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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Hepatocyte growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor, their receptors, fibroblast growth factor receptor-2, and the cells of the cornea.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether messenger RNA coding for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), HGF receptor (MET), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), KGF receptor, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor-2 were produced in primary cultures of human corneal epithelial, stromal fibroblast, and endothelial cells, as well as ex vivo corneal epithelium, endothelial cells transfected with the SV40 large T antigen, and control embryonic lung fibroblasts. The effects of exogenous HGF and KGF, compared to epidermal growth factor, on the proliferation of first passage corneal cells were also examined. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify complementary DNA for each modulator from each cell type. Hot blotting was used to demonstrate the specificity of amplification products. Proliferation of first passage corneal epithelial, stromal fibroblast, and endothelial cells in response to varying concentrations of HGF, KGF, and epidermal growth factor was measured. RESULTS: Specific amplification products for messenger RNA coding for each modulator were detected in each corneal cell type, although very low levels of HGF and KGF messenger RNA appeared to be present in corneal epithelial cells relative to stromal fibroblasts and corneal endothelial cells. Amplification products that may have been derived from alternative transcripts were detected for several of the modulators. HGF and KGF stimulated proliferation in a dose-response manner in first passage corneal epithelial and endothelial cells, but not stromal fibroblast cells. CONCLUSIONS: Human corneal epithelial, stromal fibroblasts, and endothelial cells produce messenger RNA coding for HGF and KGF, although low levels appear to be present in the epithelial cells. All three major cell types of the cornea produce messenger RNA coding for HGF receptor, KGF receptor, and FGF receptor-2. The proliferation of human corneal epithelial and endothelial cells, but not stromal fibroblasts, was stimulated by exogenous HGF and KGF. HGF and KGF likely have intracrine, autocrine, and/or paracrine functions in the cornea. Exogenous HGF and KGF may be useful in corneal preservation and for regulating corneal wound healing.

Adolescent↗

[Molecular genetics of congenital skeletal dysplasias related to mutations of fibroblast growth factor receptors].

Fibroblast growth factor receptors belong to the family of a membrane bound tyrosine kinases, which respond to stimulation by the fibroblast growth factor family of cytokines. Signalling through fibroblast growth factor receptors regulates proliferation and differentiation of connective tissue cells. Disruption of these important processes during morphogenesis results in skeletal dysplasias. Mutations of the fibroblast growth factor receptors (1, 2 and 3) cause achondroplasia, Crouzon syndrome and Apert syndrome, which are amongst the most common congenital dysmorphic syndromes. There exists a correlation between the genotype and phenotype in fibroblast growth factor receptors related syndromes. This relation can be explained on the basis of molecular pathology of the receptor protein. An increased frequency of new mutations and exclusive paternal origin of mutated alleles is explained by the role of fibroblast growth factor signalling during spermatogenesis. The availability of molecular tests for fibroblast growth factor receptors related syndromes should facilitate the diagnostic accuracy of these pleiotropic diseases which is independent of expression variability.

Bone Diseases, Developmental↗

Small molecule inhibitors of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor, the fibroblast growth factor receptor, and Src family tyrosine kinases.

The inhibition of tyrosine kinases involved in growth factor signal transduction pathways represents an attractive strategy for controlling aberrant cellular growth. Over the last 4-5 years, there have been numerous reports on the discovery of small molecule inhibitors for potential therapeutic applications to a number of proliferative diseases, principally cancer and restenosis, where the over-expression of certain tyrosine kinases has been demonstrated. These include, amongst others, the platelet-derived growth factor receptor, the fibroblast growth factor receptor, and the nonreceptor c-Src tyrosine kinase. This review compiles published reports and patent filings from 1995 to mid-1997 that include data directly related to inhibition of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor, and Src family tyrosine kinases. Potential clinical applications for selected classes of tyrosine kinase inhibitors reviewed herein will likely depend on the demonstration of meaningful activity in a variety of therapeutic targets in animal models.

Animals↗

Outline structures for the extracellular domains of the fibroblast growth factor receptors.

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) have three extracellular domains that belong to the immunoglobulin superfamily. We have determined the outline structures for these domains on the basis of their homology to the I set molecule telokin. The outline structures describe the relative positions of residues in each domain; their major secondary structures, and the extent to which residues are accessible to the solvent. They also provide the basis of a coherent description of the change in recognition properties that occur when the IIIb and IIIc exons are switched and of the effects of mutations in FGFRs that cause genetic diseases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Promiscuity of fibroblast growth factor receptors.

