scholarly journals Expression and characterization of transforming growth factor alpha precursor protein in transfected mammalian cells.

1987 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 1585-1591 ◽  
Author(s):  
L E Gentry ◽  
D R Twardzik ◽  
G J Lim ◽  
J E Ranchalis ◽  
D C Lee
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Precursor Protein ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Alpha ◽  
Cell Fractionation ◽  
Precursor Molecule ◽  
Bhk Cells ◽  
Factor Alpha

Analysis of a cDNA clone derived from retrovirus-transformed rat fibroblasts has recently suggested that the mature 50-amino-acid form of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) is derived from a 159-amino-acid transmembrane precursor by proteolytic cleavage. To understand the processing of the TGF alpha precursor molecule in more detail, we have expressed this protein in baby hamster kidney (BHK) fibroblasts under control of the metal-ion-inducible metallothionein promoter and characterized the expressed precursor with site-specific antipeptide antibodies. One of the BHK transfectants, termed 5:2, expressed the TGF alpha mRNA in a cadmium- and zinc-inducible manner. The TGF alpha precursor protein was detected by immunoprecipitation analysis of radiolabeled cell cultures. In the induced 5:2 cells, a polypeptide of Mr 13,000 to 17,000 was readily identified by peptide antisera made to three different regions of the TGF alpha precursor protein. No such protein species were observed in BHK cells treated with cadmium and zinc or in uninduced 5:2 cells. However, two cell lines known to produce TGF alpha naturally, Leydig testicular tumor cells and Snyder-Theilan feline sarcoma virus-transformed Fisher rat embryo fibroblasts, possessed detectable levels of immunologically related Mr 13,000 to 17,000 proteins. Cell fractionation studies indicate that the Mr 13,000 to 17,000 species expressed in induced 5:2 cells is membrane associated, consistent with predictions based on the cDNA sequence of the TGF alpha precursor. Media conditioned by induced 5:2 cells contained epidermal growth factor receptor-competing activity, which, upon size fractionation, was similar in size to the mature processed form of TGF alpha. These data show that these nontransformed BHK cells possess the ability to process the TGF alpha precursor molecule into its native form.

scholarly journals Expression and characterization of transforming growth factor alpha precursor protein in transfected mammalian cells

1987 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 1585-1591
Author(s):  
L E Gentry ◽  
D R Twardzik ◽  
G J Lim ◽  
J E Ranchalis ◽  
D C Lee
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Precursor Protein ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Alpha ◽  
Cell Fractionation ◽  
Precursor Molecule ◽  
Bhk Cells ◽  
Factor Alpha

Analysis of a cDNA clone derived from retrovirus-transformed rat fibroblasts has recently suggested that the mature 50-amino-acid form of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) is derived from a 159-amino-acid transmembrane precursor by proteolytic cleavage. To understand the processing of the TGF alpha precursor molecule in more detail, we have expressed this protein in baby hamster kidney (BHK) fibroblasts under control of the metal-ion-inducible metallothionein promoter and characterized the expressed precursor with site-specific antipeptide antibodies. One of the BHK transfectants, termed 5:2, expressed the TGF alpha mRNA in a cadmium- and zinc-inducible manner. The TGF alpha precursor protein was detected by immunoprecipitation analysis of radiolabeled cell cultures. In the induced 5:2 cells, a polypeptide of Mr 13,000 to 17,000 was readily identified by peptide antisera made to three different regions of the TGF alpha precursor protein. No such protein species were observed in BHK cells treated with cadmium and zinc or in uninduced 5:2 cells. However, two cell lines known to produce TGF alpha naturally, Leydig testicular tumor cells and Snyder-Theilan feline sarcoma virus-transformed Fisher rat embryo fibroblasts, possessed detectable levels of immunologically related Mr 13,000 to 17,000 proteins. Cell fractionation studies indicate that the Mr 13,000 to 17,000 species expressed in induced 5:2 cells is membrane associated, consistent with predictions based on the cDNA sequence of the TGF alpha precursor. Media conditioned by induced 5:2 cells contained epidermal growth factor receptor-competing activity, which, upon size fractionation, was similar in size to the mature processed form of TGF alpha. These data show that these nontransformed BHK cells possess the ability to process the TGF alpha precursor molecule into its native form.

scholarly journals Transforming growth factor alpha: mutation of aspartic acid 47 and leucine 48 results in different biological activities.

