the disease-course modification approach. Using a high-fat diet (HFD) consumption-induced obese mouse model, we tested our hypothesis that recombinant human FGF21 (rFGF21) administration is effective for improving obesity-induced cognitive dysfunction and anxiety-like behavior, by its multiple metabolic modulation and anti-pro-inflammation actions. Our experimental findings support our hypothesis that rFGF21 is protective to HFD-induced cognitive impairment, at least in part by metabolic regulation in glucose tolerance impairment, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia; potent systemic pro-inflammation inhibition; and improvement of hippocampal dysfunction, particularly by inhibiting pro-neuroinflammation and neurogenesis deficit. This study suggests that FGF21 might be a novel molecular target of the disease-course-modifying strategy for early intervention of MstS-associated cognitive decline.

  2. Distinct sets of FGF receptors sculpt excitatory and inhibitory synaptogenesis.

    PubMed

    Dabrowski, Ania; Terauchi, Akiko; Strong, Cameron; Umemori, Hisashi

    2015-05-15

    Neurons in the brain must establish a balanced network of excitatory and inhibitory synapses during development for the brain to function properly. An imbalance between these synapses underlies various neurological and psychiatric disorders. The formation of excitatory and inhibitory synapses requires precise molecular control. In the hippocampus, the structure crucial for learning and memory, fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF22) and FGF7 specifically promote excitatory or inhibitory synapse formation, respectively. Knockout of either Fgf gene leads to excitatory-inhibitory imbalance in the mouse hippocampus and manifests in an altered susceptibility to epileptic seizures, underscoring the importance of FGF-dependent synapse formation. However, the receptors and signaling mechanisms by which FGF22 and FGF7 induce excitatory and inhibitory synapse differentiation are unknown. Here, we show that distinct sets of overlapping FGF receptors (FGFRs), FGFR2b and FGFR1b, mediate excitatory or inhibitory presynaptic differentiation in response to FGF22 and FGF7. Excitatory presynaptic differentiation is impaired in Fgfr2b and Fgfr1b mutant mice; however, inhibitory presynaptic defects are only found in Fgfr2b mutants. FGFR2b and FGFR1b are required for an excitatory presynaptic response to FGF22, whereas only FGFR2b is required for an inhibitory presynaptic response to FGF7. We further find that FGFRs are required in the presynaptic neuron to respond to FGF22, and that FRS2 and PI3K, but not PLCγ, mediate FGF22-dependent presynaptic differentiation. Our results reveal the specific receptors and signaling pathways that mediate FGF-dependent presynaptic differentiation, and thereby provide a mechanistic understanding of precise excitatory and inhibitory synapse formation in the mammalian brain. © 2015. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  3. The Drosophila homologue of SRF acts as a boosting mechanism to sustain FGF-induced terminal branching in the tracheal system.

    PubMed

    Gervais, Louis; Casanova, Jordi

    2011-04-01

    Recent data have demonstrated a crucial role for the transcription factor SRF (serum response factor) downstream of VEGF and FGF signalling during branching morphogenesis. This is the case for sprouting angiogenesis in vertebrates, axonal branching in mammals and terminal branching of the Drosophila tracheal system. However, the specific functions of SRF in these processes remain unclear. Here, we establish the relative contributions of the Drosophila homologues of FGF [Branchless (BNL)] and SRF [Blistered (BS)] in terminal tracheal branching. Conversely to an extended view, we show that BNL triggers terminal branching initiation in a DSRF-independent mechanism and that DSRF transcription induced by BNL signalling is required to maintain terminal branch elongation. Moreover, we report that increased and continuous FGF signalling can trigger tracheal cells to develop full-length terminal branches in the absence of DSRF transcription. Our results indicate that DSRF acts as an amplifying step to sustain the progression of terminal branch elongation even in the wild-type conditions of FGF signalling.

  4. Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (Fgf21) Gene Expression Is Elevated in the Liver of Mice Fed a High-Carbohydrate Liquid Diet and Attenuated by a Lipid Emulsion but Is Not Upregulated in the Liver of Mice Fed a High-Fat Obesogenic Diet.

    PubMed

    Hao, Lei; Huang, Kuan-Hsun; Ito, Kyoko; Sae-Tan, Sudathip; Lambert, Joshua D; Ross, A Catharine

    2016-02-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a regulator of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism; however, the regulation of Fgf21 gene expression by diet remains incompletely understood. We investigated the effect of a high-carbohydrate (HC) liquid diet, with and without supplementation with a lipid emulsion (LE), and of a high-fat diet (HFD) compared with a low-fat diet (LFD) on the regulation of Fgf21 gene expression in the liver of intact mice. C57BL/6 male mice were fed standard feed pellets (SFPs), a purified HC liquid diet (adequate in calories and protein), or an HC liquid diet containing an LE at either 4% or 13.5% of energy for 5 wk (Expt. 1) or 1 wk (Expt. 2). In Expt. 3, mice were fed a purified LFD (∼10% fat) or HFD (∼60% fat) or were fed an HFD and given access to a running wheel for voluntary exercise for 16 wk. Fgf21 mRNA in liver and FGF21 protein in plasma were increased by 3.5- to 7-fold in HC mice compared with SFP mice (P < 0.001), whereas the LE dose-dependently attenuated the induction of Fgf21 expression (P < 0.05). After 16 wk, hepatic Fgf21 mRNA did not differ between LFD and HFD mice but was dramatically reduced in the HFD+exercise group to <20% of the level in the HFD group (P < 0.0001). In mice, hepatic Fgf21 expression was upregulated by 1 and 5 wk of feeding a lipogenic HC diet but not by 16 wk of feeding an obesogenic HFD, whereas the addition of fat as an LE to the HC formula significantly reduced Fgf21 gene expression and the plasma FGF21 protein concentration. Our results support a strong and reversible response of hepatic Fgf21 expression to shifts in dietary glucose intake. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

  5. Sphere formation of adipose stem cell engineered by poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate induces in vitro angiogenesis through fibroblast growth factor 2.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jong-Ho; Lim, I-Rang; Joo, Hyung Joon; Choi, Seung-Cheol; Choi, Ji-Hyun; Cui, Long-Hui; Im, Lisa; Hong, Soon Jun; Lim, Do-Sun

    A number of researchers have been reporting a wide range of in vitro and in vivo studies of cell engraftment to enhance angiogenesis using stem cells. Despite these efforts, studies involving three-dimensional (3D) culture method that mimics in vivo environment have not reached its peak yet. In this study, we investigated the change and effects on cellular angiogenic growth factors through sphere formation of adipose stem cell (ASC) which is engineered by poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (Poly-HEMA). First of all, we successfully induced sphere formation of ASC (sph-ASC) on Poly-HEMA coated plates. sph-ASC represented significantly higher expression levels of anti-apoptotic and hypoxic factors compared to monolayer adherent ASC (adh-ASC). Interestingly, sph-ASC showed higher mRNA levels of the following genes; CD31, CD144, vWF, IGF-2, MCP-1, PDGF-A, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and FGF-2. In addition, mRNA expressions of angiogenic growth factor receptors such as Flk1, FGFR1, FGFR2, and Tie2 were elevated in sph-ASC. In protein level, Cytokine/Chemokines antibody array revealed a significant increase of FGF-2 in sph-ASC (3.17-fold) compared to adh-ASC. To investigate the effects of FGF-2 on sph-ASC, Matrigel angiogenic invasion assay showed significant reduced level of FGF-2 in FGF-2 siRNA transfected sph-ASC (2.27-fold) compared to negative control siRNA transfected sph-ASC. These findings suggest that Poly-HEMA coated plates induce sphere formation of ASC which has significantly higher expression of FGF-2, and plays a critical role as a major regulating growth factor of in vitro angiogenesis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Basic fibroblastic growth factor affects the osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells in a treatment-dependent manner.

    PubMed

    Qian, J; Jiayuan, W; Wenkai, J; Peina, W; Ansheng, Z; Shukai, S; Shafei, Z; Jun, L; Longxing, N

    2015-07-01

    To determine how basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) affected the osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in vitro and in vivo. Basic fibroblastic growth factor stimulation of DPSCs was divided into a pre-treatment period and an osteogenic differentiation period. Alizarin red quantification experiments and alkaline phosphatase activity quantification assay were performed to examine the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs after different bFGF stimulation. Quantification reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the osteogenic gene expression of DPSCs after different bFGF stimulation. In addition, DPSCs that received the 1 and 2 weeks bFGF pre-treatments as in the in vitro experiments were mineralized for 1 week and seeded into hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) pills and subcutaneously transplanted into naked mice for 2 or 3 months. The transplants were removed, sliced and stained using Modified Ponceau Trichrome Stain to observe the formation of mineralized tissue. Basic fibroblastic growth factor stimulation in the osteogenic differentiation period decreased the in vitro osteogenic differentiation ability of DPSCs. One week pre-treatment with bFGF increased the in vitro osteogenic differentiation ability of DPSCs, whereas 2 weeks pre-treatment with bFGF decreased the in vitro osteogenic differentiation ability of DPSCs. The pre-treatment period was vital for the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs in vitro. The in vivo results were similar to the in vitro results. Basic fibroblastic growth factor affected the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs in a treatment-dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo. © 2014 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  7. [Fibroblast growth factors and their effects in pancreas organogenesis].

    PubMed

    Gnatenko, D A; Kopantzev, E P; Sverdlov, E D

    2017-05-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) - growth factors that regulate many important biological processes, including proliferation and differentiation of embryonic cells during organogenesis. In this review, we will summarize current information about the involvement of FGFs in the pancreas organogenesis. Pancreas organogenesis is a complex process, which involves constant signaling from mesenchymal tissue. This orchestrates the activation of various regulator genes at specific stages, determining the specification of progenitor cells. Alterations in FGF/FGFR signaling pathway during this process lead to incorrect activation of the master genes, which leads to different pathologies during pancreas development. Understanding the full picture about role of FGF factors in pancreas development will make it possible to more accurately understand their role in other pathologies of this organ, including carcinogenesis.

  8. Angiogenic response induced by acellular femoral matrix in vivo

    PubMed Central

    Conconi, Maria Teresa; Nico, Beatrice; Rebuffat, Piera; Crivellato, Enrico; Parnigotto, Pier Paolo; Nussdorfer, Gastone G; Ribatti, Domenico

    2005-01-01

    We investigated the angiogenic response induced by acellular femoral matrices implanted in vivo on to the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), a useful model for such investigation. The results showed that acellular matrices were able to induce a strong angiogenic response, comparable with that of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), a well-known angiogenic cytokine. The angiogenic response was further increased when exogenous FGF-2 or transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) was added to the matrices and inhibited by the addition of anti-FGF-2 or anti-TGF-β1 antibodies. The response may be considered to be dependent on a direct angiogenic effect exerted by the matrices, and also in part by the presence of FGF-2 and TGF-β1 in the acellular matrices. PMID:16011546

  9. FGF1-gold nanoparticle conjugates targeting FGFR efficiently decrease cell viability upon NIR irradiation

    PubMed Central

    Szlachcic, Anna; Pala, Katarzyna; Zakrzewska, Malgorzata; Jakimowicz, Piotr; Wiedlocha, Antoni; Otlewski, Jacek

    2012-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are overexpressed in a wide variety of tumors, such as breast, bladder, and prostate cancer, and therefore they are attractive targets for different types of anticancer therapies. In this study, we designed, constructed, and characterized FGFR-targeted gold nanoconjugates suitable for infrared-induced thermal ablation (localized heating leading to cancer cell death) based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). We showed that a recombinant ligand of all FGFRs, human fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1), can be used as an agent targeting covalently bound AuNPs to cancer cells overexpressing FGFRs. To assure thermal stability, protease resistance, and prolonged half-life of the targeting protein, we employed highly stable FGF1 variant that retains the biological activities of the wild type FGF1. Novel FGF1 variant, AuNP conjugates are specifically internalized only by the cells expressing FGFRs, and they significantly reduce their viability after irradiation with near-infrared light (down to 40% of control cell viability), whereas the proliferation potential of cells lacking FGFRs is not affected. These results demonstrate the feasibility of FGF1-coated AuNPs for targeted cancer therapy. PMID:23226697

  10. TRX is up-regulated by fibroblast growth factor-2 in lung carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Deng, Zheng-Hao; Cao, Hui-Qiu; Hu, Yong-Bin; Wen, Ji-Fang; Zhou, Jian-Hua

    2011-01-01

    We have previously shown that exogenous fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) inhibits apoptosis of the small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell line NCI-H446, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, the protein profiles of FGF-2-treated and untreated NCI-H446 cells were determined by 2-D gel electrophoresis combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and bioinformatics. Differential expression analysis of the protein profiles after FGF-2 treatment identified a total of 24 protein spots, of which nine were up-regulated and 15 were down-regulated. Four proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS: thioredoxin (TRX), visfatin, ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD). Western blotting revealed that TRX was up-regulated in NCI-H446 and A549 cells treated with FGF-2. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining confirmed that both FGF-2 and TRX were overexpressed in lung cancer tissues and could be correlated with both lymph node metastasis and clinical stage. These data indicate that TRX may be involved in the FGF-2 signaling pathway. © 2010 The Authors. APMIS © 2010 APMIS.

