Insulin-like growth factors in cat placenta

Vascular calcification is strongly linked with increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Vascular calcification is an active cell-mediated process that involves the differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to an osteoblast-like phenotype. Several inhibitors of this process have been identified, including insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). In this study, we examined the role of the IGF receptor (IGFR) and the importance of IGFR glycosylation in the maintenance of the VSMC phenotype in the face of factors known to promote osteogenic conversion. IGF-I (25 ng/ml) significantly protected VSMCs from β-glycerophosphate-induced osteogenic differentiation (p < 0.005) and mineral deposition (p < 0.01). Mevalonic acid depletion (induced by 100 nm cerivastatin) significantly inhibited these IGF protective effects (p < 0.01). Mevalonic acid depletion impaired IGFR processing, decreased the expression of mature IGFRs at the cell surface, and inhibited the downstream activation of Akt and MAPK. Inhibitors of N-linked glycosylation (tunicamycin, deoxymannojirimycin, and deoxynojirimycin) also markedly attenuated the inhibitory effect of IGF-I on β-glycerophosphate-induced mineralization (p < 0.05) and activation of Akt and MAPK. These results demonstrate that alterations in the glycosylation of the IGFR disrupt the ability of IGF-I to protect against the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of VSMCs by several interrelated mechanisms: decreased IGFR processing, reduced IGFR cell-surface expression, and reduced downstream signaling via the Akt and MAPK pathways. IGF-I thus occupies a critical position in the maintenance of normal VSMC phenotype and protection from factors known to stimulate vascular calcification.

Expression of the messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) for insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), their binding proteins (IGFBP1 through IGFBP-6), and receptors was examined in normal and polycystic human ovaries (PCO). Northern and dot blots and RT-PCR were used to evaluate mRNA levels. The IGF system was studied in fresh granulosa, stromal, and thecal samples and in thecal tissue after incubation with LH and GH. IGF-II expression was high in granulosa and thecal compartments, whereas IGF-I was only weakly detectable, suggesting the importance of IGF-II in the human ovarian IGF system. Northern blot analysis revealed IGFBP-2 and -4 mRNA in all ovarian compartments and IGFBP-5 mRNA in stroma and theca. IGFBP-2 mRNA was the most abundant IGFBP mRNA in the human ovary. No IGFBP-1 or -3 mRNA was detected in fresh ovarian tissues. IGFBP-6 and type 1 and 2 IGF receptor mRNA expression was detectable in all ovarian compartments only by RT-PCR. In cultured theca, the expression of IG-FBP-1, -3, and 4 was induced. Only IGFBP-5 expression showed some dependence on trophic hormone (LH) stimulation during theca incubation. Otherwise, GH and LH had no effect on IGF or IGFBP expression in thecal tissue. This study indicates that thecal tissue is an essential part of the IGF system in the human ovary. However, no differences were found between normal ovaries and PCO in IGF, IGFBP, or IGF receptor expression. Thus, our results (from a limited number of patients) together with recent in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry data of others provide no evidence for a role for IGFs in the functional disturbances related to PCO. Interestingly, our data show that in cultured thecal samples, the IGF and IGFBP expression pattern is different from that in fresh tissue.

