Control of cell proliferation by embryonal-origin factors.
Embryogenesis can be paralleled and contrasted with cancerous cell proliferation; both embryogenesis and cancer are associated with extremely rapid cell proliferation. However, unlike cancer, embryogenesis is characterized by a delicate balance of proliferative and anti-proliferative processes. We have found two chromatographically separated fractions derived from human embryonal neural tissue extracts that significantly suppress the proliferation of human breast cancer cells. The reduction in cell number was time dependent, with maximal inhibition (70%) observed after 4 days of incubation while maintaining cell viability. The anti-proliferative effect was also evidenced by decreased [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Significant inhibition of proliferation of osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, and Balb/c 3T3 cell lines was also obtained with a low concentration of the active fractions. Embryonal factors inhibited mouse and rat cell lines, indicating cross-species effectiveness. The SDS-PAGE of the biologically active approximately 10.7 kDa region revealed several protein bands, while the biologically active approximately 4.5 kDa fraction contained only weakly stainable bands. Thus, the embryo contains factors that control the proliferation of malignant cells. These potent and possibly novel compounds should be investigated for their potential therapeutic role in cancer and other proliferative disorders.
Barnea
E R
ER
Biospectrum Medical Corporation, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, USA.
Barnea
J D
JD
Pines
M
M
D016475:3T3 Cells; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000737:chemistry*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D051381:Rats; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000737:chemistry / Q000196:embryology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D006133:Growth Substances