  11. FGF-dependent metabolic control of vascular development

    PubMed Central

    Yu, Pengchun; Alves, Tiago C.; Fang, Jennifer S.; Xie, Yi; Zhu, Jie; Chen, Zehua; De Smet, Frederik; Zhang, Jiasheng; Jin, Suk-Won; Sun, Lele; Sun, Hongye; Kibbey, Richard G.; Hirschi, Karen K.; Hay, Nissim; Carmeliet, Peter; Chittenden, Thomas W.; Eichmann, Anne; Potente, Michael; Simons, Michael

    2017-01-01

    Blood and lymphatic vasculatures are intimately involved in tissue oxygenation and fluid homeostasis maintenance. Assembly of these vascular networks involves sprouting, migration and proliferation of endothelial cells. Recent studies have suggested that changes in cellular metabolism are of importance to these processes1. While much is known about vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent regulation of vascular development and metabolism2,3, little is understood about the role of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in this context4. Here we identify FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling as a critical regulator of vascular development. This is achieved by FGF-dependent control of c-MYC (MYC) expression that, in turn, regulates expression of the glycolytic enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2). A decrease in HK2 levels in the absence of FGF signaling inputs results in decreased glycolysis leading to impaired endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Pan-endothelial- and lymphatic-specific Hk2 knockouts phenocopy blood and/or lymphatic vascular defects seen in Fgfr1/r3 double mutant mice while HK2 overexpression partially rescues the defects caused by suppression of FGF signaling. Thus, FGF-dependent regulation of endothelial glycolysis is a pivotal process in developmental and adult vascular growth and development. PMID:28467822

  12. FGF-dependent metabolic control of vascular development.

    PubMed

    Yu, Pengchun; Wilhelm, Kerstin; Dubrac, Alexandre; Tung, Joe K; Alves, Tiago C; Fang, Jennifer S; Xie, Yi; Zhu, Jie; Chen, Zehua; De Smet, Frederik; Zhang, Jiasheng; Jin, Suk-Won; Sun, Lele; Sun, Hongye; Kibbey, Richard G; Hirschi, Karen K; Hay, Nissim; Carmeliet, Peter; Chittenden, Thomas W; Eichmann, Anne; Potente, Michael; Simons, Michael

    2017-05-11

    Blood and lymphatic vasculatures are intimately involved in tissue oxygenation and fluid homeostasis maintenance. Assembly of these vascular networks involves sprouting, migration and proliferation of endothelial cells. Recent studies have suggested that changes in cellular metabolism are important to these processes. Although much is known about vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent regulation of vascular development and metabolism, little is understood about the role of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in this context. Here we identify FGF receptor (FGFR) signalling as a critical regulator of vascular development. This is achieved by FGF-dependent control of c-MYC (MYC) expression that, in turn, regulates expression of the glycolytic enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2). A decrease in HK2 levels in the absence of FGF signalling inputs results in decreased glycolysis, leading to impaired endothelial cell proliferation and migration. Pan-endothelial- and lymphatic-specific Hk2 knockouts phenocopy blood and/or lymphatic vascular defects seen in Fgfr1/Fgfr3 double mutant mice, while HK2 overexpression partly rescues the defects caused by suppression of FGF signalling. Thus, FGF-dependent regulation of endothelial glycolysis is a pivotal process in developmental and adult vascular growth and development.

  13. The potential roles of FGF23 and Klotho in the prognosis of renal and cardiovascular diseases.

    PubMed

    Bernheim, Jacques; Benchetrit, Sydney

    2011-08-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 and Klotho are two factors associated with several metabolic disorders. Similar to humans, accelerated aging processes characterized by chronic vascular disease, bone demineralization, skin atrophy and emphysema have been recognized in FGF23-null mice and Klotho-deficient mice. The role of these factors in the control of mineral metabolism homeostasis have been shown recently, particularly at the level of parathyroid cells and also in modulating active vitamin D production, two phenomena which are relevant in the presence of chronic kidney disease. In addition, the hormonal affect of circulating FGF23 and Klotho proteins on vascular reactivity, either directly on endothelial cell functions or indirectly by modulating the brain endothelin-1-dependent sympathetic nervous system activity, has contributed to understanding their role in the pathophysiology of hypertension and atherosclerotic vasculopathies. Consequently, very recent clinical investigations seem to confirm the involvement of Klotho in modulating the severity and prognosis of human cardiovascular (CV) disorders and longevity. The present review reports data related to the possible interactive effects of Klotho and FGF23 on the prognosis of renal and CV diseases.

  14. Identification of Fibroblast Growth Factor-18 as a Molecule to Protect Adult Articular Cartilage by Gene Expression Profiling*

    PubMed Central

    Mori, Yoshifumi; Saito, Taku; Chang, Song Ho; Kobayashi, Hiroshi; Ladel, Christoph H.; Guehring, Hans; Chung, Ung-il; Kawaguchi, Hiroshi

    2014-01-01

    To identify genes that maintain the homeostasis of adult articular cartilage and regenerate its lesions, we initially compared four types of chondrocytes: articular (AA) versus growth plate (AG) cartilage chondrocytes in adult rats, and superficial layer (IS) versus deep layer (ID) chondrocytes of epiphyseal cartilage in infant rats. Microarray analyses revealed that 40 and 186 genes had ≥10-fold higher expression ratios of AA/AG and IS/ID, respectively, and 16 genes showed ≥10-fold of both AA/AG and IS/ID ratios. The results were validated by real-time RT-PCR analysis. Among them, Hoxd1, Fgf18, and Esm1 were expressed more strongly in AA than in IS. Fgf18 was the extracellular and secreted factor that decreased glycosaminoglycan release and depletion from the cartilage, and enhanced proliferation of articular chondrocytes. Fgf18 was strongly expressed in the articular cartilage chondrocytes of adult rats. In a surgical rat osteoarthritis model, a once-weekly injection of recombinant human FGF18 (rhFGF18) given 3 weeks after surgery prevented cartilage degeneration in a dose-dependent manner at 6 and 9 weeks after surgery, with significant effect at 10 μg/week of rhFGF18. As the underlying mechanism, rhFGF18 strongly up-regulated Timp1 expression in the cell and organ cultures, and inhibition of aggrecan release by rhFGF18 was restored by addition of an antibody to Timp1. In conclusion, we have identified Fgf18 as a molecule that protects articular cartilage by gene expression profiling, and the anticatabolic effects may at least partially be mediated by the Timp1 expression. PMID:24577103

  15. Neural Stem Cells Expressing bFGF Reduce Brain Damage and Restore Sensorimotor Function after Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia.

    PubMed

    Ye, Qingsong; Wu, Yanqing; Wu, Jiamin; Zou, Shuang; Al-Zaazaai, Ali Ahmed; Zhang, Hongyu; Shi, Hongxue; Xie, Ling; Liu, Yanlong; Xu, Ke; He, Huacheng; Zhang, Fabiao; Ji, Yiming; He, Yan; Xiao, Jian

    2018-01-01

    Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) causes severe brain damage and significantly increases neonatal morbidity and mortality. Increasing evidences have verified that stem cell-based therapy has the potential to rescue the ischemic tissue and restore function via secreting growth factors after HI. Here, we had investigated whether intranasal neural stem cells (NSCs) treatment improves the recovery of neonatal HI, and NSCs overexpressing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has a better therapeutic effect for recovery than NSCs treatment only. We performed permanent occlusion of the right common carotid artery in 9-day old ICR mice as animal model of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia. At 3 days post-HI, NSC, NSC-GFP, NSC-bFGF and vehicle were delivered intranasally. To determine the effect of intranasal NSC, NSC-GFP and NSC-bFGF treatment on recovery after HI, we analyzed brain damage, sensor-motor function and cell differentiation. It was observed that intranasal NSC, NSC-GFP and NSC-bFGF treatment decreased gray and white matter loss area in comparison with vehicle-treated mouse. NSC, NSC-GFP and NSC-bFGF treatment also significantly improved sensor motor function in cylinder rearing test and adhesive removal test, however, NSC-bFGF-treatment was more effective than NSC-treatment in the improvement of somatosensory function. Furthermore, compared with NSC and NSC-GFP, NSC-bFGF treatment group appeared to differentiate into more neurons. Taken together, intranasal administration of NSCs is a promising therapy for treatment of neonatal HI, but NSCs overexpressing bFGF promotes the survival and differentiation of NSCs, and consequently achieves a better therapeutic effect in improving recovery after neonatal HI. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

  16. Fibroblast growth factor 23 and renal function among young and healthy individuals.

    PubMed

    Bernasconi, Raffaele; Aeschbacher, Stefanie; Blum, Steffen; Mongiat, Michel; Girod, Marc; Todd, John; Estis, Joel; Nolan, Niamh; Renz, Harald; Risch, Lorenz; Conen, David; Risch, Martin

    2018-05-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), an osteocyte hormone involved in the regulation of phosphate metabolism, is associated with incident and progressive chronic kidney disease. We aimed to assess the association of FGF-23 with renal parameters, vascular function and phosphate metabolism in a large cohort of young and healthy individuals. Healthy individuals aged 25-41 years were included in a prospective population-based study. Fasting venous blood and morning urinary samples were used to measure plasma creatinine, cystatin C, endothelin-1, phosphate and plasma FGF-23 as well as urinary creatinine and phosphate. Multivariable regression models were constructed to assess the relationship of FGF-23 with parameters of renal function, endothelin-1 and fractional phosphate excretion. The median age of 2077 participants was 37 years, 46% were males. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR - CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin C equation) and fractional phosphate excretion were 110 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 8.7%, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, there was a significant inverse relationship of FGF-23 with eGFR (β per 1 log-unit increase -3.81; 95% CI [-5.42; -2.20]; p<0.0001). Furthermore, we found a linear association between FGF-23 and endothelin-1 (β per 1 log-unit increase 0.06; [0.01, 0.11]; p=0.01). In addition, we established a significant relationship of FGF-23 with fractional phosphate excretion (β per 1 log-unit increase 0.62; [0.08, 1.16]; p=0.03). Increasing plasma FGF-23 levels are strongly associated with decreasing eGFR and increasing urinary phosphate excretion, suggesting an important role of FGF-23 in the regulation of kidney function in young and healthy adults.

  17. Acetate-free biofiltration to remove fibroblast growth factor 23 in hemodialysis patients: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Cernaro, Valeria; Lucisano, Silvia; Canale, Valeria; Bruzzese, Annamaria; Caccamo, Daniela; Costantino, Giuseppe; Buemi, Michele; Santoro, Domenico

    2018-06-01

    Serum levels of 32 kDa-phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) rise early in renal failure in order to keep phosphatemia within the normal range; however, this compensatory mechanism itself contributes to chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder. High FGF23 is also associated to left ventricular hypertrophy, vascular calcifications and thus increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this pilot pre-post study was to evaluate the effects of a single hemodiafiltration session with acetate-free biofiltration (AFB) on FGF23 serum levels. Nine hemodialysis patients were enrolled; sessions were performed using the Integra ® monitor (Hospal, Bologna, Italy) and a polyacrylonitrile membrane. Peripheral venous blood samples were taken before (pre-HD), at mid- and after treatment (post-HD); dialysate samples were collected by the Quantiscan™ monitoring system. FGF23 was measured by a human FGF-23 ELISA kit. Mid- and post-HD values were corrected for hemoconcentration. Pre-HD FGF23 levels positively correlated with dialysis vintage (r = 0.7192; p = 0.0443). They were significantly reduced by the hemodialysis session (from 2.38 ± 1.80 to 1.15 ± 1.21 ng/ml, p = 0.0171) with a reduction ratio of 52.55 ± 28.76%. FGF23 was detected in the dialysate samples. FGF23 underwent a significant reduction during AFB. Such removal was greater than that induced by conventional hemodialysis as reported in the literature (19%-decrease using modified cellulosic membranes). This difference may be attributed to the ability of AFB hemodiafiltration to efficiently remove middle molecules by convection. Whether a better clearance of FGF23 during hemodialysis may result in improved cardiovascular outcomes in the long term needs to be confirmed by randomized controlled trials.