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system has been demonstrated to be important for proliferation and differentiation in tissues. This system has also been demonstrated to be an important regulator of the growth of normal prostate epithelium and has been implicated in the process of transformation to human epithelial prostate cancer. This study examined the function of the various components of the IGF system in benign prostate epithelium (BPE), simian virus-40 (SV40)-T antigen-immortalized prostate epithelial cells, P69SV40-T (P69), and two sublines generated from the parental line by serial passage through athymic mice: one tumorigenic (M2182) and one metastatic (M12). IGF-II messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein were detected in BPE cells, and each of the three P69 cell lines. IGF-II protein levels were significantly higher in medium collected from the P69, M2182, and M12 cells than in BPE. Proliferation in response to IGF was P69 > BPE > M2182 > M12. The proliferative responses in the four cell types were paralleled by an increase in c-jun. In addition, as the cells became progressively more tumorigenic, the basal level of c-jun mRNA increased. IGF-binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2), -3, -4, -5, and -6 could be detected in the primary epithelial cell medium; however, as the cells became progressively more tumorigenic, there was a decrease in IGFBP-2, -3, -5, and -6 in the medium. The type 1 IGF receptor (IGFr) also decreased as the cells became more tumorigenic. The M12 cells had 80% fewer receptors than the P69 cells and 70% fewer than M2182 cells. There was no change in the Kd for IGF between the cell lines. Based on these data it would appear that the difference in proliferation between the BPE cells and P69s may be due to an increased concentration of inhibitory IGFBPs in the P69 medium. The decrease in proliferation seen in response to IGF in M2182 and M12 cells compared to the P69s would appear at least in part to be due to a decreased IGFr number. IGFr mRNA is represented by 11.0- and 7.0-kilobase bands in the BPE and P69 cells, but only by an 11.0-kilobase band in M2182 and M12 cells. These data indicate that there are significant changes that occur in the IGF system during the process of malignant transformation of the prostate epithelium. The changes described in the P69 cell system are similar to those seen in vivo and suggest that an intact IGF system may be important in maintaining a differentiated epithelial cell.

1.1 The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system has been shown to have an integral role in normal growth and development, and in the pathophysiology of various cancers. The IGF system is comprised of a series of circulating ligands (IGF-1, IGF-2), transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases (IGF-1R, IGF-2R, and the insulin receptor (IR), high affinity ligandbinding proteins (IGFBP1-6), IGFBP proteases, and several low affinity IGFBP-related proteins (IGFBP-rp1 to 10) that work in unison to regulate cell growth [1]. There are two key circulating ligands, IGF-1 and IGF-2, which share approximately 50% structural homology with insulin[2]. IGF-1 is produced primarily in the liver in response to circulating levels of growth hormone(GH) [3]. IGF-1 and IGF-2 are highly homologous small peptide hormones of approximately 7 kDa molecular mass, which are important mitogens that affect cell growth and metabolism [2]. IGFs interact with specific cell surface receptors, designated type I and type 2 IGF receptors, and can also interact with insulin receptor (IR). The type I IGF receptor (IGF-1R) is a transmembrane heterotetramer consisting of 2 extracellular alpha subunits and two intracellular beta subunits linked by disulfide bonds (fig 1). The intracellular component of IGF-1R has intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity that requires ligand binding for activation [4]. The IGF-1R and the IR share approximately 60% homology which allows them to form hybrid receptors [5]. As a result of this homology, IGF-1R can be activated not only by IGF-1 but also IGF-2 and insulin, although the affinity of IGF-1R for IGF-2 and insulin is approximately 10 fold and 1000 fold lower than for IGF-1, respectively [6]. The type 2 IGF receptor (IGF-2R), which is identical to the cationindependent mannose-6-phosphate receptor, binds IGF-2 with 500 fold increased affinity over IGF-1[7]. IGF-2R does not bind insulin. Most of the biological activity of IGF-2 is thought to be mediated through binding IGF-1R[7]. IGF-2 is known to function primarily as a scavenger receptor, regulating circulating IGF-II levels through internalization and degradation [7].

Impairing intracellular signaling induced by survival factors and excess glutamate have recently been suggested to play important role in neurodegenerative processes. However, the underlying mechanism(s) and interrelationships between these factors mostly remain to be established. In the present study, we show that glutamate attenuates the tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor and the survival effect of IGF-1 (100 nm) in hippocampal cultured neurons. Pretreatment of cultured hippocampal neurons with glutamate concentration dependently inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation of IGF-1 receptors as well as that of IRS-1 and Shc, two IGF-1 receptor adapter proteins. The effect of glutamate was also evident on the phosphorylation of Akt, as well as its upstream kinase PI3K/PDK1 and downstream targets, GSK3beta and FOXO3a. The inhibitory effect of glutamate (1 mm) was blocked by antagonists of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, including MK801 (20 microm) and AP5 (100 microm), but not by blockers of other ionotropic or metabotropic glutamate receptor sub-types demonstrating the involvement of the NMDA receptor. This hypothesis is supported further by the observation that treatment with NMDA concentration dependently inhibited the activation and phosphorylation of IGF-1 receptors and downstream targets induced by IGF-1 (100 nm). These findings demonstrate that glutamate can block the effect of IGF-1 by decreasing IGF-1 receptor signaling and responsiveness, hence attenuating the survival properties of this trophic factor in neuronal cells. Our results also suggest a novel mechanism by which glutamate can reduce cell viability and induce neurotoxicity.

