Latent TGF-β Binding Protein Research Articles

Expression and release of the latent transforming growth factor ? binding protein by hepatocytes from rat liver

In very recent studies it was established that transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), likely to be the most relevant fibrogenic cytokine and regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, and matrix metabolism, is expressed by hepatocytes (parenchymal cell [PC]) and secreted from cultured PC in a latent form incapable of receptor binding. The structural composition of the latent TGF-beta complex secreted by cultured PC is unknown. In some TGF-beta expressing cell types this cytokine is released as a large molecular weight complex containing in addition to the TGF-beta latency associated peptide (LAP) a disulfide bonded latent TGF-beta binding protein (LTBP), of which the existence and function in liver is hitherto unknown. This study is directed to the identification of LTBP expression in rat PC. Cells were isolated from rat liver with the collagenase method and analyzed for LTBP before and during culture under standard conditions using alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) immunostainings, metabolic labeling, messenger RNA (mRNA) detection (reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) and sequencing, and immunoblotting of gel chromatographically separated cell extracts and conditioned media, respectively. APAAP immunostainings applying a specific polyclonal LTBP-antiserum (ab 39) indicated expression of LTBP in PC of liver in situ and freshly isolated PC but a strong expression in cultured PC. Transcripts of LTBP-1 were detected by RT-PCR and confirmed by sequence analyses. Metabolic labeling of PC with [35S]-Met/Cys followed by immunoprecipitation of cell lysates with LTBP antiserum confirmed the synthesis of the high molecular mass complex of 250 kd containing LTBP with a molecular mass of 160 kd. Latent TGF-beta complexes, associated with LTBP related proteins, could be separated from both extracts and conditioned media of PC by gel filtration chromatography. They confirmed the release of the large latent TGF-beta complex from PC. Investigations of immunocytochemical LTBP staining under different culture conditions (TGF-beta supplementation, extracellular matrices) point to concordant variations of LTBP and TGF-beta expression. The results suggest a role for PC in paracrine- and autocrine-mediated effects of TGF-beta, which might be important for various cell activities in healthy and diseased liver.

Latent transforming growth factor-beta binding protein domains involved in activation and transglutaminase-dependent cross-linking of latent transforming growth factor-beta.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is secreted by many cell types as part of a large latent complex composed of three subunits: TGF-beta, the TGF-beta propeptide, and the latent TGF-beta binding protein (LTBP). To interact with its cell surface receptors, TGF-beta must be released from the latent complex by disrupting noncovalent interactions between mature TGF-beta and its propeptide. Previously, we identified LTBP-1 and transglutaminase, a cross-linking enzyme, as reactants involved in the formation of TGF-beta. In this study, we demonstrate that LTBP-1 and large latent complex are substrates for transglutaminase. Furthermore, we show that the covalent association between LTBP-1 and the extracellular matrix is transglutaminase dependent, as little LTBP-1 is recovered from matrix digests prepared from cultures treated with transglutaminase inhibitors. Three polyclonal antisera to glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins containing amino, middle, or carboxyl regions of LTBP-1S were used to identify domains of LTBP-1 involved in cross-linking and formation of TGF-beta by transglutaminase. Antibodies to the amino and carboxyl regions of LTBP-1S abrogate TGF-beta generation by vascular cell cocultures or macrophages. However, only antibodies to the amino-terminal region of LTBP-1 block transglutaminase-dependent cross-linking of large latent complex or LTBP-1. To further identify transglutaminase-reactive domains within the amino-terminal region of LTBP-1S, mutants of LTBP-1S with deletions of either the amino-terminal 293 (deltaN293) or 441 (deltaN441) amino acids were expressed transiently in CHO cells. Analysis of the LTBP-1S content in matrices of transfected CHO cultures revealed that deltaN293 LTBP-1S was matrix associated via a transglutaminase-dependent reaction, whereas deltaN441 LTBP-1S was not. This suggests that residues 294-441 are critical to the transglutaminase reactivity of LTBP-1S.