  18. Enhanced intestinal anastomotic healing with gelatin hydrogel incorporating basic fibroblast growth factor.

    PubMed

    Hirai, Kenjiro; Tabata, Yasuhiko; Hasegawa, Suguru; Sakai, Yoshiharu

    2016-10-01

    Anastomotic leakage is a common complication of intestinal surgery. In an attempt to resolve this issue, a promising approach is enhancement of anastomotic wound healing. A method for controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) using a gelatin hydrogel was developed with the objective of investigating the effects of this technology on intestinal anastomotic healing. The small intestine of Wistar rats was cut, end-to-end anastomosis was performed and rats were divided into three groups: bFGF group (anastomosis wrapped with a hydrogel sheet incorporating bFGF), PBS group (wrapped with a sheet incorporating phosphate-buffered saline solution) and NT group (no additional treatment). Degradation profiles of gelatin hydrogels in vivo and histological examinations were performed using gelatin hydrogels with various water contents and bFGF concentrations to define the optimal bFGF dose and hydrogel biodegradability. The anastomotic wound healing process was evaluated by histological examinations, adhesion-related score and bursting pressure. The optimal water content of the hydrogel and bFGF dose was determined as 96% and 30 µg per sheet, respectively. Application of bFGF significantly enhanced neovascularization, fibroblast infiltration and collagen production around the anastomotic site when compared with the other groups. Bursting pressure was significantly increased in the bFGF group. No significant difference was observed in the adhesion-related score among the groups and no anastomotic obstruction and leakage were observed. Therefore controlled release of bFGF enhanced healing of an intestinal anastomosis during the early postoperative period and is a promising method to suppress anastomotic leakage. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  19. A Role for Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 and Bile Acids in Diabetes Remission After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

    PubMed Central

    Gerhard, Glenn S.; Styer, Amanda M.; Wood, G. Craig; Roesch, Stephen L.; Petrick, Anthony T.; Gabrielsen, Jon; Strodel, William E.; Still, Christopher D.; Argyropoulos, George

    2013-01-01

    OBJECTIVE Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in humans can remit type 2 diabetes, but the operative mechanism is not completely understood. In mice, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 15 (FGF19 in humans) regulates hepatic bile acid (BA) production and can also resolve diabetes. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the FGF19–BA pathway plays a role in the remission of human diabetes after RYGB surgery. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Cohorts of diabetic and nondiabetic individuals of various body weights were used. In addition, RYGB patients without diabetes (No-Diabetes), RYGB patients with diabetes who experienced remission for at least 12 months after surgery (Diabetes-R), and RYGB patients with diabetes who did not go into remission after surgery (Diabetes-NoR) were studied. Circulating FGF19 and BA levels, hepatic glycogen content, and expression levels of genes regulating the FGF19–BA pathway were compared among these groups of patients using pre- and postoperative serum samples and intraoperative liver biopsies. RESULTS Preoperatively, patients with diabetes had lower FGF19 and higher BA levels than nondiabetic patients, irrespective of body weight. In diabetic patients undergoing RYGB, lower FGF19 levels were significantly correlated with increased hepatic expression of the cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase 1 (CYP7A1) gene, which modulates BA production. Following RYGB surgery, however, FGF19 and BA levels (particularly cholic and deoxycholic acids) exhibited larger increases in Diabetic-R patients compared with nondiabetic and Diabetic-NoR patients. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the baseline and postoperative data implicate the FGF19–CYP7A1–BA pathway in the etiology and remission of type 2 diabetes following RYGB surgery. PMID:23801799

  20. Levothyroxine treatment restored the decreased circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 levels in patients with hypothyroidism.

    PubMed

    Wang, Guang; Liu, Jia; Yang, Ning; Hu, Yanjin; Zhang, Heng; Miao, Li; Yao, Zhi; Xu, Yuan

    2016-06-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an important endogenous regulator of energy metabolism. Thyroid hormone has been shown to regulate hepatic FGF21 expression in rodents. The goal of this study was to evaluate the plasma FGF21 levels in participants with normal thyroid function, subclinical hypothyroidism, or overt hypothyroidism and to investigate the change of plasma FGF21 levels in patients with overt hypothyroidism after levothyroxine treatment. A total of 473 drug-naive participants were recruited, including 250 healthy control subjects, 116 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, and 107 patients with overt hypothyroidism. Thirty-eight patients with overt hypothyroidism were assigned to receive levothyroxine treatment. The overt hypothyroidism group had decreased FGF21 levels compared with the control and subclinical hypothyroidism groups (P<0.01). Levothyroxine treatment markedly attenuated the increased circulating levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in patients with overt hypothyroidism. A significant increase in plasma FGF21 levels was observed after levothyroxine treatment (P<0.01). The change in FGF21 levels was correlated with the increase of FT3 and FT4 after levothyroxine treatment (FT3: r=0.44; FT4: r=0.53; all P<0.05). Levothyroxine treatment ameliorated metabolic disorders and restored the decreased circulating FGF21 levels in patients with overt hypothyroidism. The increase in FGF21 levels after levothyroxine treatment might be partly associated with the amelioration of metabolic disorders in patients with hypothyroidism. Copyright © 2016 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Contribution of serum FGF21 level to the identification of left ventricular systolic dysfunction and cardiac death.

    PubMed

    Shen, Yun; Zhang, Xueli; Pan, Xiaoping; Xu, Yiting; Xiong, Qin; Lu, Zhigang; Ma, Xiaojing; Bao, Yuqian; Jia, Weiping

    2017-08-18

    The relationship between fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and cardiovascular disease has been well established in recent studies. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between FGF21 and left ventricular systolic dysfunction and cardiac death. Two-dimensional echocardiography was used to measure the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to estimate left ventricular systolic function. The optimal cutoff of FGF21 for identifying left ventricular systolic dysfunction at baseline was analyzed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The identification of different serum levels of FGF21 and their association with cardiac death was analyzed via Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Serum FGF21 level was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) level was determined by a chemiluminescent immunoassay. A total of 253 patients were recruited for this study at baseline. Patients were excluded if they lacked echocardiography or laboratory measurement data, and there were 218 patients enrolled in the final analysis. The average age was 66.32 ± 10.10 years. The optimal cutoff values of FGF21 and NT-pro-BNP for identifying left ventricular systolic dysfunction at baseline were 321.5 pg/mL and 131.3 ng/L, respectively, determined separately via ROC analysis. The areas under the curves were non-significant among FGF21, NT-pro-BNP and FGF21 + NT-pro-BNP as determined by pairwise comparisons. Both a higher serum level of FGF21 and a higher serum level of NT-pro-BNP were independent risk factors for left ventricular systolic dysfunction at baseline (odd ratio (OR) 3.138 [1.037-9.500], P = 0.043, OR 9.207 [2.036-41.643], P = 0.004, separately). Further Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated an association between both a higher serum level of FGF21 and a higher serum level of NT-pro-BNP with cardiac death in 5 years [RR 5.000 (1.326-18.861), P = 0.026; RR 9.643 (2.596-35.825), P = 0.009, respectively]. Serum FGF21 level was significantly correlated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction at baseline. Patients with higher serum levels of FGF21 tended to suffer greater risks of cardiac death than patients with lower serum levels of FGF21. The identification of FGF21 and its relationship with left ventricular systolic function and cardiac death were non-inferior to NT-pro-BNP.

  2. A computationally identified compound antagonizes excess FGF-23 signaling in renal tubules and a mouse model of hypophosphatemia.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Zhousheng; Riccardi, Demian; Velazquez, Hector A; Chin, Ai L; Yates, Charles R; Carrick, Jesse D; Smith, Jeremy C; Baudry, Jerome; Quarles, L Darryl

    2016-11-22

    Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) interacts with a binary receptor complex composed of α-Klotho (α-KL) and FGF receptors (FGFRs) to regulate phosphate and vitamin D metabolism in the kidney. Excess FGF-23 production, which causes hypophosphatemia, is genetically inherited or occurs with chronic kidney disease. Among other symptoms, hypophosphatemia causes vitamin D deficiency and the bone-softening disorder rickets. Current therapeutics that target the receptor complex have limited utility clinically. Using a computationally driven, structure-based, ensemble docking and virtual high-throughput screening approach, we identified four novel compounds predicted to selectively inhibit FGF-23-induced activation of the FGFR/α-KL complex. Additional modeling and functional analysis found that Zinc13407541 bound to FGF-23 and disrupted its interaction with the FGFR1/α-KL complex; experiments in a heterologous cell expression system showed that Zinc13407541 selectivity inhibited α-KL-dependent FGF-23 signaling. Zinc13407541 also inhibited FGF-23 signaling in isolated renal tubules ex vivo and partially reversed the hypophosphatemic effects of excess FGF-23 in a mouse model. These chemical probes provide a platform to develop lead compounds to treat disorders caused by excess FGF-23. Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

  3. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bagai, Shelly; Rubio, Eric; Cheng, Jang-Fang

    Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)-10 plays an important role in regulating growth, differentiation, and repair of the urothelium. This process occurs through a paracrine cascade originating in the mesenchyme (lamina propria) and targeting the epithelium (urothelium). In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that (i) fibroblasts of the human lamina propria were the cell type that synthesized FGF-10 RNA and (ii) the FGF-10 gene is located at the 5p12-p13 locus of chromosome 5. Recombinant (r) preparations of human FGF-10 were found to induce proliferation of human urothelial cells in vitro and of transitional epithelium of wild-type and FGF7-null mice in vivo. Mechanistic studiesmore » with human cells indicated two modes of FGF-10 action: (i) translocation of rFGF-10 into urothelial cell nuclei and (ii) a signaling cascade that begins with the heparin-dependent phosphorylation of tyrosine residues of surface transmembrane receptors. The normal urothelial phenotype, that of quiescence, is proposed to be typified by negligible levels of FGF-10. During proliferative phases, levels of FGF-10 rise at the urothelial cell surface and/or within urothelial cell nuclei. An understanding of how FGF-10 works in conjunction with these other processes will lead to better management of many diseases of the bladder and urinary tract.« less

  4. FGF21 improves glucose homeostasis in an obese diabetes-prone mouse model independent of body fat changes.

    PubMed

    Laeger, Thomas; Baumeier, Christian; Wilhelmi, Ilka; Würfel, Josefine; Kamitz, Anne; Schürmann, Annette

    2017-11-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is considered to be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, as FGF21 levels are elevated in obese and diabetic conditions we aimed to test if exogenous FGF21 is sufficient to prevent diabetes and beta cell loss in New Zealand obese (NZO) mice, a model for polygenetic obesity and type 2 diabetes. Male NZO mice were treated with a specific dietary regimen that leads to the onset of diabetes within 1 week. Mice were treated subcutaneously with PBS or FGF21 to assess changes in glucose homeostasis, energy expenditure, food intake and other metabolic endpoints. FGF21 treatment prevented islet destruction and the onset of hyperglycaemia, and improved glucose clearance. FGF21 increased energy expenditure by inducing browning in subcutaneous white adipose tissue. However, as a result of a compensatory increased food intake, body fat did not decrease in response to FGF21 treatment, but exhibited elevated Glut4 expression. FGF21 prevents the onset of diet-induced diabetes, without changing body fat mass. Beneficial effects are mediated via white adipose tissue browning and elevated thermogenesis. Furthermore, these data indicate that obesity does not induce FGF21 resistance in NZO mice.

  5. Individual Differences in the Expression of Conditioned Fear Are Associated with Endogenous Fibroblast Growth Factor 2

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Graham, Bronwyn M.; Richardson, Rick

    2016-01-01

    These experiments examined the relationship between the neurotrophic factor fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and individual differences in the expression of conditioned fear. Experiments 1 and 2 demonstrated that rats naturally expressing low levels of contextual or cued fear have higher levels of hippocampal FGF2 relative to rats that express…

  6. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) facilitates differentiation of adult dorsal root ganglia-derived neural stem cells toward Schwann cells by binding to FGFR-1 through MAPK/ERK activation.