1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1247-1252 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Lazar ◽  
S Watanabe ◽  
S Dalton ◽  
M B Sporn
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Biological Activity ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Aspartic Acid ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Single Amino Acid ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Alpha ◽  
Factor Alpha

To study the relationship between the primary structure of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) and some of its functional properties (competition with epidermal growth factor (EGF) for binding to the EGF receptor and induction of anchorage-independent growth), we introduced single amino acid mutations into the sequence for the fully processed, 50-amino-acid human TGF-alpha. The wild-type and mutant proteins were expressed in a vector by using a yeast alpha mating pheromone promoter. Mutations of two amino acids that are conserved in the family of the EGF-like peptides and are located in the carboxy-terminal part of TGF-alpha resulted in different biological effects. When aspartic acid 47 was mutated to alanine or asparagine, biological activity was retained; in contrast, substitutions of this residue with serine or glutamic acid generated mutants with reduced binding and colony-forming capacities. When leucine 48 was mutated to alanine, a complete loss of binding and colony-forming abilities resulted; mutation of leucine 48 to isoleucine or methionine resulted in very low activities. Our data suggest that these two adjacent conserved amino acids in positions 47 and 48 play different roles in defining the structure and/or biological activity of TGF-alpha and that the carboxy terminus of TGF-alpha is involved in interactions with cellular TGF-alpha receptors. The side chain of leucine 48 appears to be crucial either indirectly in determining the biologically active conformation of TGF-alpha or directly in the molecular recognition of TGF-alpha by its receptor.

Transforming growth factor alpha: mutation of aspartic acid 47 and leucine 48 results in different biological activities

1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1247-1252
Author(s):  
E Lazar ◽  
S Watanabe ◽  
S Dalton ◽  
M B Sporn
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Biological Activity ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Aspartic Acid ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Single Amino Acid ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Alpha ◽  
Factor Alpha

To study the relationship between the primary structure of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) and some of its functional properties (competition with epidermal growth factor (EGF) for binding to the EGF receptor and induction of anchorage-independent growth), we introduced single amino acid mutations into the sequence for the fully processed, 50-amino-acid human TGF-alpha. The wild-type and mutant proteins were expressed in a vector by using a yeast alpha mating pheromone promoter. Mutations of two amino acids that are conserved in the family of the EGF-like peptides and are located in the carboxy-terminal part of TGF-alpha resulted in different biological effects. When aspartic acid 47 was mutated to alanine or asparagine, biological activity was retained; in contrast, substitutions of this residue with serine or glutamic acid generated mutants with reduced binding and colony-forming capacities. When leucine 48 was mutated to alanine, a complete loss of binding and colony-forming abilities resulted; mutation of leucine 48 to isoleucine or methionine resulted in very low activities. Our data suggest that these two adjacent conserved amino acids in positions 47 and 48 play different roles in defining the structure and/or biological activity of TGF-alpha and that the carboxy terminus of TGF-alpha is involved in interactions with cellular TGF-alpha receptors. The side chain of leucine 48 appears to be crucial either indirectly in determining the biologically active conformation of TGF-alpha or directly in the molecular recognition of TGF-alpha by its receptor.

Structure-function analysis of synthetic and recombinant derivatives of transforming growth factor alpha

1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 2999-3007
Author(s):  
D Defeo-Jones ◽  
J Y Tai ◽  
R J Wegrzyn ◽  
G A Vuocolo ◽  
A E Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Mitogenic Activity ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Alpha ◽  
Mutant Proteins ◽  
Biologic Activity ◽  
Factor Alpha

Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) is a 50-amino-acid peptide that stimulates cell proliferation via binding to cell surface receptors. To identify the structural features of TGF-alpha that govern receptor-ligand interactions, we prepared synthetic peptide fragments and recombinant mutant proteins of TGF-alpha. These TGF-alpha derivatives were tested in receptor binding and mitogenesis assays. Synthetic peptides representing the N terminus, the C terminus, or the individual disulfide constrained rings of TGF-alpha did not exhibit receptor-binding or mitogenic activity. Replacement of the cysteines with alanines at positions 8 and 21, 16 and 32, and 34 and 43 or at positions 8 and 21 and 34 and 43 yielded inactive mutant proteins. However, mutant proteins containing substitutions or deletions in the N-terminal region retained significant biologic activity. Conservative amino acid changes at residue 29 or 38 or both and a nonconservative amino acid change at residue 12 had little effect on binding or mitogenesis. However, nonconservative amino acid changes at residues 15, 38, and 47 produced dramatic decreases in receptor binding (23- to 71-fold) and mitogenic activity (38- to 125-fold). These studies indicate that at least three distinct regions of TGF-alpha contribute to biologic activity.

scholarly journals An evolutionarily conserved enzyme degrades transforming growth factor-alpha as well as insulin.