Extracellular Fibrillar Structure of Latent TGFβ Binding Protein-1: Role in TGFβ-dependent Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transformation during Endocardial Cushion Tissue Formation in Mouse Embryonic Heart

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) is a dimeric peptide growth factor which regulates cellular differentiation and proliferation during development. Most cells secrete TGF beta as a large latent TGF beta complex containing mature TGF beta, latency associated peptide, and latent TGF beta-binding protein (LTBP)-1. The biological role of LTBP-1 in development remains unclear. Using a polyclonal antiserum specific for LTBP-1 (Ab39) and three-dimensional collagen gel culture assay of embryonic heart, we examined the tissue distribution of LTBP-1 and its functional role during the formation of endocardial cushion tissue in the mouse embryonic heart. Mature TGF beta protein was required at the onset of the endothelial-mesenchymal transformation to initiate endocardial cushion tissue formation. Double antibody staining showed that LTBP-1 colocalized with TGF beta 1 as an extracellular fibrillar structure surrounding the endocardial cushion mesenchymal cells. Immunogold electronmicroscopy showed that LTBP-1 localized to 40-100 nm extracellular fibrillar structure and 5-10-nm microfibrils. The anti-LTBP-1 antiserum (Ab39) inhibited the endothelial-mesenchymal transformation in atrio-ventricular endocardial cells cocultured with associated myocardium on a three-dimensional collagen gel lattice. This inhibitory effect was reversed by administration of mature TGF beta proteins in culture. These results suggest that LTBP-1 exists as an extracellular fibrillar structure and plays a role in the storage of TGF beta as a large latent TGF beta complex.

Roles of TGF-beta and latent TGF-beta-binding protein in glomerulosclerosis induced by two consecutive injections of monoclonal antibody 1-22-3 in rats.

The present study demonstrated the elevated synthesis and gene expressions of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) or latent TGF-beta binding protein (LTBP) in an irreversible glomerulosclerosis rat model induced by two consecutive injections of monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 1-22-3. The rats were intravenously injected with 500 microg of MoAb 1-22-3 either once or twice at an interval of 2 weeks. The rats were sacrificed at 24 h, 1 week, 2 weeks or 16 weeks after the last injection. At 24 h, the mesangiolytic changes in the rats with two injections of MoAb 1-22-3 were similar to those in the rats with one injection. The glomerular matrix score in the rats with two injections was significantly higher than that in the rats with one injection at weeks 1, 2 or 16. An increased LTBP localization in the glomeruli of the rats at week 1 after either one or two injections was detected in the segmentally expanded mesangial matrix. Moreover, LTBP in the glomeruli of rats at week 1 after two injections appeared to be more strongly stained in the enlarged mesangial matrix than that in the rats after one injection. A TGF-beta bioassay using mink lung epithelial cells revealed that the total TGF-beta in the glomerular culture conditioned medium in the rats at week 1 after two injections was significantly larger than that in the rats after one injection. A Northern blotting analysis of the glomeruli showed that both the expressions of TGF-beta and LTBP mRNA in the rats after two injections were higher than those in the rats after one injection. These findings suggested that the elevated TGF-beta or LTBP may thus be related to the irreversible glomerulosclerosis that was induced by two injections of MoAb 1-22-3 into rats.

Ischemia-induced transplant arteriosclerosis in the rat. Induction of peptide growth factor expression.

Peptide growth factors have been reported to contribute to the atherogenic process, and they are known to mediate signals for vascular remodeling. Using syngeneic and allogeneic rat aorta transplant models, we analyzed the impact of cold ischemia time up to 24 hours and reperfusion injury on development of transplant arteriosclerosis during the first 2 months after transplantation. The expression of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family as well as the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptors was studied by use of immunohistochemistry, followed by semiquantitative evaluation and multivariate analysis. In the syngeneically transplanted aortas, the expression of TGF-beta 1, PDGF, and the two PDGF receptors in the neointima increased significantly with the extent of cold ischemia time. Furthermore, there was a significant induction of the latent TGF-beta binding protein in the neointima as well as TGF-beta 2 in the media, both correlating with the observation time after transplantation. In the allogeneic grafts, all examined proteins were already induced strongly 2 weeks after transplantation, even at the shortest ischemic period studied (1 hour). However, no positive correlation between growth factor expression and cold ischemia or observation time could be found. Double immunohistochemistry revealed that macrophages express PDGF and its receptors as well as TGF-beta 1. Smooth muscle cells express both types of PDGF receptors, and a few T cells express TGF-beta 1 as well as PDGF receptors. In summary, TGF-beta and PDGF are induced by allogeneic as well as ischemic stimuli in transplanted aortas, suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of transplant arteriosclerosis and representing a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

