Expression of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor in rat brain.
According to a recent report, messenger RNA coding for a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), is expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). To obtain information about the role of HB-EGF in the brain, we carried out Northern analysis, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemical studies evaluating the distribution and amounts of the growth factor using cDNA HB-EGF probes and an antibody raised against synthetic HB-EGF propeptide. Northern analysis revealed transcripts for HB-EGF in all regions of normal rat brain. Immunohistochemically, HB-EGF was demonstrated extensively in neurons at levels varying according to location. HB-EGF mRNA also was detected in neurons, suggesting that the growth factor is produced in these cells. HB-EGF mRNA and immunoreactivity were also demonstrated in interfascicular oligodendrocytes. These findings suggest that HB-EGF is a physiologic ligand for brain EGF receptors, and is likely to be important in neural function.
Hayase
Y
Y
Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ohtsu, 520-21, Japan.
Higashiyama
S
S
Sasahara
M
M
Amano
S
S
Nakagawa
T
T
Taniguchi
N
N
Hazama
F
F
D000818:Animals; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000378:metabolism; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000378:metabolism; D002525:Cerebellar Cortex / Q000378:metabolism; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006493:Heparin / Q000378:metabolism*; D066257:Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000378:metabolism
D004396:Coloring Agents; C587885:Hbegf protein, rat; D066257:Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D006493:Heparin