Human malignant mesothelioma cell lines express PDGF beta-receptors whereas cultured normal mesothelial cells express predominantly PDGF alpha-receptors

Oncogene. 1991 Nov;6(11):2005-11.

Abstract

In human malignant mesothelioma cell lines elevated expression of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta-chain (c-sis) gene was previously reported, while normal mesothelial cells barely express this gene. Expression of the PDGF A-chain gene was only slightly elevated in these cell lines compared with normal mesothelial cells. For a putative autocrine function of the produced PDGF, in these cells expression of PDGF receptors is a prerequisite. In this paper we report on the expression of PDGF alpha- and beta-receptors in normal and malignant mesothelial cells. Cultured normal mesothelial cells expressed PDGF alpha-receptor mRNA and protein and had weak to undetectable levels of the PDGF beta-receptor mRNA and protein. In contrast, malignant mesothelioma cell lines were found to express PDGF beta-receptor mRNA and protein, while PDGF alpha-receptor expression was not detectable by Northern blotting and immunoprecipitation. Binding experiments with [125I]-PDGF-AA and [125I] PDGF-BB to normal and malignant mesothelial cell lines confirmed these observations. These results suggest that autocrine stimulation of growth may occur both in cultured normal mesothelial cells (PDGF-AA acting via the alpha-receptor) and in malignant mesothelioma cell lines (PDGF-BB acting via the beta-receptor).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Northern
  • Cell Line
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 4
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5
  • Epithelium / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Mesothelioma / genetics
  • Mesothelioma / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron
  • Precipitin Tests
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Radioligand Assay
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor