Growth factors and apoptosis.
Apoptosis is nowadays recognized as an important mechanism by which cells can be eliminated from the organism. In particular its role in tissue modelling during embryogenesis has been highlighted. The human teratoma cell line Tera 2, which in several respects acts as a human embryonic stem cell, can be induced to undergo apoptosis by reducing the serum content of the tissue culture medium. We report here that this process can be reversed by replacing serum with the heparin-binding growth factors, acidic FGF and basic FGF. In contrast, neither of the mammalian transforming growth factors (TGF-beta 1-3) managed to exert any effect on growth or apoptosis in Tera 2 cells.
Granérus
M
M
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala.
Engström
W
W
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D016220:Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 / Q000494:pharmacology; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000494:pharmacology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D016196:S Phase / Q000187:drug effects; D013724:Teratoma; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects
D006133:Growth Substances; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D016220:Fibroblast Growth Factor 1