maternal-fetal exchange of nutrients and respiratory gases occurs across the brush border of the trophoblast lining the intervillous space of the placenta. The trophoblast is syncytial in nature and has a high rate of turnover. Therefore syncytiotrophoblast is continually replenished from an

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is composed of two peptide growth factors, IGF-I and IGF-II, two cell-surface receptors, the type 1 and type 2 IGF receptors, and at least six binding proteins, IGFBP-1 to -6. The development of a comprehensive model of IGF system actions has been hampered by our incomplete understanding of the complex interactions both within the IGF system and with other hormones, growth factors, matrix components, and cytokines. However, there is strong evidence that the IGF system participates in lung development and various aspects of lung injury and repair.

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system plays an important role in controlling animal development and growth. There are three components to the IGF system: ligands (IGF-I and IGF-II), receptors (type I and type II IGF receptors) and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). These members of the IGF system are expressed differentially and their expression patterns implicate them in critical developmental events. Even though IGFs have been proven essential for normal fetal growth through experiments using IGF “knock-out” mice, the precise role of each member of the IGF system is not fully understood. Recent studies suggest that the IGF system has been highly conserved in teleost fish. This paper provides an overview of what is currently known about the IGF system in teleost fish. Several aspects of the IGF system are discussed, including the structural and functional aspects of fish IGFs, the fish IGF receptors and IGFBPs. The biological actions of fish IGFs are described in reference to their roles in growth, development, reproduction and osmoregulation. Finally, some of the unique advantages of using teleost fish as experimental models for defining the developmental role of the IGF system and the underlying molecular mechanisms are discussed

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is involved in the regulation of cell growth. The system involves a network of molecules that includes the IGFs themselves (IGF-I and -II), IGF receptors (types I and II), IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP-1 through -6), and IGFBP proteases. Characterization of this complex system in the prostate has recently been initiated. Prostatic cell lines as well as primary cultures of prostatic epithelial and stromal cells have been analyzed for expression of IGFs, receptors, and IGFBPs. Prostatic epithelial cells and, quite likely, stromal cells as well respond to the mitogenic activity of IGFs via the type I IGF receptor. Prostatic stromal cells synthesize and secrete IGF-II; there is evidence that prostatic cell lines also synthesize IGFs, but this has not been confirmed in primary cultures of prostatic epithelial cells. Prostatic stromal and epithelial cells secrete a number of IGFBPs. The biological impact of some of these IGFBPs on the growth of prostatic cells has been examined, and proteolytic cleavage of IGFBP-3 by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been demonstrated. Aberrations in several elements of the IGF system have been observed in stromal cells derived from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The IGF system may therefore have a part in the etiology of BPH as well as in normal and malignant processes in the prostate.

The insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system plays an important role in regulating normal cell proliferation and survival. However, the IGF system is also implicated in many malignancies, including breast cancer. Preclinical studies indicate several IGF blocking approaches, such as monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have promising therapeutic potential for treating diseases. Uniformly, phase III clinical trials have not shown the benefit of blocking IGF signaling compared to standard of care arms. Clinical and laboratory data argue that targeting Type I IGF receptor (IGF1R) alone may be insufficient to disrupt this pathway as the insulin receptor (IR) may also be a relevant cancer target. Here, we review the well-studied role of the IGF system in regulating malignancies, the limitations on the current strategies of blocking the IGF system in cancer, and the potential future directions for targeting the IGF system.