    PubMed

    Gu, Yun; Xue, Chenbin; Zhu, Jianbin; Sun, Hualin; Ding, Fei; Cao, Zheng; Gu, Xiaosong

    2014-04-01

    Considerable research has been devoted to unraveling the regulation of neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation. The responses of NSCs to various differentiation-inducing stimuli, however, are still difficult to estimate. In this study, we aimed to search for a potent growth factor that was able to effectively induce differentiation of NSCs toward Schwann cells. NSCs were isolated from dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) of adult rats and identified by immunostaining. Three different growth factors were used to stimulate the differentiation of DRG-derived NSCs (DRG-NSCs). We found that among these three growth factors, bFGF was the strongest inducer for the glial differentiation of DRG-NSCs, and bFGF induced the generation of an increased number of Schwann cell-like cells as compared to nerve growth factor (NGF) and neuregulin1-β (NRG). These Schwann cell-like cells demonstrated the same characteristics as those of primary Schwann cells. Furthermore, we noted that bFGF-induced differentiation of DRG-NSCs toward Schwann cells might be mediated by binding to fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) through activation of MAPK/ERK signal pathway.

  7. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) expression correlates positively with active angiogenesis and negatively with basic fibroblast growth factor expression in epithelial ovarian cancer.

    PubMed

    Szubert, Sebastian; Szpurek, Dariusz; Moszynski, Rafal; Nowicki, Michal; Frankowski, Andrzej; Sajdak, Stefan; Michalak, Slawomir

    2014-03-01

    The primary aim of this paper was to evaluate the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) and its relationship with proangiogenic factors and microvessel density (MVD) in ovarian cancer. The study group included 58 epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs), 35 benign ovarian tumors, and 21 normal ovaries. The expression of EMMPRIN, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was assessed by ELISA of tissue homogenates. Antibodies against CD105, CD31, and CD34 were used to immunohistochemically assess MVD. We have found significantly higher EMMPRIN expression in EOC than in benign ovarian tumors and normal ovaries. Similarly, the VEGF expression was higher in EOC than in benign ovarian tumors and normal ovaries. By contrast, bFGF expression was lower in EOC than in benign ovarian tumors and ovary samples. EMMPRIN expression in EOC was directly correlated with VEGF expression and CD105-MVD, but inversely correlated with bFGF expression. Grade 2/3 ovarian cancers had increased expression of EMMPRIN and VEGF, increased CD105-MVD, and lowered expression of bFGF compared to grade 1 ovarian cancers. Moreover, EMMPRIN expression was higher in advanced (FIGO III and IV) ovarian cancer. The upregulation of EMMPRIN and VEGF expression is correlated with increased CD105-MVD and silenced bFGF, which suggests early and/or reactivated angiogenesis in ovarian cancer. Aggressive EOC is characterized by the following: high expression of EMMPRIN and VEGF, high CD105-MVD, and low expression of bFGF.

  8. Several fibroblast growth factors are expressed during pre-attachment bovine conceptus development and regulate interferon-tau expression from trophectoderm.

    PubMed

    Cooke, Flavia N T; Pennington, Kathleen A; Yang, Qien; Ealy, Alan D

    2009-02-01

    The trophectoderm-derived factor interferon tau (IFNT) maintains the uterus in a pregnancy-receptive state in cattle and sheep. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are implicated in regulating IFNT expression and potentially other critical events associated with early conceptus development in cattle. The overall objectives of this work were to identify the various FGFs and FGF receptors (FGFRs) expressed in elongating pre-attachment bovine conceptuses and determine if these FGFs regulate conceptus development and/or mediate IFNT production. In vitro-derived bovine blastocysts and in vivo-derived elongated conceptuses collected at day 17 of pregnancy express at least four FGFR subtypes (R1c, R2b, R3c, R4). In addition, transcripts for FGF1, 2, and 10 but not FGF7 are present in elongated bovine conceptuses. The expression pattern of FGF10 most closely resembled that of IFNT, with both transcripts remaining low in day 8 and day 11 conceptuses and increasing substantially in day 14 and day 17 conceptuses. Supplementation with recombinant FGF1, 2 or 10 increased IFNT mRNA levels in bovine trophectoderm cells and bovine blastocysts and increased IFNT protein concentrations in trophectoderm-conditioned medium. Blastocyst development was not affected by any of the FGFs. In summary, at least four FGFRs reside in pre- and peri-attachment bovine conceptuses. Moreover, conceptuses express at least three candidate FGFs during elongation, the time of peak IFNT expression. These findings provide new insight for how conceptus-derived factors such as FGF1, 2, and 10 may control IFNT expression during early pregnancy in cattle.

  9. Association of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 With Recurrent Cardiovascular Events in Patients After an Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

    PubMed

    Bergmark, Brian A; Udell, Jacob A; Morrow, David A; Cannon, Christopher P; Steen, Dylan L; Jarolim, Petr; Budaj, Andrzej; Hamm, Christian; Guo, Jianping; Im, KyungAh; Kuder, Julia F; Braunwald, Eugene; Sabatine, Marc S; O'Donoghue, Michelle L

    2018-04-18

    Elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) concentrations are associated with myocardial fibrosis and renin-angiotensin system upregulation, potentially providing prognostic information distinct from standard cardiovascular (CV) biomarkers. To evaluate the association of FGF-23 with recurrent CV events in patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). C-terminal FGF-23 was measured in plasma samples using an established enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system for 4947 patients within 30 days of ACS (median, 14 days) and with 1 additional CV risk factor in the Stabilization of Plaques Using Darapladib-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 52 (SOLID-TIMI 52) trial of the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 inhibitor darapladib vs placebo performed from December 1, 2009, to April 24, 2014 (median follow-up, 2.5 years). Analyses were adjusted for clinical risk factors, renal function, and established cardiorenal biomarkers. This secondary analysis was performed from September 25, 2014, to October 1, 2017. The FGF-23 concentration at baseline. The primary end point for this post hoc analysis was the composite of CV death or hospitalization for heart failure. In this study, baseline FGF-23 concentrations were available for 4947 patients (median age, 64.0 years; interquartile range, 59.0-71.0 years; 1276 [25.8%] female). Patients with higher FGF-23 concentrations were older and more likely female, with a greater proportion of hypertension, diabetes, and previous myocardial infarction. After multivariable adjustment for baseline clinical characteristics and established biomarkers (high-sensitivity troponin I, brain-type natriuretic peptide, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), FGF-23 concentration in the top quartile was independently associated with an increased risk of CV death or heart failure hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.35; 95% CI, 1.82-3.02; P < .001) and its individual components. Elevated FGF-23 concentration was also associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.73-2.97; P < .001) and CV death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (adjusted HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.17-1.71; P < .001). When analyses were stratified by patient sex, the association between FGF-23 and CV risk, including CV death or heart failure, appeared to be attenuated in women (adjusted HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.70-1.76; P = .67) compared with men (HR, 3.11; 95% CI, 2.29-4.22; P < .001; P < .001 for interaction). In patients stabilized after ACS, elevated FGF-23 concentrations may be associated with recurrent major CV events and all-cause mortality, providing information independent of established clinical risk factors and cardiorenal biomarkers. A potential sex difference in these findings deserves further study.

  10. Fibroblast growth factor 2 and cyclic AMP synergistically regulate bone sialoprotein gene expression.

    PubMed

    Shimizu, Emi; Nakayama, Youhei; Nakajima, Yu; Kato, Naoko; Takai, Hideki; Kim, Dong-Soon; Arai, Masato; Saito, Ryoichiro; Sodek, Jaro; Ogata, Yorimasa

    2006-07-01

    Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a noncollagenous protein of the mineralized bone extracellular matrix. We here report that FGF2 and cAMP act synergistically to stimulate BSP gene expression. Treatment of ROS 17/2.8 cells with either 10 ng/ml FGF2 or 1 microM FSK for 6 h resulted in 5.4- and 8.2-fold increases, respectively, in the levels of BSP mRNA. However, in the presence of both FGF2 and forskolin (FGF/FSK), BSP mRNA levels were increased synergistically by 20.4-fold. Using a luciferase reporter construct, encompassing BSP promoter nucleotides -116 to +60, transcription was also increased synergistically by 15.0-fold with FGF/FSK, compared to stimulations of 2.6- and 5.3-fold, respectively, for FGF2 and FSK alone. Transcriptional stimulation by FGF/FSK abrogated in constructs included 2 bp mutations in the inverted CCAAT, CRE, FRE and Pit-1 elements. Whereas the FRE-protein complex was increased by FGF2 and FGF/FSK, the Pit-1-protein complex was decreased by FSK and FGF/FSK. Notably, transcriptional activity induced by FGF/FSK was blocked by protein kinase A, tyrosine kinase and MEK inhibitors. These studies indicate that the combinatorial effects of FGF and FSK act through PKA, tyrosine kinase and MAP-kinase-dependent pathways, which target the inverted CCAAT, CRE, FRE and Pit-1 elements in the BSP gene to synergistically increase BSP expression.

  11. Genetic interactions underlying otic placode induction and formation.

    PubMed

    Solomon, Keely S; Kwak, Su-Jin; Fritz, Andreas

    2004-07-01

    The formation of the otic placode is a complex process requiring multiple inductive signals. In zebrafish, fgf3 and fgf8, dlx3b and dlx4b, and foxi1 have been identified as the earliest-acting genes in this process. fgf3 and fgf8 are required as inductive signals, whereas dlx3b, dlx4b, and foxi1 appear to act directly within otic primordia. We have investigated potential interactions among these genes. Depletion of either dlx3b and dlx4b or foxi1 leads to a delay of pax2a expression in the otic primordia and reduction of the otic vesicle. Depletion of both foxi1 and dlx3b results in a complete ablation of otic placode formation. A strong synergistic interaction is also observed among foxi1, fgf3, and fgf8, and a weaker interaction among dlx3b, fgf3, and fgf8. Misexpression of foxi1 can induce expression of pax8, an early marker for the otic primordia, in embryos treated with an inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling. Conversely, morpholino knockdown of foxi1 blocks ectopic pax8 expression and otic vesicle formation induced by misexpression of fgf3 and/or fgf8. The observed genetic interactions suggest a model in which foxi1 and dlx3b/dlx4b act in independent pathways together with distinct phases of FGF signaling to promote otic placode induction and development. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  12. Regulation of bone-renal mineral and energy metabolism: the PHEX, FGF23, DMP1, MEPE ASARM pathway.

    PubMed

    Rowe, Peter S N

    2012-01-01

    More than 300 million years ago, vertebrates emerged from the vast oceans to conquer gravity and the dry land. With this transition, new adaptations occurred that included ingenious changes in reproduction, waste secretion, and bone physiology. One new innovation, the egg shell, contained an ancestral protein (ovocleidin-116) that likely first appeared with the dinosaurs and was preserved through the theropod lineage in modern birds and reptiles. Ovocleidin-116 is an avian homolog of matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) and belongs to a group of proteins called short integrin-binding ligand-interacting glycoproteins (SIBLINGs). These proteins are all localized to a defined region on chromosome 5q in mice and chromosome 4q in humans. A unifying feature of SIBLING proteins is an acidic serine aspartate-rich MEPE-associated motif (ASARM). Recent research has shown that the ASARM motif and the released ASARM peptide have regulatory roles in mineralization (bone and teeth), phosphate regulation, vascularization, soft-tissue calcification, osteoclastogenesis, mechanotransduction, and fat energy metabolism. The MEPE ASARM motif and peptide are physiological substrates for PHEX, a zinc metalloendopeptidase. Defects in PHEX are responsible for X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (HYP). There is evidence that PHEX interacts with another ASARM motif containing SIBLING protein, dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP1). DMP1 mutations cause bone and renal defects that are identical with the defects caused by a loss of PHEX function. This results in autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets (ARHR). In both HYP and ARHR, increased FGF23 expression plays a major role in the disease and in autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (ADHR), FGF23 half-life is increased by activating mutations. ASARM peptide administration in vitro and in vivo also induces increased FGF23 expression. FGF23 is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family of cytokines, which surfaced 500 million years ago with the boney fish (i.e., teleosts) that do not contain SIBLING proteins. In terrestrial vertebrates, FGF23, like SIBLING proteins, is expressed in the osteocyte. The boney fish, however, are an-osteocytic, so a physiological bone-renal link with FGF23 and the SIBLINGs was cemented when life ventured from the oceans to the land during the Triassic period, approximately 300 million years ago. This link has been revealed by recent research that indicates a competitive displacement of a PHEX-DMP1 interaction by an ASARM peptide that leads to increased FGF23 expression. This review discusses the new discoveries that reveal a novel PHEX, DMP1, MEPE, ASARM peptide, and FGF23 bone-renal pathway. This pathway impacts not only bone formation, bone-renal mineralization, and renal phosphate homeostasis but also energy metabolism. The study of this new pathway is relevant for developing therapies for several diseases: bone-teeth mineral loss disorders, renal osteodystrophy, chronic kidney disease and bone mineralization disorders (CKD-MBD), end-stage renal diseases, ectopic arterial-calcification, cardiovascular disease renal calcification, diabetes, and obesity.