1989 ◽  
Vol 109 (3) ◽  
pp. 1301-1307 ◽  
Author(s):  
J V Garcia ◽  
B D Gehm ◽  
M R Rosner
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Physiological Role ◽  
Evolutionary Conservation ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Alpha ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Factor Alpha ◽  
Single Enzyme

A single enzyme found in both Drosophila and mammalian cells is able to selectively bind and degrade transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha and insulin, but not EGF, at physiological concentrations. These growth factors are also able to inhibit binding and degradation of one another by the enzyme. Although there are significant immunological differences between the mammalian and Drosophila enzymes, the substrate specificity has been highly conserved. These results demonstrate the existence of a selective TGF-alpha-degrading enzyme in both Drosophila and mammalian cells. The evolutionary conservation of the ability to degrade both insulin and TGF-alpha suggests that this property is important for the physiological role of the enzyme and its potential for regulating growth factor levels.

scholarly journals Structure-function analysis of synthetic and recombinant derivatives of transforming growth factor alpha.

1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 2999-3007 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Defeo-Jones ◽  
J Y Tai ◽  
R J Wegrzyn ◽  
G A Vuocolo ◽  
A E Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Mitogenic Activity ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Alpha ◽  
Mutant Proteins ◽  
Biologic Activity ◽  
Factor Alpha

Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) is a 50-amino-acid peptide that stimulates cell proliferation via binding to cell surface receptors. To identify the structural features of TGF-alpha that govern receptor-ligand interactions, we prepared synthetic peptide fragments and recombinant mutant proteins of TGF-alpha. These TGF-alpha derivatives were tested in receptor binding and mitogenesis assays. Synthetic peptides representing the N terminus, the C terminus, or the individual disulfide constrained rings of TGF-alpha did not exhibit receptor-binding or mitogenic activity. Replacement of the cysteines with alanines at positions 8 and 21, 16 and 32, and 34 and 43 or at positions 8 and 21 and 34 and 43 yielded inactive mutant proteins. However, mutant proteins containing substitutions or deletions in the N-terminal region retained significant biologic activity. Conservative amino acid changes at residue 29 or 38 or both and a nonconservative amino acid change at residue 12 had little effect on binding or mitogenesis. However, nonconservative amino acid changes at residues 15, 38, and 47 produced dramatic decreases in receptor binding (23- to 71-fold) and mitogenic activity (38- to 125-fold). These studies indicate that at least three distinct regions of TGF-alpha contribute to biologic activity.

MOLECULAR CONTROL OF ARTICULAR CARTILAGE DEGENERATION BY TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR ALPHA

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Tom Appleton ◽  
Shirine Usmani ◽  
John Mort ◽  
Frank Beier
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
P38 Mapk ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Cartilage Degeneration ◽  
Signalling Pathways ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Alpha ◽  
Factor Alpha ◽  
Articular Cartilage Degeneration

Background: Articular cartilage degeneration is a hallmark of osteoarthritis (OA). We previously identified increased expression of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF?) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) in articular cartilage from a rat modelof OA (1,2). We subsequently reported that TGF? signalling modified chondrocyte cytoskeletal organization, increased catabolic and decreased anabolic gene expression and suppressed Sox9. Due to other roles in chondrocytes, we hypothesized that the effects ofTGF? on chondrocytes are mediated by Rho/ROCK and MEK/ERK signaling pathways. Methods: Primary cultures of chondrocytes and articularosteochondral explants were treated with pharmacological inhibitors of MEK1/2(U0126), ROCK (Y27632), Rho (C3), p38 MAPK (SB202190) and PI3K (LY294002) to elucidate pathway involvement. Results: Using G-LISA we determined that stimulation of primary chondrocytes with TGF? activates RhoA. Reciprocally, inhibition of RhoA/ROCK but not other signalling pathways prevents modification of the actin cytoskeleton in responseto TGF?. Inhibition of MEK/ERKsignaling rescued suppression of anabolic gene expression by TGF? including SOX9 mRNA and protein levels. Inhibition of MEK/ERK, Rho/ROCK, p38 MAPK and PI3K signalling pathways differentially controlled the induction of MMP13 and TNF? gene expression. TGF? also induced expression of CCL2 specifically through MEK/ERK activation. In turn, CCL2 treatment induced the expression of MMP3 and TNF?. Finally, we assessed cartilage degradation by immunohistochemical detection of type II collagen cleavage fragments generated by MMPs. Blockade of RhoA/ROCK and MEK/ERK signalling pathways reduced the generation of type IIcollagen cleavage fragments in response to TGF? stimulation. Conclusions: Rho/ROCK signalling mediates TGF?-induced changes inchondrocyte morphology, while MEK/ERK signalling mediates the suppression ofSox9 and its target genes, and CCL2 expression. CCL2, in turn, induces the expression of MMP3 and TNF?, two potent catabolic factors known to be involved in OA. These pathways may represent strategic targets for interventional approaches to treating cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis. References: 1. Appleton CTG et al. Arthritis Rheum 2007;56:1854-68. 2. Appleton CTG et al. Arthritis Rheum 2007; 56:3693-705.

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