Increased immunoreactivity of transforming growth factor-β in human kidney transplants

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been known to be involved in the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases. TGF-β is also a potent immunosuppressor that has been shown to be induced after allogeneic transplantation. We have studied the distribution of immunoreactive TGF-β proteins in different compartments of 21 allogeneic transplanted kidneys that had been rejected through acute (eight interstitial or six vascular) and chronic (seven vascular) processes. This distribution was compared with that in seven non-rejected transplanted and five non-transplanted kidneys with intact morphology. There were no obvious differences between the three groups of rejected grafts and the transplanted non-rejected group for the expression of TGF-βs. A major difference was seen between transplanted kidneys, which exhibited clearly positive TGF-β and LTBP1 (latent TGF-β binding protein) immunoreactivities, and the non-transplanted kidneys. The non-transplanted kidneys showed only very weak or no immunoreactivity for these proteins. The morphologically intact non-rejected grafts showed a significantly increased immunoreactivity compared with the non-transplanted kidneys. When the transplanted kidneys were classified into two groups (i.e. with or without diabetes mellitus) and compared with regard to the expression of all TGF-βs, no difference was found. Thus, transplantation was the most important predictor for expression of TGF-βs and LTBP1, and the largest expression increase in the allografts occurred in the interstitium, followed by the glomeruli and blood vessels. Tubuli and lymphocyte aggregates stained only faintly. The results imply that TGF-β is induced rapidly after kidney transplantation. This induction can suppress immunreactivation, but concomitantly promotes changes such as arteriosclerosis and fibrosis associated with rejection.

Analysis of the human gene encoding latent transforming growth factor-β-binding protein-2

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is secreted as an inactive complex, which frequently contains a large molecular weight binding protein designated latent TGF-β-binding protein (LTBP). Recently, the LTBPs have been shown to be a gene family that contains three known members and exhibits a multidomain structure containing cysteine-rich motifs that are also found in the fibrillin gene family. The present work seeks to characterize the gene encoding LTBP-2 and to compare its features to that of the other LTBPs and to the fibrillins. Human fibroblast libraries were used to isolate cDNA encoding LTBP-2 which was then used to identify LTBP-2 transcripts and to isolate the corresponding LTBP-2 gene. The cloned cDNA encodes a 195 kDa protein containing 20 epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats, three repeats containing eight cysteins, and one segment that appears to be a hybrid of the two. Single exons encode EGF repeats while the eight-cysteine repeats are encoded in two exons. Northern analysis identified two transcripts of 7.5 and 9.0 kb, with the presently analyzed cDNA probably corresponding to the 7.5 transcript. Phylogenetic sequence comparisons demonstrated that LTBP-3 is more similar to LTBP-1 than LTBP-2, while LTBP-2 shows the most similarity to the fibrillins. These analyses suggest that LTBP-1 diverged from LTBP-3, and that LTBP-2 diverged from LTBP-1. Within the fibrillin family, fibrillin-1 is nearest to the LTBPs. While the domain structure of LTBP-2 is similar to that of the other LTBPs, LTBP-2 possesses unique regions that make it the largest member of the LTBP family. LTBP-2 may have dual functions as a member of the TGF-β latent complex and as a structural component of microfibrils.