  13. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cheng, Xingguo, E-mail: chengx@stjohns.edu; Vispute, Saurabh G.; Liu, Jie

    The toxic effects of dioxins, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), mainly through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) are well documented. Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) 21 plays critical roles in metabolic adaptation to fasting by increasing lipid oxidation and ketogenesis in the liver. The present study was performed to determine whether activation of the AhR induces Fgf21 expression. In mouse liver, TCDD increased Fgf21 mRNA in both dose- and time-dependent manners. In addition, TCDD markedly increased Fgf21 mRNA expression in cultured mouse and human hepatocytes. Moreover, TCDD increased mRNA (in liver) and protein levels (in both liver and serum) ofmore » Fgf21 in wild-type mice, but not in AhR-null mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that TCDD increased AhR protein binding to the Fgf21 promoter (− 105/+ 1 base pair). Fgf21-null mice administered 200 μg/kg of TCDD died within 20 days, whereas wild-type mice receiving the same treatment were still alive at one month after administration. This indicates that TCDD-induced Fgf21 expression protects against TCDD toxicity. Diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) pretreatment attenuated TCDD-induced Fgf21 expression in mouse liver and white adipose tissue, which may explain a previous report that DEHP pretreatment decreases TCDD-induced wasting. In conclusion, Fgf21 appears to be a target gene of AhR-signaling pathway in mouse and human liver. - Highlights: • TCDD induced Fgf21 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. • Fgf21 induction by TCDD is AhR-dependent. • DEHP attenuated TCDD-induced Fgf21 expression.« less

  14. Circulating FGF21 proteolytic processing mediated by fibroblast activation protein

    PubMed Central

    Zhen, Eugene Y.; Jin, Zhaoyan; Ackermann, Bradley L.; Thomas, Melissa K.; Gutierrez, Jesus A.

    2015-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a hormone implicated in the regulation of glucose homoeostasis, insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism and body weight, is considered to be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Despite observations that FGF21 is rapidly proteolysed in circulation rending it potentially inactive, little is known regarding mechanisms by which FGF21 protein levels are regulated. We systematically investigated human FGF21 protein processing using mass spectrometry. In agreement with previous reports, circulating human FGF21 was found to be cleaved primarily after three proline residues at positions 2, 4 and 171. The extent of FGF21 processing was quantified in a small cohort of healthy human volunteers. Relative abundance of FGF21 proteins cleaved after Pro-2, Pro-4 and Pro-171 ranged from 16 to 30%, 10 to 25% and 10 to 34%, respectively. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) was found to be the primary protease responsible for N-terminal cleavages after residues Pro-2 and Pro-4. Importantly, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) was implicated as the protease responsible for C-terminal cleavage after Pro-171, rendering the protein inactive. The requirement of FAP for FGF21 proteolysis at the C-terminus was independently demonstrated by in vitro digestion, immunodepletion of FAP in human plasma, administration of an FAP-specific inhibitor and by human FGF21 protein processing patterns in FAP knockout mouse plasma. The discovery that FAP is responsible for FGF21 inactivation extends the FGF21 signalling pathway and may enable novel approaches to augment FGF21 actions for therapeutic applications. PMID:26635356

  15. FGFR inhibitors: Effects on cancer cells, tumor microenvironment and whole-body homeostasis (Review)

    PubMed Central

    KATOH, MASARU

    2016-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)2, FGF4, FGF7 and FGF20 are representative paracrine FGFs binding to heparan-sulfate proteoglycan and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), whereas FGF19, FGF21 and FGF23 are endocrine FGFs binding to Klotho and FGFRs. FGFR1 is relatively frequently amplified and overexpressed in breast and lung cancer, and FGFR2 in gastric cancer. BCR-FGFR1, CNTRL-FGFR1, CUX1-FGFR1, FGFR1OP-FGFR1, MYO18A-FGFR1 and ZMYM2-FGFR1 fusions in myeloproliferative neoplasms are non-receptor-type FGFR kinases, whereas FGFR1-TACC1, FGFR2-AFF3, FGFR2-BICC1, FGFR2-PPHLN1, FGFR3-BAIAP2L1 and FGFR3-TACC3 fusions in solid tumors are transmembrane-type FGFRs with C-terminal alterations. AZD4547, BGJ398 (infigratinib), Debio-1347 and dovitinib are FGFR1/2/3 inhibitors; BLU9931 is a selective FGFR4 inhibitor; FIIN-2, JNJ-42756493, LY2874455 and ponatinib are pan-FGFR inhibitors. AZD4547, dovitinib and ponatinib are multi-kinase inhibitors targeting FGFRs, colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)R2, and others. The tumor microenvironment consists of cancer cells and stromal/immune cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells, M2-type tumor-associating macrophages (M2-TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells. FGFR inhibitors elicit antitumor effects directly on cancer cells, as well as indirectly through the blockade of paracrine signaling. The dual inhibition of FGF and CSF1 or VEGF signaling is expected to enhance the antitumor effects through the targeting of immune evasion and angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment. Combination therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (FGFR or CSF1R inhibitors) and immune checkpoint blockers (anti-PD-1 or anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies) may be a promising choice for cancer patients. The inhibition of FGF19-FGFR4 signaling is associated with a risk of liver toxicity, whereas the activation of FGF23-FGFR4 signaling is associated with a risk of heart toxicity. Endocrine FGF signaling affects the pathophysiology of cancer patients who are prescribed FGFR inhibitors. Whole-genome sequencing is necessary for the detection of promoter/enhancer alterations of FGFR genes and rare alterations of other genes causing FGFR overexpression. To sustain the health care system in an aging society, a benefit-cost analysis should be performed with a focus on disease-free survival and the total medical cost before implementing genome-based precision medicine for cancer patients. PMID:27245147

  16. Mitigation effect of an FGF-2 peptide on acute gastrointestinal syndrome after high-dose ionizing radiation.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Lurong; Sun, Weimin; Wang, Jianjun; Zhang, Mei; Yang, Shanmin; Tian, Yeping; Vidyasagar, Sadasivan; Peña, Louis A; Zhang, Kunzhong; Cao, Yongbing; Yin, Liangjie; Wang, Wei; Zhang, Lei; Schaefer, Katherine L; Saubermann, Lawrence J; Swarts, Steven G; Fenton, Bruce M; Keng, Peter C; Okunieff, Paul

    2010-05-01

    Acute gastrointestinal syndrome (AGS) resulting from ionizing radiation causes death within 7 days. Currently, no satisfactory agent exists for mitigation of AGS. A peptide derived from the receptor binding domain of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-P) was synthesized and its mitigation effect on AGS was examined. A subtotal body irradiation (sub-TBI) model was created to induce gastrointestinal (GI) death while avoiding bone marrow death. After 10.5 to 16 Gy sub-TBI, mice received an intramuscular injection of FGF-P (10 mg/kg/day) or saline (0.2 ml/day) for 5 days; survival (frequency and duration) was measured. Crypt cells and their proliferation were assessed by hematoxylin, eosin, and BrdU staining. In addition, GI hemoccult score, stool formation, and plasma levels of endotoxin, insulin, amylase, interleukin (IL)-6, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were evaluated. Treatment with FGF-P rescued a significant fraction of four strains of mice (33-50%) exposed to a lethal dose of sub-TBI. Use of FGF-P improved crypt survival and repopulation and partially preserved or restored GI function. Furthermore, whereas sub-TBI increased plasma endotoxin levels and several pro-inflammation cytokines (IL-6, KC, MCP-1, and TNF-alpha), FGF-P reduced these adverse responses. The study data support pursuing FGF-P as a mitigator for AGS.

  17. Combined Effects of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Immobilized Poly-Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Membrane with Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Hydrogel on Recovery of Erectile Dysfunction

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Seung Hwan; Kim, In Gul; Jung, Ae Ryang; Shrestha, Kshitiz Raj; Lee, Jin Ho; Park, Ki Dong; Chung, Byung Ha; Kim, Sae Woong; Kim, Ki Hean

    2014-01-01

    Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most frequent long-term problem after radical prostatectomy. We aimed to evaluate whether the use of combination therapy with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-hydrogel on corpus cavernosum and with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-immobilized poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) membrane on the cavernous nerve (CN) could improve erectile function in a rat model of bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury (BCNI). Rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=15 per group): a normal group (N group), a group receiving saline application after bilateral cavernous nerve crush injury (BCNI), a group undergoing bFGF-hydrogel injection in the corpus cavernosum after BCNI (bFGF), a group receiving ADSC application covered with BDNF-membrane after BCNI (ADSC/BDNF), and a group undergoing coadministration of bFGF-hydrogel injection and BDNF-membrane with ADSCs after BDNF (bFGF+ADSC/BDNF). Four weeks postoperatively, the erectile function was assessed by detecting the ratio of intracavernous pressure (ICP) to mean arterial pressure (MAP). Smooth muscle and collagen contents were measured using Masson's trichrome staining. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression in the dorsal penile nerve was detected by immunostaining. The protein expression of the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) level of the corpus cavernosum were quantified by western blot and cGMP assay, respectively. In the bFGF+ADSC/BDNF group, the erectile function was significantly elevated compared with the BCNI and other treated groups and showed a significantly increased smooth muscle/collagen ratio, nNOS content, α-SMA expression, and cGMP level. In particular, there were no statistical differences in the ICP/MAP ratio, smooth muscle/collagen ratio, and α-SMA and cGMP levels between the bFGF+ADSC/BDNF group and normal group. Application of the BDNF-immobilized PLGA membrane with human ADSC into the CN and bFGF-incorporated hydrogel into the corpus carvernosum improved nearly normal erectile function in a rat model of postprostatectomy ED. This result suggests that a combined application of bFGF+ADSC/BDNF might be a promising treatment for postprostatectomy ED. PMID:24673637

  18. A Common Allele in FGF21 Associated with Sugar Intake Is Associated with Body Shape, Lower Total Body-Fat Percentage, and Higher Blood Pressure.

    PubMed

    Frayling, Timothy M; Beaumont, Robin N; Jones, Samuel E; Yaghootkar, Hanieh; Tuke, Marcus A; Ruth, Katherine S; Casanova, Francesco; West, Ben; Locke, Jonathan; Sharp, Seth; Ji, Yingjie; Thompson, William; Harrison, Jamie; Etheridge, Amy S; Gallins, Paul J; Jima, Dereje; Wright, Fred; Zhou, Yihui; Innocenti, Federico; Lindgren, Cecilia M; Grarup, Niels; Murray, Anna; Freathy, Rachel M; Weedon, Michael N; Tyrrell, Jessica; Wood, Andrew R

    2018-04-10

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormone that has insulin-sensitizing properties. Some trials of FGF21 analogs show weight loss and lipid-lowering effects. Recent studies have shown that a common allele in the FGF21 gene alters the balance of macronutrients consumed, but there was little evidence of an effect on metabolic traits. We studied a common FGF21 allele (A:rs838133) in 451,099 people from the UK Biobank study, aiming to use the human allele to inform potential adverse and beneficial effects of targeting FGF21. We replicated the association between the A allele and higher percentage carbohydrate intake. We then showed that this allele is more strongly associated with higher blood pressure and waist-hip ratio, despite an association with lower total body-fat percentage, than it is with BMI or type 2 diabetes. These human phenotypes of variation in the FGF21 gene will inform research into FGF21's mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Allelic heterogeneity of FGF5 mutations causes the long-hair phenotype in dogs.