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) have been implicated in many developmental and regenerative events, including axial organisation, mesodermal patterning, keratinocyte organisation and brain development. The consensus view that this reflects a role for one or other of the nine known members of the fibroblast growth factor family in these processes has recently been challenged by the suggestion that FGFRs might be directly activated by a much wider range of ligands, including heparan sulphate proteoglycans and neural cell adhesion molecules. In addition, two novel soluble ligands for FGFRs have been identified using yeast two-hybrid technology. Overall, the new findings suggest that in terms of ligand binding the FGFRs might be an even more promiscuous family of receptor tyrosine kinases than was already appreciated.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Tumor targeting through fibroblast growth factor receptors.

Fibroblast growth factor tyrosine kinase receptors are encoded by four genes, but alternate splicing can result in more than 100 possible protein sequences. The receptors have widespread expression in the developing embryo, but the expression becomes more restricted in the adult. The ligand-receptor relationship is complex, due to the diversity of the receptors and the large number of possible ligands: there are now nine (and probably more) members of the fibroblast growth factor family. This complicated ligand-receptor relationship creates many options to target cell types through the use of individual ligands or receptor-specific monoclonal antibodies. In-vivo data demonstrate that FGF receptors are expressed on tumor cells and can be used to target tumors for growth inhibition. Given the complexity, it is possible that a unique targetable FGF receptor isoform can be found in one or more tumor types. Examples of the targeting of growth inhibition agents to tumors through FGF receptors are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular cloning, overexpression, and characterization of the ligand-binding D2 domain of fibroblast growth factor receptor.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) regulate a wide range of important cellular processes. The biological activities of FGFs are mediated by cell surface receptors (FGFRs). In the present study for the first time we report the cloning, expression, and characterization of the ligand (FGF)-binding D2 domain of human FGFR2. D2 domain is expressed in Escherichia coli in high yields (10 mg/L) as inclusion bodies. The protein is recovered by dissolving the inclusion bodies in 8 M urea and subsequently refolding on nickel affinity column. The protein is purified (to approximately 97% purity) to homogeneity using heparin-Sepharose affinity column. Far-UV circular dichroism data and chemical shift index plot based on 1H-alpha, 13C-alpha, 13C-beta, and 13carbonyl group chemical shifts suggest that D2 domain is an all beta-sheet protein consisting of 9 beta-strands. Isothermal titration calorimetry and equilibrium urea unfolding experiments show that recombinant D2 domain is in a biologically active conformation and binds strongly to its ligand (FGF) and to the heparin analog, sucrose octasulfate (SOS). Using a variety of triple resonance NMR experiments, complete assignment of 1H, 15N, and 13C resonances in D2 domain has been accomplished. The findings of the present study not only pave way for an in-depth investigation of the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the activation of FGF signaling but also provide avenues for the rational design of potent inhibitors against FGF-mediated pathogenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression patterns of epidermal growth factor receptor and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 mRNA in fetal human brain.

Factors that interact with the epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor receptors have numerous effects in the central nervous system (CNS), inducing the proliferation of CNS stem cells and astrocytes and the survival and differentiation of neurons. Both receptors are expressed in the embryonic rodent brain in proliferative and nonproliferative regions, suggesting roles in numerous developmental processes. However, the roles of these factors in human brain development are not known. In the current study, we examined the expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HEGFR) and human fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (HFGFR1) mRNAs in the human fetal brain. The expression of both receptors is strikingly conserved relative to previously reported patterns in the rodent. In the germinal zones, the sites of cellular proliferation, HFGFR1 was expressed primarily in the ventricular zone, whereas HEGFR was expressed in the subventricular zone, suggesting different roles in CNS progenitor proliferation. Differential expression was also observed in other brain areas examined, including the hippocampus and the cerebellum. The current study suggests that HEGFR and HFGFR1 are likely to play different roles during human brain development, but that these roles will be similar to those observed in the rodent brain.

Brain↗

Semirational design of a potent, artificial agonist of fibroblast growth factor receptors.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are being investigated in human clinical trials as treatments for angina, claudication, and stroke. We designed a molecule structurally unrelated to all FGFs, which potently mimicked basic FGF activity, by combining domains that (1) bind FGF receptors (2) bind heparin, and (3) mediate dimerization. A 26-residue peptide identified by phage display specifically bound FGF receptor (FGFR) 1c extracellular domain but had no homology with FGFs. When fused with the c-jun leucine zipper domain, which binds heparin and forms homodimers, the polypeptide specifically reproduced the mitogenic and morphogenic activities of basic FGF with similar potency (EC50 = 240 pM). The polypeptide required interaction with heparin for activity, demonstrating the importance of heparin for FGFR activation even with designed ligands structurally unrelated to FGF. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of engineering potent artificial agonists for the receptor tyrosine kinases, and have important implications for the design of nonpeptidic ligands for FGF receptors. Furthermore, artificial FGFR agonists may be useful alternatives to FGF in the treatment of ischemic vascular disease.

3T3 Cells↗

Immunohistochemical localization of growth factors fibroblast growth factor-1 and fibroblast growth factor-2 and receptors fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 in normal oral epithelium, epithelial dysplasias, and squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) have been identified in a variety of carcinomas, but there are few studies concerning their presence in oral cancers. The objective of this study was to determine whether FGF-1, FGF-2, and high affinity receptors FGFR2 and FGFR3 are present in the pathogenesis of oral epithelial dysplasias and oral squamous cell carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Sections from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples of oral normal mucosa (n = 14), epithelial dysplasia (n = 20), carcinoma in situ (n = 10), and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 12) were tested for cytoplasmic staining by standard in situ immunohistochemistry with antibodies for FGF-1, FGF-2, FGFR2, and FGFR3. RESULTS: Staining for FGF-1 is decreased or lost in the development of epithelial dysplasia and carcinoma. Staining for FGF-2 showed increased intensity (although not statistically significant) in oral epithelial dysplasias and squamous cell carcinomas and showed a significant increased expression in the upper layers of dysplasias and stratum spinosum-like cells in squamous cell carcinomas. Staining for FGFR2 showed a statistically significant increase in intensity in all layers of epithelial dysplasias and squamous cell carcinomas. Staining for FGFR3 was found in the upper stratum spinosum cells of normal and dysplastic epithelium and well-differentiated squamous cells in squamous cell carcinomas, with a statistically significant increase in staining intensity in dysplastic and carcinomatous tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The loss of FGF-1 is consistent with loss of differentiation in dysplasias and some squamous cell carcinomas. Changes in the localization of FGF-2 and FGFR2 into upper epithelial layers with increasing dysplasia suggest increased mitotic potential of high level cells. The co-localization of FGF-2 and its high affinity receptors in neoplastic tissues suggests an autocrine mechanism of influence on carcinogenesis.

Antibodies↗

Mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 genes associated with human gastric and colorectal cancers.

Autosomal dominant disorders of skeletal and cranial development have been linked to fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 2 and FGFR3. Here we report two identical mutations in FGFR2 that cause craniosynostosis syndromes, Crouzon, Apert, and Pfeiffer in gastric carcinoma. A missense mutation (Ser267Pro) in exon IIIa and a splice site mutation (940-2A-->G) in exon IIIc were detected in gastric cancer patients. Interestingly, these heterozygous somatic mutations are identical to the germinal activating mutations in FGFR2 reported previously in craniosynostosis syndromes. In addition, the two novel mutations of FGFR3 in colorectal carcinomas were identified. All identified mutations occurred at highly conserved sequences, not only in the FGFR family of molecules, but also throughout evolution and clustered in the immunoglobulin-like loop-III domain, highlighting the functional importance of this domain. Our results indicate that FGFR2 and FGFR3, in addition to their potential role in skeletal dysplasias, play an important role in tumorigenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 by fibroblast growth factor 2 in cultured chick embryo chondrocytes.