Characterization and regulation of the latent transforming growth factor-β complex secreted by vascular pericytes

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) stimulates the accumulation of extracellular matrix in renal and hepatic disease. Kidney glomerular mesangial cells (GMC) and liver fat-storing cells (FSC) produce latent of inactive TGF-beta. In this study, we characterized the latent TGF-beta complexes secreted by these cells. Human FSC produce a single latent TGF-beta complex, predominantly of the TGF-beta 1 isoform, whereas GMC secrete multiple complexes of latent TGF-beta, containing beta 1 and beta 2 isoforms. At least four forms were identified in GMC using ion exchange chromatography, including a peak not previously described in other cell types which eluted at 0.12 M NaCl, and predominantly of the beta 2 isoform. Both cell types secrete the latent TGF-beta 1 binding protein of 190 kDa, as part of a high molecular weight TGF-beta complex. Epidermal growth factor stimulates the secretion of latent TGF-beta and latent TGF-beta binding protein in both cell types. Secretion of latent TGF-beta in both cell types was found to be associated with secretion of decorin. This study shows that vascular pericytes from the kidney and the liver have distinctly different profiles of latent TGF-beta complexes, with GMC secreting a unique form of latent TGF-beta 2. The regulatory effect of epidermal growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor has potential implication for the pathophysiology of liver regeneration and chronic liver and kidney diseases.

936-90 Impact of Ischemia Time on Vascular Rejection and Expression of Peptide Growth Factors in Transplant Arteriosclerosis

Accelerated arteriosclerosis in transplanted organs represents the major cause of graft failure and is limiting the clinical outcome of heart transplantation. Using a rat aorta transplant model the impact of cold ischemia time up to 24 hours (extracorporal storage time) and reperfusion injury upon development of transplant arteriosclerosis was analysed during the first 2 months after transplantation both in allogeneic as well as in syngeneic transplants. The expression of the various isoforms of transforming growth factor-β (TGF β), latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP) as well as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptors were studied using immunohistochemistry, followed by a semi-quantitative evaluation and multivariant analysis (n = 18 for each antiserum). In the syngeneically transplanted aortas the expression of TGF-βl (p < 0.03), PDGF-BB (p < 0.05) and of the PDGF α-receptor(p < 0.03) in the neointima increased significantly with the extent of cold ischemia time. Furthermore, there was a significant induction of LTBP (p < 0.05) correlating with the observation time after transplantation. In the allogeneic aortic grafts, expression of all examined proteins was increased soon after transplantation In summary, TGF-β and PDGF are induced by allogeneic as well as ischemic stimuli in transplanted vessels. Moreover, in the syngeneic transplantation model, cold ischemia time prior to implantation has an impact on the expression of growth factors and the extent of vascular remodeling.

Axotomy of rat facial nerve induces TGF-β and latent TGF-β binding protein

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been found to be abundantly and specifically expressed in the nervous system. However, the function of TGF-β during nerve regeneration is still unknown. We have examined the expression of TGF-β isoforms and the latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP) by immunofnistochemistry in the rat facial nuclei after unilateral axotomy. An increased immunoreactivity for all the TGF-β isoforms and the LTBP was observed in the facial nuclei of the injured side during the regeneration period examined until Day 24. These differences were tested statistically by nominal logistic regression analysis. When the intensity of the immunoreactivity in the injured side was compared to that of the contralateral side, significantly increasing differences were found for TGF-β2 ( p < 0.003) and LTBP ( p < 0.002). Strong immunostaining was detected in the neuronal perikarya and their axons. No clear immunoreactivity, was seen in either microglia or astrocytes. The enhanced immunoreactivity was seen in the operated side already at Day 3, remaining at high level with some fluctuations until Day 12 or 24 after axotomy. These findings suggest that TGF-β might play a functional role in the regeneration of motor neurons.

Immunohistochemical identification of transforming growth factor-beta and its binding protein in human gastrointestinal carcinoma.

We attempted to clarify the tissue localization of TGF-beta and latent TGF-beta binding protein (LTBP) in human gastrointestinal carcinomas by immunohistochemistry. The immunoreactivity for TGF-beta was observed in both carcinoma cells and stromal cells, particularly in diffuse-type gastric carcinoma. The immunoreactivity for LTBP was observed only in stromal cells. These results suggest that both carcinoma cells and stromal cells may produce TGF-beta, and that only stromal cells may produce LTBP in gastrointestinal carcinoma.