    PubMed

    Dierks, C; Mömke, S; Philipp, U; Distl, O

    2013-08-01

    Hitherto, the only known mutant gene leading to the long-hair phenotype in mammals is the fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5). In many dog breeds, the previously discovered FGF5:p.Cys95Phe mutation appeared completely concordant with the long-hair phenotype, but for some breeds, the long-hair phenotype could not be resolved. First, we studied the role of the FGF5:p.Cys95Phe and FGF5:g.145_150dupACCAGC mutations in 268 dogs descending from 27 breeds and seven wolves. As these mutations did not explain all the long-hair phenotypes, all exons and their neighbouring regions of FGF5 were re-sequenced. We detected three novel mutations in the coding sequence and one novel non-coding splice-site mutation in FGF5 associated with the long-hair phenotype. The FGF5:p.Ala193Val polymorphism was perfectly consistent with long hair in Akitas and probably in Siberian huskies, too. Dogs of the long-hair breed Samoyed were either homozygous or compound heterozygous for the FGF5:p.Ala193Val or the FGF5:p.Cys95Phe polymorphisms respectively. The two newly detected polymorphisms FGF5:c.559_560dupGG and FGF5:g.8193T>A and the known mutation FGF5:p.Cys95Phe explained the long-hair phenotype of all Afghan hounds analysed. An FGF5:c.556_571del16 mutation was found in one longhaired Eurasier. All long-hair-associated mutations follow a recessive mode of inheritance, and allelic heterogeneity was a common finding in breeds other than Akita. © 2013 The Authors, Animal Genetics © 2013 Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.

  20. Klotho modulates FGF23-mediated NO synthesis and oxidative stress in human coronary artery endothelial cells.

    PubMed

    Richter, Beatrice; Haller, Jacqueline; Haffner, Dieter; Leifheit-Nestler, Maren

    2016-09-01

    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a state of Klotho deficiency and excess of the phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Both dysregulations were shown to be associated with endothelial dysfunction in humans, but direct vascular effects of FGF23 remain largely elusive. In vitro experiments were performed to assess the effects of FGF23 (10 ng/mL) in relation to its co-receptor Klotho on nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and detoxification in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). Membrane-bound Klotho is expressed in HCAEC, and FGF23 increases the expression of the Klotho shedding protease ADAM17, and consequently the secretion of soluble Klotho. FGF23 activates FGF receptor 1 and stimulates NO release via Akt-dependent activation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). Both FGF receptor (FGFR)-dependent ROS formation via activation of NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) as well as ROS degradation via superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and catalase (CAT) is stimulated by FGF23. Pre-incubation with a Klotho inhibitor blunts the FGF23-stimulated Akt-eNOS activation and NO synthesis, and decreases ROS degradation by blocking SOD2 and CAT enzymes, whereas FGF23-stimulated ROS synthesis via Nox2 is unaffected, resulting in low NO bioavailability and increased oxidative stress. Our data indicate that in the presence of Klotho, FGF23 induces NO release in HCAEC and its stimulating effects on ROS production are counterbalanced by increased ROS degradation. In states of Klotho deficiency, e.g., CKD, FGF23-mediated NO synthesis is blunted and ROS formation overrules ROS degradation. Thus, FGF23 excess may primarily promote oxidative stress and thus endothelial dysfunction.

  1. Chitosan-plasmid nanoparticle formulations for IM and SC delivery of recombinant FGF-2 and PDGF-BB or generation of antibodies.

    PubMed

    Jean, M; Smaoui, F; Lavertu, M; Méthot, S; Bouhdoud, L; Buschmann, M D; Merzouki, A

    2009-09-01

    Growth factor therapy is an emerging treatment modality that enhances tissue vascularization, promotes healing and regeneration and can treat a variety of inflammatory diseases. Both recombinant human growth factor proteins and their gene therapy are in human clinical trials to heal chronic wounds. As platelet-derived growth factor-bb (PDGF-BB) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) are known to induce chemotaxis, proliferation, differentiation, and matrix synthesis, we investigated a non-viral means for gene delivery of these factors using the cationic polysaccharide chitosan. Chitosan is a polymer of glucosamine and N-acetyl-glucosamine, in which the percentage of the residues that are glucosamine is called the degree of deacetylation (DDA). The purpose of this study was to express PDGF-BB and FGF-2 genes in mice using chitosan-plasmid DNA nanoparticles for the controlled delivery of genetic material in a specific, efficient, and safe manner. PDGF-BB and FGF-2 genes were amplified from human tissues by RT-PCR. To increase the secretion of FGF-2, a recombinant 4sFGF-2 was constructed bearing eight amino-acid residues of the signal peptide of FGF-4. PCR products were inserted into the expression vector pVax1 to produce recombinant plasmids pVax1-4sFGF2 and pVax1-PDGF-BB, which were then injected into BALB/C mice in the format of polyelectrolyte nanocomplexes with specific chitosans of controlled DDA and molecular weight, including 92-10, 80-10, and 80-80 (DDA-number average molecular weight or M(n) in kDa). ELISA assays on mice sera showed that recombinant FGF-2 and PDGF-BB proteins were efficiently expressed and specific antibodies to these proteins could be identified in sera of injected mice, but with levels that were clearly dependent on the specific chitosan used. We found high DDA low molecular weight chitosans to be efficient protein expressors with minimal or no generation of neutralizing antibodies, while lowering DDA resulted in greater antibody levels and correspondingly lower levels of detected recombinant protein. Histological analyses corroborated these results by revealing greater inflammatory infiltrates in lower DDA chitosans, which produced higher antibody titers. We found, in general, a more efficient delivery of the plasmids by subcutaneous than by intramuscular injection. Specific chitosan carriers were identified to be either efficient non-toxic therapeutic protein delivery systems or vectors for DNA vaccines.

  2. Elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 levels as a cause of early post-renal transplantation hypophosphatemia.

    PubMed

    Han, S Y; Hwang, E A; Park, S B; Kim, H C; Kim, H T

    2012-04-01

    Hypophosphatemia is a common complication after renal transplantation. Hyperparathyroidism has long been thought to be the cause, but hypophosphatemia can persist after high parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels normalize. Furthermore, calcitriol levels remain inappropriately low after transplantation, suggesting that mechanisms other than PTH contribute. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) induces phosphaturia, inhibits calcitriol synthesis, and accumulates in chronic kidney disease. We performed prospective study to investigate if FGF-23 early after renal transplantation contributes to hypophosphatemia. We measured FGF-23 levels before and at 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks after transplantation in 20 renal transplant recipients. Serum creatinine, calcium (Ca), phosphate (Pi), intact PTH (PTH), and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)VitD) were measured at the same time. FGF-23 levels decreased by 97% at 4 weeks after renal transplantation (PRT) (7,471 ± 11,746 vs 225 ± 295 pg/mL; P < .05) but were still above normal. PTH and Pi levels also decreased significantly after renal transplantation, and Ca and 1,25(OH)(2)VitD slightly increased. PRT hypophosphatemia of <2.5 mg/dL developed in 15 (75%) and 12 (60%) patients at 4 weeks and 12 weeks respectively. Compared with nonhypophosphatemic patients, the levels of FGF-23 of hypophosphatemic patients were higher (303 ± 311 vs 10 ± 6.9 pg/mL; P = .02) at 4 weeks PRT. FGF-23 levels were inversely correlated with Pi (r(2) = 0.406; P = .011); PTH was not independently associated with Pi (r(2) = 0.132; P = .151). FGF-23 levels decrease dramatically after renal transplantation. During the early PRT period, Pi rapidly decreased, suggesting that FGF-23 is cleared by the kidney, but residual FGF-23 may contribute to the PRT hypophosphatemia. FGF-23, but not PTH levels, was independently associated with PRT hypophosphatemia. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Fibroblast growth factor 21 protects mouse brain against D-galactose induced aging via suppression of oxidative stress response and advanced glycation end products formation.

    PubMed

    Yu, Yinhang; Bai, Fuliang; Wang, Wenfei; Liu, Yaonan; Yuan, Qingyan; Qu, Susu; Zhang, Tong; Tian, Guiyou; Li, Siming; Li, Deshan; Ren, Guiping

    2015-06-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormone secreted predominantly in the liver, pancreas and adipose tissue. Recently, it has been reported that FGF21-Transgenic mice can extend their lifespan compared with wild type counterparts. Thus, we hypothesize that FGF21 may play some roles in aging of organisms. In this study d-galactose (d-gal)-induced aging mice were used to study the mechanism that FGF21 protects mice from aging. The three-month-old Kunming mice were subcutaneously injected with d-gal (180mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) for 8weeks and administered simultaneously with FGF21 (1, 2 or 5mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)). Our results showed that administration of FGF21 significantly improved behavioral performance of d-gal-treated mice in water maze task and step-down test, reduced brain cell damage in the hippocampus, and attenuated the d-gal-induced production of MDA, ROS and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). At the same time, FGF21 also markedly renewed the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total anti-oxidation capability (T-AOC), and decreased the enhanced total cholinesterase (TChE) activity in the brain of d-gal-treated mice. The expression of aldose reductase (AR), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) and member-anchored receptor for AGEs (RAGE) declined significantly after FGF21 treatment. Furthermore, FGF21 suppressed inflamm-aging by inhibiting IκBα degradation and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, decreased significantly. In conclusion, these results suggest that FGF21 protects the aging mice brain from d-gal-induced injury by attenuating oxidative stress damage and decreasing AGE formation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Brown adipose tissue responds to cold and adrenergic stimulation by induction of FGF21.

    PubMed

    Chartoumpekis, Dionysios V; Habeos, Ioannis G; Ziros, Panos G; Psyrogiannis, Agathoklis I; Kyriazopoulou, Venetsana E; Papavassiliou, Athanasios G

    2011-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) is a pleiotropic protein involved in glucose, lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis, with main tissues of expression being the liver and adipose tissue. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is responsible for cold-induced thermogenesis in rodents. The role of FGF21 in BAT biology has not been investigated. In the present study, wild-type C57BL/6J mice as well as a brown adipocyte cell line were used to explore the potential role of cold exposure and β3-adrenergic stimulation in the expression of FGF21 in BAT. Our results demonstrate that short-term exposure to cold, as well as β3-adrenergic stimulation, causes a significant induction of FGF21 mRNA levels in BAT, without a concomitant increase in FGF21 plasma levels. This finding opens new routes for the potential use of pharmaceuticals that could induce FGF21 and, hence, activate BAT thermogenesis.

  5. ATP oscillations mediate inductive action of FGF and Shh signalling on prechondrogenic condensation.

    PubMed

    Kwon, Hyuck Joon

    2013-01-01

    Skeletal patterns are prefigured by prechondrogenic condensation. Morphogens such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and sonic hedgehog (Shh) specify the skeletal patterns in limb development. However, how morphogens regulate prechondrogenic condensation has remained unclear. Recently, it was demonstrated that synchronized Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) oscillations play a critical role in prechondrogenic condensation. Thus, the present study has focused on whether ATP oscillations mediate the actions of major developmental morphogens such as FGF and Shh on prechondrogenic condensation. It has been shown that both FGF and Shh signalling promoted cellular condensation but not chondrogenic differentiation and also induced ATP oscillations. In addition, blockage of FGF and Shh signalling prevented both ATP oscillations and prechondrogenic condensation. Furthermore, it was found that inhibition of ATP oscillations suppressed FGF/Shh-induced prechondrogenic condensation. These results indicate that ATP oscillations mediate the actions of FGF and Shh signalling on prechondrogenic condensation. This study proposes that morphogens organize skeletal patterns via ATP oscillations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  6. Fibroblast Growth Factor 23: A Biomarker of Kidney Function Decline.

