Different fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) transcripts in neural tissues, glioblastomas and kidney carcinoma cell lines

Oncogene. 1995 Aug 17;11(4):785-9.

Abstract

We have previously reported the tissue specific distribution of four different FGF-1 transcripts containing alternative 5' untranslated exons spliced to the first protein coding exon. The predominant transcript in brain is FGF-1.B and in kidney FGF-1.A. Others have shown, by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis, that expression of FGF-1 in the brain is exclusively in neural cells but not in glial cells. Here we have examined the distribution of FGF-1.B and FGF-1.A transcripts in glioblastoma and retinal tissues and in kidney carcinoma cell lines. Our results show that FGF-1.B is the predominant transcript in neural derived tissues including both the diabetic retina and normal retina tissues. Surprisingly, FGF-1.B transcript is highly expressed in glioblastoma tissues. In contrast, a normal brain glial cell line, CHII, expresses very low levels of FGF-1 mRNA. These results strongly implicate the role of FGF-1 in the etiology of glioblastoma. We also examined several kidney carcinoma derived cell lines for the expression of FGF-1 mRNA. Most of these kidney cell lines do not express any FGF-1 transcripts. An interpretation by deduction is that kidney adenocarcinomas are derived from cortex but medulla has been reported as the site of FGF-1 synthesis. Of the kidney derived cell lines which are positive for FGF-1 message, only one expressed FGF-1.A transcript. The data may suggest that the establishment of kidney cell lines results in a switch of promoter usage from the 1.A seen in kidney tissue. Similarly, culturing of glioma cell lines may result in a switch from FGF-1.B seen in glioma tissues to FGF-1.D seen in most glioma cell lines. Continued studies of the FGF-1 transcripts, their functional promoters and their tissues distribution will provide insight into the potential role of FGF-1 in cell growth, tissue differentiation and malignant transformation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alternative Splicing
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Exons
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 / biosynthesis*
  • Gene Expression* / drug effects
  • Glioblastoma / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Reference Values
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / pharmacology
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 1
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate