Ronald A. Ignotz

We have examined whether the extracellular matrix is a biochemical target for transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta). We find that TGFbeta increases the expression of the major extracellular matrix proteins, fibronectin and collagen. This effect is a general response to TGFbeta seen in primary cultures and established lines of cells from various types, normal and transformed. The relative incorporation of fibronectin and collagen into the matrix also increases in response to TGFbeta. The effect of TGFbeta on fibronectin levels as characterized in chick embryo fibroblasts is rapid, selective, persistent, and specific, and involves transcriptional events; it is not mimicked by other growth factors tested. The induction of anchorage-independent growth of normal fibroblasts by TGFbeta is mimicked by fibronectin and is specifically blocked by inhibitors of fibronectin binding to its cell surface receptor. The results demonstrate a functional involvement of fibronectin in mediating cellular responses to TGFbeta, and suggest a model for TGFbeta action based on the control of the extracellular matrix in target cells.

Human platelet-derived transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta 1) increases the accumulation of the extracellular matrix proteins, fibronectin and type I collagen, in mesenchymal and epithelial cells. To determine the basis for this effect, we have examined the levels of mRNAs corresponding to fibronectin and alpha 2(I) procollagen in NRK-49 rat fibroblasts and L6E9 rat myoblasts treated with TGF-beta 1. TGF-beta 1 increased severalfold the levels of mRNAs for both proteins. The kinetics of this effect were similar for both mRNA species. The increase in fibronectin and alpha 2(I) procollagen mRNAs was detectable 2 h after addition of TGF-beta 1 to the cells and their maximal levels remained constant for several days. Actinomycin D, but not cycloheximide, inhibited the increase in fibronectin and alpha 2(I) procollagen mRNA levels induced by TGF-beta 1. The results indicate that TGF-beta 1 controls the composition and abundance of extracellular matrices at least in part by inducing a coordinate increase in the levels of fibronectin and type I collagen mRNAs.

Cell adhesion to extracellular matrices is mediated by a set of heterodimeric cell surface receptors called integrins that might be the subject of regulation by growth and differentiation factors. We have examined the effect of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) on the expression of the very late antigens or alpha beta 1 group of integrins in human cell lines. The six known members of this family share a common beta 1 subunit but have distinct alpha subunits that confer selective affinity toward type I collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and other as yet unknown cell adhesion proteins. Using a panel of specific antibodies and cDNA probes, we show that in WI-38 lung fibroblasts TGF-beta 1 elevates concomitantly the expression of alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 5, and beta 1 integrin subunits at the protein and/or mRNA level, their assembly into the corresponding alpha beta 1 complexes, and their exposure on the cell surface. The rate of synthesis of total alpha subunits relative to beta 1 subunit is higher in TGF-beta 1-treated cells than in control cells. The characteristically slow (t1/2 approximately 10 h) rate of beta 1 conversion from precursor form to mature glycoprotein in untreated cells increases markedly (to t1/2 approximately 3 h) in response to TGF-beta 1. The results suggest that in WI-38 fibroblasts the beta 1 subunit is synthesized in excess over alpha subunits, and assembly of beta 1 subunits with rate-limiting alpha subunits is required for transit through the Golgi and exposure of alpha beta 1 complex on the cell surface. TGF-beta 1 does not induce the synthesis of integrin subunits that are not expressed in unstimulated cells, such as alpha 4 and alpha 6 subunits in WI-38 fibroblasts. However, alpha 4 and alpha 6 subunits can be regulated by TGF-beta in those cells that express them. The results suggest that TGF-beta regulates the expression of individual integrin subunits by parallel but independent mechanisms. By modifying the balance of individual alpha beta 1 integrins, TGF-beta 1 might modulate those aspects of cell migration, positioning, and development that are guided by adhesion to extracellular matrices.

Differentiating mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes have been used as a model system to study the ability of type beta transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) to modulate cell development. We find that TGF-beta inhibits potently (ID50 approximately equal to 25 pM) the adipogenic conversion of 3T3-L1 cells. Inhibition is observed only when cells are exposed to TGF-beta before they become committed to differentiation. Even a transient (4 hr) exposure to TGF-beta immediately before the commitment point is sufficient to prevent differentiation. This point coincides with the time point immediately preceding the onset of coordinate expression of differentiation-specific proteins in 3T3-L1 cells. TGF-beta interacts with cell surface receptors in 3T3-L1 cells that have structural and binding properties similar to TGF-beta receptors in other cell types in which TGF-beta acts as a growth activator or a growth inhibitor. However, TGF-beta does not markedly alter differentiation-related mitosis in 3T3-L1 cells. The action of TGF-beta on 3T3-L1 cells does not involve changes in cAMP or prostaglandin E levels. These results suggest that TGF-beta is a unique modulator of adipogenic differentiation of fibroblasts.