    PubMed

    Drew, David A; Katz, Ronit; Kritchevsky, Stephen; Ix, Joachim H; Shlipak, Michael G; Newman, Anne B; Hoofnagle, Andy; Fried, Linda; Sarnak, Mark J; Gutierrez, Orlando M

    2018-01-01

    Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a hormone that regulates phosphorus levels and vitamin D metabolism. Previous studies have shown FGF-23 to be a risk factor for incident end-stage renal disease; however, there are less data on the association of FGF-23 with earlier kidney-related outcomes. Serum FGF-23 was assayed using an intact ELISA assay in 2,496 participants of the Healthy Aging and Body Composition Study, a cohort of well-functioning older adults. Kidney function was estimated by assaying cystatin C at baseline and years 3 and 10. The associations between FGF-23 and decline in kidney function (defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline ≥30% or ≥3 mL/min/year) and incident chronic kidney disease (CKD; incident eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and ≥1 mL/min/year decline) were evaluated. Models were adjusted for demographics, baseline eGFR, urine albumin/creatinine ratio, comorbidity, and serum calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH) vitamin D and parathyroid hormone. The mean (SD) age was 75 (3) years, with 52% female and 38% black. There were 405 persons with 30% decline, 702 with >3 mL/min/year decline, and 536 with incident CKD. In fully adjusted continuous models, doubling of FGF-23 concentrations was not associated with kidney function decline (OR [95% CI] = 0.98 [0.82-1.19] for ≥30% decline and OR 1.17 [95% CI 1.00-1.37] for ≥3 mL/min/year decline), or incident CKD (incident rate ratio [IRR] 1.05 [95% CI 0.91-1.22]). In adjusted quartile analysis, the highest quartile of FGF-23 was significantly associated with incident CKD (IRR 1.27 [95% CI 1.02-1.58] for highest vs. lowest quartile). Higher FGF-23 concentrations were not consistently associated with decline in kidney function or incident CKD in community-dwelling older adults. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  7. FGF–2 is required to prevent astrogliosis in the facial nucleus after facial nerve injury and mechanical stimulation of denervated vibrissal muscles

    PubMed Central

    Hizay, Arzu; Seitz, Mark; Grosheva, Maria; Sinis, Nektarios; Kaya, Yasemin; Bendella, Habib; Sarikcioglu, Levent; Dunlop, Sarah A.; Angelov, Doychin N.

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Recently, we have shown that manual stimulation of paralyzed vibrissal muscles after facial-facial anastomosis reduced the poly-innervation of neuromuscular junctions and restored vibrissal whisking. Using gene knock outs, we found a differential dependence of manual stimulation effects on growth factors. Thus, insulin-like growth factor-1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor are required to underpin manual stimulation-mediated improvements, whereas FGF-2 is not. The lack of dependence on FGF-2 in mediating these peripheral effects prompted us to look centrally, i.e. within the facial nucleus where increased astrogliosis after facial-facial anastomosis follows "synaptic stripping". We measured the intensity of Cy3-fluorescence after immunostaining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as an indirect indicator of synaptic coverage of axotomized neurons in the facial nucleus of mice lacking FGF-2 (FGF-2-/- mice). There was no difference in GFAP-Cy3-fluorescence (pixel number, gray value range 17–103) between intact wildtype mice (2.12± 0.37×107) and their intact FGF-2-/- counterparts (2.12± 0.27×107) nor after facial-facial anastomosis +handling (wildtype: 4.06± 0.32×107; FGF-2-/-: 4.39±0.17×107). However, after facial-facial anastomosis, GFAP-Cy3-fluorescence remained elevated in FGF-2-/--animals (4.54±0.12×107), whereas manual stimulation reduced the intensity of GFAP-immunofluorescence in wild type mice to values that were not significantly different from intact mice (2.63± 0.39×10 ). We conclude that FGF-2 is not required to underpin the beneficial effects of manual stimulation at the neuro-muscular junction, but it is required to minimize astrogliosis in the brainstem and, by implication, restore synaptic coverage of recovering facial motoneurons. PMID:28276669

  8. Role of Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Measurement in Primary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease Among Chinese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

    PubMed

    Lee, Chi Ho; Woo, Yu Cho; Chow, Wing Sun; Cheung, Chloe Yu Yan; Fong, Carol Ho Yi; Yuen, Michele Mae Ann; Xu, Aimin; Tse, Hung Fat; Lam, Karen Siu Ling

    2017-06-06

    Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has demonstrated beneficial effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. In cross-sectional studies, an association of raised circulating FGF21 levels with coronary heart disease (CHD) was found in some but not all studies. Here we investigated prospectively whether baseline serum FGF21 levels could predict incident CHD in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and no known cardiovascular diseases. Baseline serum FGF21 levels were measured in 3528 Chinese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus recruited from the Hong Kong West Diabetes Registry. The role of baseline serum FGF21 levels in predicting incident CHD over a median follow-up of 3.8 years was analyzed using Cox regression analysis. Among 3528 recruited subjects without known cardiovascular diseases, 147 (4.2%) developed CHD over a mean follow-up of 4 years. Baseline serum log-transformed FGF21 levels were significantly higher in those who had incident CHD than those who did not (222.7 pg/mL [92.8-438.4] versus 151.1 pg/mL [75.6-274.6]; P <0.001). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, baseline serum FGF21 levels, using an optimal cutoff of 206.22 pg/mL derived from our study, independently predicted incident CHD (hazard ratio, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.10-2.19; P =0.013) and significantly improved net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement after adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors. We have demonstrated, for the first time, that serum FGF21 level is an independent predictor of incident CHD and might be usefully utilized as a biomarker for identifying type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects with raised CHD risk, for primary prevention. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

  9. Celecoxib suppresses fibroblast growth factor-2 expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma PANC-1 cells.

    PubMed

    Li, Jing; Luo, Miaosha; Wang, Yan; Shang, Boxin; Dong, Lei

    2016-09-01

    The inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 has been reported to suppress growth and induce apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cells. Nevertheless, the precise biological mechanism of how celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, regulates the growth and invasion of pancreatic tumors is not completely understood. It has been shown that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and its receptor levels correlate with the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the hypothesis that the antitumor activity of celecoxib in PDAC may be exerted through modulation of FGF-2 function. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of celecoxib on the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of the PANC-1 cell line. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to examine the expression of FGF-2, FGFR-2, ERK1/2 and MMPs. In the present study, FGF-2 and FGFR-2 were expressed in PANC-1 cells and FGF-2 exerted a stimulatory effect on phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (p-ERK) expression. Celecoxib treatment suppressed FGF-2 and FGFR-2 expression and decreased MMP-2, MMP-9 and p-ERK expression in the PANC-1 cells. Furthermore, celecoxib treatment caused the resistance of PANC-1 cells to FGF-2 induced proliferation, migration and invasion ability, as well as the increase in their apoptotic rate. Our data provide evidence that targeting FGF-2 with celecoxib may be used as an effective treatment in PDAC.

  10. Serum fibroblast growth factor 23 concentrations in dogs with chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Dittmer, Keren E; Perera, Kalyani C; Elder, Peter A

    2017-10-01

    The aim of this study was to determine if serum fibroblast growth factor (FGF23) concentrations were increased in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Serum samples submitted to a commercial laboratory were collected over a 15-month period, 14 samples were from dogs with a history of polyuria/polydipsia, azotaemia and low urine specific gravity, 20 samples were from non-azotaemic dogs. Serum FGF23, parathyroid hormone, total calcium and phosphorus, urea and creatinine were measured. Mann-Whitney test was used to determine differences between non-azotaemic and CKD groups; a one-way ANOVA with Tukey pairwise comparisons was used to determine any differences between International Renal Interest Society stages; and regression models were used to determine predictors of International Renal Interest Society stage, serum phosphorus and FGF23 concentrations. The median serum FGF23 concentration of dogs with CKD was 5194.6pg/mL, which was significantly greater (P<0.001) than the median serum FGF23 concentration of non-azotaemic dogs (259.2pg/mL). Log serum FGF23 and age were significantly associated with IRIS stage (P=0.027 and P=0.032 respectively), while log serum phosphorus concentration (P<0.001) was significantly associated with log serum FGF23 concentration. In summary, serum FGF23 concentration is increased in dogs with CKD, and is associated with serum phosphorus concentration. This phosphatonin pathway may be a useful target for the development of future treatments to control plasma phosphorus concentrations in chronic kidney disease. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Cellular Responses Modulated by FGF-2 Adsorbed on Albumin/Heparin Layer-by-Layer Assemblies.

    PubMed

    Kumorek, Marta; Kubies, Dana; Filová, Elena; Houska, Milan; Kasoju, Naresh; Mázl Chánová, Eliška; Matějka, Roman; Krýslová, Markéta; Bačáková, Lucie; Rypáček, František

    2015-01-01

    In a typical cell culture system, growth factors immobilized on the cell culture surfaces can serve as a reservoir of bio-signaling molecules, without the need to supplement them additionally into the culture medium. In this paper, we report on the fabrication of albumin/heparin (Alb/Hep) assemblies for controlled binding of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). The surfaces were constructed by layer-by-layer adsorption of polyelectrolytes albumin and heparin and were subsequently stabilized by covalent crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. An analysis of the surface morphology by atomic force microscopy showed that two Alb/Hep bilayers are required to cover the surface of substrate. The formation of the Alb/Hep assemblies was monitored by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR), the infrared multiinternal reflection spectroscopy (FTIR MIRS) and UV/VIS spectroscopy. The adsorption of FGF-2 on the cross-linked Alb/Hep was followed by SPR. The results revealed that FGF-2 binds to the Alb/Hep assembly in a dose and time-dependent manner up to the surface concentration of 120 ng/cm(2). The bioactivity of the adsorbed FGF-2 was assessed in experiments in vitro, using calf pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (CPAE). CPAE cells could attach and proliferate on Alb/Hep surfaces. The adsorbed FGF-2 was bioactive and stimulated both the proliferation and the differentiation of CPAE cells. The improvement was more pronounced at a lower FGF-2 surface concentration (30 ng/cm(2)) than on surfaces with a higher concentration of FGF-2 (120 ng/cm(2)).

  12. Cellular Responses Modulated by FGF-2 Adsorbed on Albumin/Heparin Layer-by-Layer Assemblies

    PubMed Central

    Kumorek, Marta; Kubies, Dana; Filová, Elena; Houska, Milan; Kasoju, Naresh; Mázl Chánová, Eliška; Matějka, Roman; Krýslová, Markéta; Bačáková, Lucie; Rypáček, František

    2015-01-01

    In a typical cell culture system, growth factors immobilized on the cell culture surfaces can serve as a reservoir of bio-signaling molecules, without the need to supplement them additionally into the culture medium. In this paper, we report on the fabrication of albumin/heparin (Alb/Hep) assemblies for controlled binding of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). The surfaces were constructed by layer-by-layer adsorption of polyelectrolytes albumin and heparin and were subsequently stabilized by covalent crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. An analysis of the surface morphology by atomic force microscopy showed that two Alb/Hep bilayers are required to cover the surface of substrate. The formation of the Alb/Hep assemblies was monitored by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR), the infrared multiinternal reflection spectroscopy (FTIR MIRS) and UV/VIS spectroscopy. The adsorption of FGF-2 on the cross-linked Alb/Hep was followed by SPR. The results revealed that FGF-2 binds to the Alb/Hep assembly in a dose and time-dependent manner up to the surface concentration of 120 ng/cm2. The bioactivity of the adsorbed FGF-2 was assessed in experiments in vitro, using calf pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (CPAE). CPAE cells could attach and proliferate on Alb/Hep surfaces. The adsorbed FGF-2 was bioactive and stimulated both the proliferation and the differentiation of CPAE cells. The improvement was more pronounced at a lower FGF-2 surface concentration (30 ng/cm2) than on surfaces with a higher concentration of FGF-2 (120 ng/cm2). PMID:25945799

  13. Serum fibroblastic growth factor 23 in acute Sarcoidosis and normal kidney function.

    PubMed

    Sexton, Donal J; O'Reilly, M W; Geoghegan, P; Kinsella, S M; Moran, P J; O'Regan, A W

    2016-08-01

    Serum fibroblastic growth factor (FGF) 23 has recently been established as a major physiological regulator of phosphate homeostasis and may have a causal role in adverse cardiovascular and bone outcomes. However its role in states of disordered phosphate homeostasis and normal kidney function is as yet under characterised. To investigate whether this biomarker of vascular calcification and adverse bone outcomes is detectable in patients with sarcoidosis. We conducted a cross sectional study on a convenience sample of patients presenting with acute sarcoidosis to a respiratory tertiary referral unit. We set out to systematically examine the characteristics and determinants of serum FGF-23 in patients presenting with acute sarcoidosis. We studied 39 patients, 26 were male. Mean (SD) age was 33 (9.6) years. 15.4% of patients had a serum level of FGF-23 ≥ 9.9 pg/mL. The remaining 84.6% of patients had a serum FGF-23 < 9.9 pg/mL. Those with a detectable serum FGF-23 had a significantly higher serum calcium (P = 0.007), and lower serum iPTH (P<0.001). Serum phosphate and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were not statistically significantly different between groups (P=0.25 and P=0.83). The proportion of patients with stage II disease on CXR was higher in those with a detectable FGF-23 (P<0.001). Serum FGF-23 was below the level of detection in the majority of this cohort of patients presenting with acute sarcoidosis. A detectable serum FGF-23 was associated with a higher serum calcium and lower serum iPTH.