Although fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) both inhibit longitudinal bone growth, little is known about the relationship between FGF2 and FGFR3. Accordingly, the current study examined the expression of FGFR3 mRNA after the administration of FGF2 using cultured chondrocytes from day 17 chick embryos to evaluate the relationship between FGF2 and FGFR3. The chondrocytes were isolated from the caudal one-third portion (LS) of sterna, peripheral regions (USP) and central core regions (USC) of the cephalic portion of the sterna, and lower portion of the proximal tibial growth plate (Ti) of day 17 chick embryo. The expression of FGFR1, FGFR3, and type II and X collagen mRNA in the chondrocytes from the LS, USP, USC, and Ti was determined. FGFR1 was not expressed in the LS and USP chondrocytes, yet strongly expressed in the USC and Ti chondrocytes. With a treatment of FGF2, the expression of FGFR1 slightly increased in the USC chondrocytes and was not related with the concentration of FGF2 in the Ti chondrocytes. FGFR3 was expressed in all the chondrocyte types, yet strongly increased in the LS, USC, USP, and Ti in that order according to the concentration of FGF2. For the LS and USP chondrocytes, the expression of FGFR3 with FGF2 increased in a 4-day culture, yet decreased in a 6-day culture, whereas for the USC chondrocytes, the expression of FGFR3 mRNA with FGF2 increased in a 2-day culture, yet decreased in a 4-day culture, suggesting that the hypertrophic chondrocytes were more numerous and sensitive compared to the proliferative chondrocytes. For all the chondrocyte types, FGF2 appeared to be up-regulated to FGFR3, as the expression of FGFR3 mRNA increased with a higher concentration of FGF2 until a peak level. In conclusion, FGF2 was found to up-regulate to FGFR3 until the peak level of FGFR3 mRNA expression, while in hypertrophic chondrocytes, FGFR3 appeared to cause the differentiaton of chondrocytes, resulting in the inhibition of longitudinal bone growth after the peak level of FGFR3 mRNA expression.

Animals↗

Proliferation of neointimal smooth muscle cells after arterial injury. Dependence on interactions between fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 and fibroblast growth factor-9.

The growth factor signaling mechanisms responsible for neointimal smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and accumulation, a characteristic feature of many vascular pathologies that can lead to restenosis after angioplasty, remain to be identified. Here, we examined the contribution of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) 2 and 3 as well as novel fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) to such proliferation. Balloon catheter injury to the rat carotid artery stimulated the expression of two distinctly spliced FGFR-2 isoforms, differing only by the presence or absence of the acidic box, and two distinctly spliced FGFR-3 isoforms containing the acidic box and differing only by the presence of either the IIIb or IIIc exon. Post-injury arterial administration of recombinant adenoviruses expressing dominant negative mutant forms of these FGFRs were used to assess the roles of the endogenous FGFR isoforms in neointimal SMC proliferation. Dominant negative FGFR-2 containing the acidic box inhibited such proliferation by 40%, whereas the dominant negative FGFR-3 forms had little effect. Expression of FGF-9, known to be capable of binding to all four neointimal FGFR-2/-3 isoforms, was abundant within the neointima. FGF-9 markedly stimulated both the proliferation of neointimal SMCs and the activation of extracellular signal-related kinases 1/2, effects which were abrogated by the administration of antisense FGF-9 oligonucleotides to injured arteries and the expression of the dominant negative FGFR-2 adenovirus in cultured neointimal SMCs. These studies demonstrate that, although multiple FGFRs are induced in neointimal SMCs following arterial injury, specific interactions between distinctly spliced FGFR-2 isoforms and FGF-9 contribute to the proliferation of these SMCs.

Animals↗

A chimera between platelet-derived growth factor beta-receptor and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 stimulates pancreatic beta-cell DNA synthesis in the presence of PDGF-BB.

This study was undertaken to characterize the expression of a chimeric growth factor receptor composed of the extracellular and transmembrane domains of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta-receptor (PDGFR-beta) fused to the intracellular domain of the fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) and to assess its effect on the growth potential of pancreatic islet cells. For this purpose rat pancreatic islets or monolayers of pancreatic islet cells were transfected with recombinant DNA constructs coding for the PDGF B-chain, the PDGFR-beta, the FGFR-1 and the chimera between PDGFR-beta and FGFR-1. DNA synthesis, monitored as the percentage of labelled nuclei and [3H]thymidine incorporation, was stimulated in pancreatic islet cells cotransfected with the constructs coding for the PDGF B-chain and the PDGFR-beta or the chimeric PDGFR-beta/FGFR-1 as compared with that determined after transfection with control plasmid. PDGF-BB stimulated DNA synthesis when islet cells had been transfected with PDGFR-beta or PDGFR-beta/FGFR-1. Cotransfection of the PDGFR-beta and the chimeric PDGFR-beta/FGFR-1 constructs attenuated the stimulation of DNA synthesis in response to PDGF-BB. Receptor binding studies showed binding with a Kd of 0.7 nM to the chimeric receptor. The present findings show that when the chimeric PDGFR-beta/FGFR-1 construct is expressed in beta-cells it is efficient in increasing DNA synthesis when stimulated with ligand.

Animals↗

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of orally active 4-(2,4-difluoro-5-(methoxycarbamoyl)phenylamino)pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazines as dual vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 inhibitors.

