Transforming growth factor beta in the human prostate: its role in stromal-epithelial interactions in non-cancerous cell culture.
BACKGROUND
Stromal-epithelial interactions play a critical role in prostate development, but the precise mechanisms are still unknown. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) could be a potential mediator of these interactions, but there is as yet no clear demonstration of its role.


METHODS
Separate cultures and co-cultures of fibroblasts and epithelial human prostate cells were performed. We measured TGFbeta1 and TGFbeta2 secretion by specific ELISA assay, cell growth by DNA assay, and TGFbeta type II receptor expression by RT-PCR.


RESULTS
Co-culture resulted in a 20% inhibition of epithelial cell growth, similar to that obtained after TGFbeta treatment (2 ng/ml for 48 hr), but without affecting fibroblast proliferation. This was accompanied by a five- to six-fold increase in epithelial TGFbeta2 secretion.


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate for the first time that TGFbeta2 secretion by prostate epithelial cells is under the direct control of a diffusible factor secreted by fibroblasts. They emphasize the role of TGFbeta in stromal-epithelial interactions.
Laboratoire de Recherche sur la Physiologie et la Pathologie Gonadique, Service d'Endocrinologie et Médecine de la Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France.
M
M
Blanchère
C
C
Mestayer
E
E
Saunier
M
M
Broshuis
I
I
Mowszowicz
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D053781:Transforming Growth Factor beta2
C508960:TGFB1 protein, human; C509041:TGFB2 protein, human; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D053781:Transforming Growth Factor beta2