  14. Serum free 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D is more closely associated with fibroblast growth factor 23 than other vitamin D forms in chronic dialysis patients.

    PubMed

    Chao, Chia-Ter; Lee, Szu-Ying; Yen, Chung-Jen; Chiang, Chih-Kang; Huang, Jenq-Wen; Hung, Kuan-Yu

    2015-01-15

    Mineral bone disorder (MBD) is prevalent among chronic dialysis patients. However, relationship between different forms of vitamin D and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) remains unclear in this population. A multicenter hemodialysis cohort was assembled. We evaluated 25-OH-D and 1,25-(OH)2-D, vitamin D-binding protein, and FGF-23, in this cohort. Multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship and stewardship between different vitamin D forms and FGF-23 concentrations. Chronic dialysis patients presented significantly higher FGF-23 concentrations. 25-OH-D concentrations of <20 ng/ml (deficiency), 20-30 ng/ml (insufficiency), and ≥30 ng/ml (sufficiency) were associated with progressively lower FGF-23 concentrations (p<0.01). Serum FGF-23 concentrations were significantly correlated with total (p=0.02), free (p<0.01) and bioavailable (p<0.01) 25-OH-D and total (p=0.04), free (p=0.02), and bioavailable (p=0.03) 1,25-(OH)2-D concentrations. With all 25-OH-D and 1,25-(OH)2-D forms in the regression model, we found that free 1,25-(OH)2-D outweighed all other vitamin D forms regarding its association with FGF-23 (p=0.03). The relationship between FGF-23 and vitamin D is stronger using free forms of 25-OH-D and 1,25-(OH)2-D. Subsequent studies aiming at MBD should consider including free 25-OH-D and 1,25-(OH)2-D in the analysis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Construction and Characterization of a Thrombin Resistant Designer FGF-based-Collagen Binding Domain Angiogen

    PubMed Central

    LP, Brewster; C, Washington; EM, Brey; Gassman, Andrew; A, Subramanian; J, Calceterra; W, Wolf; CL, Hall; WH, Velander; WH, Burgess; HP, Greisler

    2007-01-01

    Humans demonstrate limited spontaneous endothelialisation of prosthetic bypass grafts. However the local application of growth factors to prosthetic grafts or to injured blood vessels can provide an immediate effect on endothelialisation. Novel chimeric proteins combining potent angiogens with extracellular matrix binding domains may localize to exposed matrices and provide sustained activity to promote endothelial regeneration after vascular interventions. We have ligated a thrombin-resistant mutant of FGF-1 (R136K) with a collagen binding domain (CBD) in order to direct this growth factor to sites of exposed vascular collagen or selected bioengineered scaffolds. While FGF-1 and R136K are readily attracted to a variety of matrix proteins, R136K-CBD demonstrated selective and avid binding to collagen ~4x that of FGF-1 or R136K alone (P<.05). The molecular stability of R136K-CBD was superior to FGF-1 and R136K. Its chemotactic activity was superior to R136K and FGF-1 (11%±1% vs. 6%±2% and 4%±1%; P<.01). Its angiogenic activity was similar to R136K and significantly greater than control by day 2 (P<.01). After day 3, FGF-1 treated ECs’ sprouts had regressed back to levels insignificant compared to the control group (P=.17), while both R136K and R136K-CBD continued to demonstrate greater sprout lengthening as compared to control (P<.0002). The mitogenic activity of all growth factors was greater than control groups (20% PBS); in all comparisons (P<.0001). This dual functioning angiogen provides proof of concept for the application of designer angiogens to matrix binding proteins to intelligently promote endothelial regeneration of selected matrices. PMID:17950455

  16. Soluble Klotho and Brain Atrophy in Alcoholism.

    PubMed

    González-Reimers, Emilio; Romero-Acevedo, Lucía; Espelosín-Ortega, Elisa; Martín-González, M Candelaria; Quintero-Platt, Geraldine; Abreu-González, Pedro; José de-la-Vega-Prieto, María; Martínez-Martínez, Daniel; Santolaria-Fernández, Francisco

    2018-05-26

    Fibroblast growth factor (FGF-23) and α-Klotho (Klotho) levels may be altered in inflammatory conditions, possibly as compensatory mechanisms. Klotho exerts a protective effect on neurodegeneration and improves learning and cognition. No data exist about the association of Klotho and FGF-23 levels with brain atrophy observed in alcoholics. The aim of this study is to explore these relationships. FGF-23 and Klotho levels are altered in inflammation, possibly as compensatory mechanisms. Klotho enhances learning, but its role in ethanol-mediated brain atrophy is unknown. We found higher FGF-23 and lower Klotho levels in 131 alcoholics compared with 41 controls. Among cirrhotics, Klotho was higher and inversely related to brain atrophy. The study was performed on 131 alcoholic patients (54 cirrhotics) and 41 age- and sex-matched controls, in whom a brain computed tomography (CT) was performed and several indices were calculated. Marked brain atrophy was observed among patients when compared with controls. Patients also showed higher FGF-23 and lower Klotho values. However, among cirrhotics, Klotho values were higher. Klotho was inversely related to brain atrophy (for instance, ventricular index (ρ = -0.23, P = 0.008)), especially in cirrhotics. Klotho was also directly related to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha (ρ = 0.22; P = 0.026) and inversely to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β (ρ = -0.34; P = 0.002), but not to C-reactive protein (CRP) or malondialdehyde levels. FGF-23 was also higher among cirrhotics but showed no association with CT indices. Klotho showed higher values among cirrhotics, and was inversely related to brain atrophy. FGF-23, although high among patients, especially cirrhotics, did not show any association with brain atrophy. Some inflammatory markers or cytokines, such as CRP or TGF-β were related to brain atrophy.

  17. Fibroblast growth factor receptors, developmental corruption and malignant disease.

    PubMed

    Kelleher, Fergal C; O'Sullivan, Hazel; Smyth, Elizabeth; McDermott, Ray; Viterbo, Antonella

    2013-10-01

    Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) are a family of ligands that bind to four different types of cell surface receptor entitled, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4. These receptors differ in their ligand binding affinity and tissue distribution. The prototypical receptor structure is that of an extracellular region comprising three immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains, a hydrophobic transmembrane segment and a split intracellular tyrosine kinase domain. Alternative gene splicing affecting the extracellular third Ig loop also creates different receptor isoforms entitled FGFRIIIb and FGFRIIIc. Somatic fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) mutations are implicated in different types of cancer and germline FGFR mutations occur in developmental syndromes particularly those in which craniosynostosis is a feature. The mutations found in both conditions are often identical. Many somatic FGFR mutations in cancer are gain-of-function mutations of established preclinical oncogenic potential. Gene amplification can also occur with 19-22% of squamous cell lung cancers for example having amplification of FGFR1. Ontologic comparators can be informative such as aberrant spermatogenesis being implicated in both spermatocytic seminomas and Apert syndrome. The former arises from somatic FGFR3 mutations and Apert syndrome arises from germline FGFR2 mutations. Finally, therapeutics directed at inhibiting the FGF/FGFR interaction are a promising subject for clinical trials.

  18. A pilot study of urinary fibroblast growth factor-2 and epithelial growth factor as potential biomarkers of acute kidney injury in critically ill children

    PubMed Central

    Wai, Kitman; Soler-García, Ángel A.; Perazzo, Sofia; Mattison, Parnell

    2014-01-01

    Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) increases the morbidity of critically ill children. Thus, it is necessary to identify better renal biomarkers to follow the outcome of these patients. This prospective case–control study explored the clinical value of a urinary biomarker profile comprised of neutrophil gelatinase lipocalin (uNGAL), fibroblast growth factor-2 (uFGF-2), and epidermal growth factor (uEGF) to follow these patients. Methods Urine samples were collected from 21 healthy children, and 39 critically ill children (mean age 7.5 years±6.97 SD) admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit with sepsis or requiring extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). uNGAL, uFGF-2, and uEGF levels were measured using ELISA kits during the first 24 h of admission to PICU, at peak of illness, and upon resolution of the critical illness. Results On admission, the uNGAL and uFGF-2 levels were increased, and the uEGF levels were decreased, in critically ill children with AKI (n=19) compared to those without AKI (n=20), and healthy controls. A biomarker score using the combined cut-off values of uNGAL, uFGF-2, and uEGF (AUC=0.90) showed the highest specificity to identify children with AKI, relative to each biomarker alone. uNGAL and uFGF-2 on admission showed high sensitivity and specificity to predict mortality (AUC=0.82). Conclusions The biomarker profile comprised of uNGAL, uFGF-2, and uEGF increased the specificity to detect AKI in critically ill children, when compared to each biomarker used alone. uNGAL and uFGF-2 may also predict the risk of death. Further validation of these findings in a large sample size is warranted. PMID:23872928

  19. Influence of polymerization properties of 4-META/MMA-based resin on the activity of fibroblast growth factor-2.

    PubMed

    Kitagawa, Haruaki; Takeda, Kahoru; Tsuboi, Ririko; Hayashi, Mikako; Sasaki, Jun-Ichi; Imazato, Satoshi

    2017-11-29

    Dental adhesive resins based on 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride (4-META)/methyl methacrylate (MMA) have been utilized for root-end filling and the bonding of fractured roots. To increase the success rate of these treatments, it would be beneficial to promote the healing of surrounding tissue by applying growth factors. In this study, the influences of the polymerization properties of 4-META/MMA-based resins on the activity of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) were evaluated in vitro. The temperature increase caused by the heat generation during polymerization of the 4-META/MMA-based resin was insufficient to change the structure and function of FGF-2. Unpolymerized monomers released from the cured 4-META/MMA-based resin had no negative influences on the ability of FGF-2 to promote the proliferation of osteoblast-like cells. These findings suggest that it is possible to use FGF-2 in combination with 4-META/MMA-based resins.

  20. Inactivation of klotho function induces hyperphosphatemia even in presence of high serum fibroblast growth factor 23 levels in a genetically engineered hypophosphatemic (Hyp) mouse model

    PubMed Central

    Nakatani, Teruyo; Ohnishi, Mutsuko; Razzaque, M. Shawkat

    2009-01-01

    Hyp mice possess a mutation that inactivates the phosphate-regulating gene, which is homologous to the endopeptidases of the X-chromosome (PHEX). The mutation is associated with severe hypophosphatemia due to excessive urinary phosphate wasting. Such urinary phosphate wasting in Hyp mice is associated with an increased serum accumulation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23. We wanted to determine the biological significance of increased serum FGF23 levels and concomitant hypophosphatemia in Hyp mice and to evaluate whether FGF23 activity could be modified by manipulating klotho (a cofactor of FGF23 signaling). We generated Hyp and klotho double-mutant mice (Hyp/klotho−/−). Severe hypophosphatemia of Hyp mice was reversed to hyperphosphatemia in Hyp/klotho−/− double mutants, despite the fact that the double mutants showed significantly increased serum levels of FGF23. Hyperphosphatemia in Hyp/klotho−/− mice was associated with increased renal expression of sodium/phosphate cotransporter 2a (NaPi2a) protein. Exogenous injection of bioactive parathyroid hormone 1-34 down-regulated renal expression of NaPi2a and consequently reduced serum levels of phosphate in Hyp/klotho−/− mice. Moreover, in contrast to the Hyp mice, the Hyp/klotho−/− mice showed significantly higher serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and developed extensive calcification in soft tissues and vascular walls. Furthermore, compared with the Hyp mice, Hyp/klotho−/− mice were smaller in size, showed features of generalized tissue atrophy, and generally died by 15–20 wk of age. Our in vivo studies provide genetic evidence for a pathological role of increased FGF23 activities in regulating abnormal phosphate homeostasis in Hyp mice. Moreover, these results suggest that even when serum levels of FGF23 are significantly high, in the absence of klotho, FGF23 is unable to regulate systemic phosphate homeostasis. Our in vivo observations have significant clinical implications in diseases associated with increased FGF23 activity and suggest that the functions of FGF23 can be therapeutically modulated by manipulating the effects of klotho.—Nakatani, Y., Ohnishi, M., Razzaque, M. S. Inactivation of klotho function induces hyperphosphatemia even in presence of high serum fibroblast growth factor 23 levels in a genetically engineered hypophosphatemic (Hyp) mouse model. PMID:19584304

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