[Insulin-like growth factor-I upregulates the growth stimulatory effect of epidermal growth factor on HCE16/3 cells].
OBJECTIVE
To examine the role of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in growth and gene expression of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 DNA-immortalized human cervical epithelial cells (HCE16/3 cells).


METHODS
The growth and gene expression of HCE16/3 cells treated with IGF-I and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were examined by flow cytometry, soft-agarose assay and RT-PCR analysis.


RESULTS
Physiological concentration of IGF-I had little effect on proliferation of HCE16/3 cells in serum-free and growth factor-free medium but supraphysiological concentration of IGF-I stimulated moderate proliferation of HCE16/3 cells. EGF stimulated proliferation of HCE16/3 cells at physiological concentration. The stimulatory effect was stronger when combined with IGF-I than EGF alone. Furthermore, the combined use of EGF and IGF-I could induce colony formation of HCE16/3 cells in soft agarose. The expression of HPV 16 E7 gene in HCE16/3 cells was not altered by growth factors in RT-PCR analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
IGF-I is a weak regulator of HCE16/3 cells but it enhances the growth stimulatory effect of EGF on HCE16/3 cells.
Department of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing.
J
J
Zheng
M
M
Fu
M
M
Wu
D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002461:Cell Line, Transformed; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000166:cytology* / Q000821:virology; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000235:genetics; D015854:Up-Regulation
D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I