title: Comparison of the function of the beta(C) and beta(E) subunits of activin in AML12 hepatocytes.
abstract: To investigate the function of the beta(C) and beta(E) subunits of activin, we overexpressed these subunits in AML12 cells, a normal hepatocyte cell line, using adenovirus vector. Overexpression of the beta(C) subunit increased [3H]thymidine incorporation and the cell number. In contrast, both [3H]thymidine incorporation and the cell number were reduced in the beta(E) overexpressing cells. When AML cells overexpressing the beta(E) subunit were cultured in medium containing 1% serum for 48 h, many of the cells died by apoptosis, whereas cells overexpressing the beta(C) subunit or beta-galactosidase survived in the same condition. To examine dimer formation, the beta(C) and beta(E) subunits were expressed in AML12 cells. In these cells, the beta(C) homodimer, the beta(E) homodimer and the beta(C)-beta(E) heterodimer were detected. When the expression level of the beta(E) subunit was increased, formation of the beta(E) homodimer was increased, while formation of the beta(C)-beta(E) heterodimer was slightly reduced. Overexpression of the beta(E) subunit did not significantly affect the formation of the beta(C) homodimer. These results indicate that the beta(C) and beta(E) subunits form homo- and heterodimers, and that the functions of the two subunits are quite different.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Molecular & Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan.
authors.forename: Wataru
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wada
authors.forename: Johan J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Medina
authors.forename: Hiroyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kuwano
authors.forename: Itaru
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kojima
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D019281:Dimerization; D015870:Gene Expression; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D028322:Inhibin-beta Subunits / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D014162:Transfection; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D004247:DNA; D028322:Inhibin-beta Subunits