Targeting Insulin Receptor with a Novel Internalizing Aptamer

In situ hybridization histochemistry was used to map cellular patterns of gene expression for the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in developing murine skeleton from embryonic day 15 (E15) through postnatal day 25 (P25). IGF-I receptor and IGF-II receptor messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are both selectively concentrated in developing chondrocytes and osteoblasts. IGF-II and IGF-binding protein-5 and -6(IGFBP-5 and -6) mRNAs are abundant in mesenchymal condensations and chondroblasts on E15. Chondrocyte IGF-II mRNA levels remain high, but IGFBP-5 and -6 mRNAs decline significantly as cartilage matures. Low levels of IGFBP-6 mRNA are detected in postnatal chondrocytes up to at least P25, but IGFBP-5 mRNA is no longer detected in chondrocytes after E18. IGF-I and IGFBP-2, -3, and -4 mRNAs are detected in surrounding mesenchymal tissue, but are not detected in mesenchymal condensations or chondrocytes at any stage of development. IGFBP-3 mRNA is localized in sprouting capillaries invading the perichondrium and periosteum throughout development. IGF-I, IGF-II, and IGFBP-2, -4, -5, and -6 mRNAs are detected in osteoblasts localized in zones of endochondral ossification from E18 to at least P25. IGFBP-1 mRNA is not detected in cartilage or bone cells at any stage of development. These data confirm the recent report by Shinar et al. that IGF-II, but not IGF-I, mRNA is detected in rat chondrocytes in vivo and show that this pattern also applies to the mouse. The present study demonstrates, for the first time, the cell-specific patterns of IGF-I and -II receptor and IGFBP-2 to -6 gene expression during the processes of chondro- and osteogenesis in vivo. Interestingly, IGF-II, both IGF receptors, and IGFBP-5 and -6 are simultaneously coexpressed in chondrocyte precursors early in skeletal development, suggesting functional interactions between these specific factors in chondrogenesis. Both IGFs, both IGF receptors, and IGFBP-2, -4, -5, and -6 are all expressed in osteoblasts, providing evidence for potential local interactions between these IGF system components in osteogenesis. Thus, 9 of 10 known components of the IGF system demonstrate dynamic cell-specific patterns of gene expression during chondro- and osteogenesis, supporting the view that the IGF system has a complex and integral role within the developing skeleton.

In the last decades, the concept that Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) axis plays a key role in several steps of tumorigenesis, cancer growth and metastasis has been widely documented. The aberration of the IGF system has been described in many kinds of tumours, providing several lines of evidence in support of IGF receptor type 1 (IGF1R) as molecular target in cancer treatment. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, commonly characterized in most cases by KIT and PDGFRA gain mutations. Beyond to the well recognized KIT and PDGFRA gain mutations, in the last years other molecular aberrations have been investigated. Recently, several lines of evidence about the involvement of the IGF system in GIST have been accumulated. The aim of this review is to report all current data about the IGF system involvement in GIST, focusing on the current clinical implication and future perspectives.

Expression of mRNAs encoding insulin-like growth factor (IGF) ligands, IGF receptors and IGF binding proteins during follicular growth and atresia in the ovine ovary throughout the oestrous cycle

Molecular mechanisms active in transforming human pleural cells remain incompletely understood. Our previous microarray analysis of malignant pleural mesothelioma revealed alterations in components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, implicating this signaling axis in tumorigenesis. Therefore, in this current study, we characterized the molecular phenotype and investigated the key signaling pathways of the IGF system in malignant pleural mesothelioma specimens. For the major IGF components, we assessed mRNA abundance and total protein levels. We measured IGF-I ligand-dependent activation of signaling pathways downstream of the type I IGF receptor in a subset of malignant pleural mesothelioma cell lines and determined the corresponding biological consequences. At the transcriptional level, we observed consistent changes in IGF components that may contribute to a malignant phenotype. IGF-I stimulation of cells resulted in enhanced activation of type I IGF receptor and IRS adaptor proteins. Differential activation of IRS-1 signaling was associated with cell growth, whereas IRS-2 signaling was associated with cell motility. Thus, these data suggest that multiple mechanisms likely contribute to malignant pleural mesothelioma tumorigenesis. Therefore, IGF system components represent novel malignant pleural mesothelioma therapeutic targets for investigation.