Expression and dynamic alteration of hepatoma-related growth factors during malignant transformation of hepatocytes

The mechanisms by which polypeptide growth factors Induce DNA synthesis in cultured cells is not understood, but morphological changes Induced by growth factors have been used as clues to Intracellular messengers responsible for growth stimulation. One such morphological change has been the transient disappearance of the primary cilium, a “9 + 0” cilium formed by the perinuclear centriole in interphase cells. Since calcium ionophore A23187 also produced both mitogenesis and ciliary changes, microtubule depolymerization might explain ciliary disappearance monitored by indirect immunofluorescence with anti-tubulin antibody. However, complete resorption and subsequent reformation of the primary cilium occurs at mitosis, and might also account for ciliary disappearance induced by growth factors. To settle this issue, we investigated the ultrastructure of the primary cilium using serial thin-section electron microscopy of quiescent BALB/c 3T3 cells before and after stimulation with serum.

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Application of Transmission Electron Microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope in experimental tumor studies

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100159084 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 48 (3) ◽

pp. 306-307

Author(s):

Gao Fengming

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscope ◽

Scanning Electron Microscope ◽

Malignant Transformation ◽

Transmission Electron Microscope ◽

Experimental Tumor ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Embryo Cells ◽

Tumor Studies ◽

Scanning Electron

Transmission electron microscope(TEM) and scanning electron microscope(SEM) were widely used in experimental tumor studies. They are useful for evaluation of cellular transformation in vitro, classification of histological types of tumors and treating effect of tumors. We have obtained some results as follows:1. Studies on the malignant transformation of mammalian cells in vitro. Syrian golden hamster embryo cells(SGHEC) were transformed in vitro by ThO2 and/or ore dust. In a few days after dust added into medium, some dust crystals were phagocytized. Two weeks later, malignant transformation took place. These cells were of different size, nuclear pleomorphism, numerous ribosomes, increasing of microvilli on cell surface with various length and thickness, and blebs and ruffles(Figs. 1,2). Myelomonocytic leukemic transformation of mouse embryo cells(MEC) was induced in vitro by 3H-TdR. Transformed cells were become round from fusiform. The number of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum was reduced, ribosomes and nucleoli increased, shape of nuclei irregular, microvilli increased, and blebs and ruffles appeared(Fig. 3).

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New insights into heparan sulphate biosynthesis from the study of mutant mice

Biochemical Society Symposium ◽

10.1042/bss0690047 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 69 ◽

pp. 47-57 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Catherine L. R. Merry ◽

John T. Gallagher

Keyword(s):

Growth Factors ◽

Biosynthetic Pathway ◽

Heparan Sulphate ◽

Mutant Mice ◽

Gene Products ◽

Multiple Gene ◽

Adhesion Proteins ◽

Ligand Interactions

Heparan sulphate (HS) is an essential co-receptor for a number of growth factors, morphogens and adhesion proteins. The biosynthetic modifications involved in the generation of a mature HS chain may determine the strength and outcome of HS–ligand interactions. These modifications are catalysed by a complex family of enzymes, some of which occur as multiple gene products. Various mutant mice have now been generated, which lack the function of isolated components of the HS biosynthetic pathway. In this discussion, we outline the key findings of these studies, and use them to put into context our own work concerning the structure of the HS generated by the Hs2st-/- mice.

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