A series of substituted 4-(2,4-difluoro-5-(methoxycarbamoyl)phenylamino)pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazines was identified as potent and selective inhibitors of the tyrosine kinase activity of the growth factor receptors VEGFR-2 (Flk-1, KDR) and FGFR-1. The enzyme kinetics associated with the VEGFR-2 inhibition of compound 50 (K(i) = 52 +/- 3 nM) confirmed that the pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine analogues are competitive with ATP. Several analogues demonstrated low-nanomolar inhibition of VEGF- and FGF-dependent human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation. Replacement of the C6-ester substituent of the pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine core with heterocyclic bioisosteres, such as substituted 1,3,5-oxadiazoles, afforded compounds with excellent oral bioavailability in mice (i.e., 50 F(po) = 79%). Significant antitumor efficacy was observed with compounds 44, 49, and 50 against established L2987 human lung carcinoma xenografts implanted in athymic mice. A full account of the synthesis, structure-activity relationships, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetic properties of analogues within the series is presented.

Administration, Oral↗

Deregulation of Flk-1/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 in fibroblast growth factor receptor-1-deficient vascular stem cell development.

We have employed embryoid bodies derived from murine embryonal stem cells to study effects on vascular development induced by fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 and FGF receptor-1, in comparison to the established angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and its receptor VEGF receptor-2. Exogenous FGF-2 promoted formation of morphologically distinct, long slender vessels in the embryoid bodies, whereas VEGF-A-treated bodies displayed a compact plexus of capillaries. FGF-2 stimulation of embryonal stem cells under conditions where VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 function was blocked, led to formation of endothelial cell clusters, which failed to develop into vessels. FGFR-1(-/-) embryoid bodies responded to VEGF-A by establishment of the characteristic vascular plexus, but FGF-2 had no effect on vascular development in the absence of FGFR-1. The FGFR-1(-/-) embryoid bodies displayed considerably increased basal level of vessel formation, detected by immunohistochemical staining for platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)/CD31. This basal vascularization was blocked by neutralizing antibodies against VEGFR-2 or VEGF-A and biochemical analyses indicated changes in regulation of VEGFR-2 in the absence of FGFR-1 expression. We conclude that VEGF-A/VEGFR-2-dependent vessel formation occurs in the absence of FGF-2/FGFR-1, which, however, serve to modulate vascular development.

Animals↗

Skeletal overgrowth and deafness in mice lacking fibroblast growth factor receptor 3.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (Fgfr3) is a tyrosine kinase receptor expressed in developing bone, cochlea, brain and spinal cord. Achondroplasia, the most common genetic form of dwarfism, is caused by mutations in FGFR3. Here we show that mice homozygous for a targeted disruption of Fgfr3 exhibit skeletal and inner ear defects. Skeletal defects include kyphosis, scoliosis, crooked tails and curvature and overgrowth of long bones and vertebrae. Contrasts between the skeletal phenotype and achondroplasia suggest that activation of FGFR3 causes achondroplasia. Inner ear defects include failure of pillar cell differentiation and tunnel of Corti formation and result in profound deafness. Our results demonstrate that Fgfr3 is essential for normal endochondral ossification and inner ear development.

Achondroplasia↗

Molecular modeling based mutagenesis defines ligand binding and specificity determining regions of fibroblast growth factor receptors.

The fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) and the keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR) have different ligand binding specificities despite differing only in the second half of their immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domain III. Three-dimensional model structures were generated for domain III on the basis of variable (V) Ig domains. The region that differs between the two receptors is predicted to include two loops: one connects beta-strands F-G and is analogous to the complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) of immunoglobulins; the other connects beta-strands D-E. These regions were targeted for mutagenesis. Single mutations in the F-G loop were found to only slightly alter ligand binding, whereas a double mutant, KGFR Y345-->S,Q348-->I, acquired significant affinity for bFGF. Notably, the affinity of this double mutant KGFR for KGF and aFGF was essentially unaltered. A mutant FGFR2, in which the D-E beta-hairpin (T319TDKEI) is replaced with the KGFR D-E beta-hairpin (S319SNA), has 9-fold reduced affinity for bFGF. These results demonstrate that the F-G or CDR3 analogous loop in FGFRs plays a key role in determining ligand binding and specificity. In addition, however, the protein loop connecting beta-strands D and E may also be involved in ligand binding. Several point mutations in FGFR2, shown recently to give rise to multiple inherited skeletal defects, are localized according to our models to the F-G or D-E loops of domain III. Our results strongly suggest that these naturally occurring mutations specifically alter ligand binding by FGFR2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