Transfection of cells with transforming growth factor-alpha leads to cellular resistance to the antiproliferative effects of tumor necrosis factor.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a growth-modulatory cytokine that inhibits the growth of certain cell lines, stimulates the growth of some, and has no effect on the growth of still others. The molecular basis for this differential regulation of growth by TNF is not understood. We postulate that the growth of normal or tumor cells is determined by the balance between growth-stimulatory and -inhibitory signals. In the present study, we demonstrate that the transfection of cells with the transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha gene induces resistance to TNF. Colon carcinoma cell lines that express elevated levels of TGF-alpha were also found to be resistant to this cytokine. Exogenous addition of the growth factor was also effective in decreasing the antiproliferative effects of TNF. Transfection of cells with the TGF-alpha gene led to downmodulation of TNF receptors but an increase in intracellular glutathione levels. Thus, these results support our hypothesis that expression of growth factors by certain tumor cells can lead to resistance to antiproliferative agents such as TNF.
Department of Clinical Immunology and Biological Therapy, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
B B
BB
Aggarwal
E
E
Pocsik
F
F
Ali-Osman
K
K
Totpal
D016475:3T3 Cells / Q000166:cytology; D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects*; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D005978:Glutathione / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D014162:Transfection; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000166:cytology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*
D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D005978:Glutathione