Use of mutagenesis to probe IGF-binding protein structure/function relationships

Comparative Effects of Dietary Supplementations with Microencapsulated Sodium Butyrate, Glycerol Monolaurate and Tributyrin on Growth, Immunity, and Gut Health in Black Sea Bream

This study investigates the effects of three dietary additives-microencapsulated sodium butyrate (MSB), glycerol monolaurate (GML), and tributyrin (TB)-on the growth performance, various physiological parameters, gene expression, intestinal morphology, and microflora in Acanthopagrus schlegelii (black sea bream). The experiment utilized a 43.5% soybean meal (SBM) inclusion diet with four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic formulations: a control diet, and diets supplemented with MSB (0.24%), GML (0.04%), or TB (0.22%). The growth trial spanned eight weeks, and triplicate tanks were randomly assigned to each diet, with each tank containing 30 fish, each having an initial weight of 1.55 ± 0.01 g. Key outcomes included measurements of weight gain, specific growth rate, digestive enzyme activity, serum immune markers, antioxidant status, and intestinal morphology and, gut microbiota. Additionally, gene expression and microbiota analysis were conducted on intestinal tissues to assess the impact of these additives on gut health and immune response. The findings revealed that all three additives enhanced growth performance and improved intestinal health and gut microbiota but GML exhibited the most pronounced effects on intestinal barrier function and immune modulation, gene expression, and microflora, followed by MSB and TB. This study provides a comprehensive comparison of MSB, GML, and TB as feed additives for black sea bream, offering insights into their potential for improving fish health and optimizing aquaculture feed formulations.

Proteomic Analysis of Human Serum Proteins Adsorbed onto Collagen Barrier Membranes

Collagen barrier membranes are frequently used in guided tissue and bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to analyze the signature of human serum proteins adsorbed onto collagen membranes using a novel protein extraction method combined with mass spectrometry. Native porcine-derived collagen membranes (Geistlich Bio-Gide®, Wolhusen, Switzerland) were exposed to pooled human serum in vitro and, after thorough washing, subjected to protein extraction either in conjunction with protein enrichment or via a conventional surfactant-based method. The extracted proteins were analyzed via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Bioinformatic analysis of global profiling, gene ontology, and functional enrichment of the identified proteins was performed. Overall, a total of 326 adsorbed serum proteins were identified. The enrichment and conventional methods yielded similar numbers of total (315 vs. 309), exclusive (17 vs. 11), and major bone-related proteins (18 vs. 14). Most of the adsorbed proteins (n = 298) were common to both extraction groups and included several growth factors, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, cell adhesion molecules, and angiogenesis mediators involved in bone regeneration. Functional analyses revealed significant enrichment of ECM, exosomes, immune response, and cell growth components. Key proteins [transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1), insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP-5, -6, -7)] were exclusively detected with the enrichment-based method. In summary, native collagen membranes exhibited a high protein adsorption capacity in vitro. While both extraction methods were effective, the enrichment-based method showed distinct advantages in detecting specific bone-related proteins. Therefore, the use of multiple extraction methods is advisable in studies investigating protein adsorption on biomaterials.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (igfbp-3) and igfbp-5 in yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi): molecular characterization and expression levels under different nutritional status and stocking density

Insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) play important roles in regulating growth and development by binding to IGF, where IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 are the main binding carriers of IGF in the circulation system. In the present study, the gene sequences of igfbp-3, igfbp-5a, and igfbp-5b were cloned from the liver of yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi). The ORF sequences of igfbp-3, igfbp-5a, and igfbp-5b were 888, 801, and 804 bp in length, which encoded 295, 266, and 267 amino acids, respectively. The above three genes were widely expressed in yellowtail kingfish tissues, with igfbp-3 being the most highly expressed in the heart, brain, and gonads, while igfbp-5a and igfbp-5b were both most highly expressed in the liver and kidney. The expression levels of igfbp-3, igfbp-5a, and igfbp-5b were detected throughout the embryonic and larval stages, suggesting their roles in early development and growth regulation of yellowtail kingfish. Besides, igfbp-3 and igfbp-5a were significantly up-regulated in the liver under food deprivation and high-density rearing conditions, which was exactly opposite to the growth performance of yellowtail kingfish, implying that they may serve as biomarkers of adverse culture conditions. Overall, the above results initially identified the molecular characteristics of igfbp-3/-5a/-5b in yellowtail kingfish and implied that they might play important roles in the growth and development, providing a basis for further research on underlying regulatory mechanisms.

Yak IGFBP3 promotes hepatocyte proliferation through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway

IGFBP3 (Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3) constitutes a crucial constituent of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which are intimately associated with the organism's growth and development processes. Despite its significance, the precise function of IGFBP3 in yak liver development remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we systematically examined the expression profile of IGFBP3 in the liver tissues of yaks across various growth stages, elucidated its influence on the activity of yak hepatocytes, and probed its effects on murine liver development. A comparative analysis revealed that the expression of IGFBP3 was significantly higher in the liver tissue of 5-year-old yaks compared to their 15-month-old and 1-day-old counterparts (P < 0.01). To further validate its biological function, pET-28a-BgIGFBP3 prokaryotic expression vector was constructed. Upon exposing yak hepatocytes to varying concentrations of Bos grunniens (Bg) IGFBP3 protein, we observed augmented cellular activities and elevated colony formation rates. Moreover, our investigation revealed the upregulation of key genes within the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, including ERBB2, IRS1, PIK3R1, AKT1, RAF1, MAP2K2, and MAPK3, in both yak hepatocyte cultures and murine models. These findings collectively indicate that BgIGFBP3 promotes the proliferation of yak hepatocytes and enhances murine liver development by modulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The functional relevance of BgIGFBP3 was substantiated through in vivo and in vitro experiments, thereby underscoring its potential as a regulatory factor in liver development processes.

Impact of Chorionic Somatomammotropin In Vivo RNA Interference Phenotype on Uteroplacental Expression of the IGF Axis

While fetal growth is dependent on many factors, optimal placental function is a prerequisite for a normal pregnancy outcome. The majority of fetal growth-restricted (FGR) pregnancies result from placental insufficiency (PI). The insulin-like growth factors (IGF1 and IGF2) stimulate fetal growth and placental development and function. Previously, we demonstrated that in vivo RNA interference (RNAi) of the placental hormone, chorionic somatomammotropin (CSH), resulted in two phenotypes. One phenotype exhibits significant placental and fetal growth restriction (PI-FGR), impaired placental nutrient transport, and significant reductions in umbilical insulin and IGF1. The other phenotype does not exhibit statistically significant changes in placental or fetal growth (non-FGR). It was our objective to further characterize these two phenotypes by determining the impact of CSH RNAi on the placental (maternal caruncle and fetal cotyledon) expression of the IGF axis. The trophectoderm of hatched blastocysts (9 days of gestation, dGA) were infected with a lentivirus expressing either a non-targeting sequence (NTS RNAi) control or CSH-specific shRNA (CSH RNAi) prior to embryo transfer into synchronized recipient ewes. At ≈125 dGA, pregnancies were fitted with vascular catheters to undergo steady-state metabolic studies. Nutrient uptakes were determined, and tissues were harvested at necropsy. In both CSH RNAi non-FGR and PI-FGR pregnancies, uterine blood flow was significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05), while umbilical blood flow (p ≤ 0.01), both uterine and umbilical glucose and oxygen uptakes (p ≤ 0.05), and umbilical concentrations of insulin and IGF1 (p ≤ 0.05) were reduced in CSH RNAi PI-FGR pregnancies. Fetal cotyledon IGF1 mRNA concentration was reduced (p ≤ 0.05) in CSH RNAi PI-FGR pregnancies, whereas neither IGF1 nor IGF2 mRNA concentrations were impacted in the maternal caruncles, and either placental tissue in the non-FGR pregnancies. Fetal cotyledon IGF1R and IGF2R mRNA concentrations were not impacted for either phenotype, yet IGF2R was increased (p ≤ 0.01) in the maternal caruncles of CSH RNAi PI-FGR pregnancies. For the IGF binding proteins (IGFBP1, IGFBP2, IGFBP3), only IGFBP2 mRNA concentrations were impacted, with elevated IGFBP2 mRNA in both the fetal cotyledon (p ≤ 0.01) and maternal caruncle (p = 0.08) of CSH RNAi non-FGR pregnancies. These data support the importance of IGF1 in placental growth and function but may also implicate IGFBP2 in salvaging placental growth in non-FGR pregnancies.

Evaluation of SNPs from human IGFBP6 associated with gene expression: an in-silico study

In the bloodstream and in local tissues, most IGF molecules are associated with the one of the members of the IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) family, which are divided into six distinct types. IGF-binding proteins have been demonstrated to either decrease or increase the growth-promoting effects of IGFs on cell culture, by extending their half-life. They alter how IGFs interact with the receptors on their cell surfaces. IGFBP6 gene is associated with disease in-situ carcinoma. Upregulation or downregulation of IGFBP6 gene has been implicated in different types of cancer in humans. Nonsynonymous SNPs changes have the potential to affect the protein's structure and function. Potential functional SNPs can be assessed before undertaking studies in larger populations because validation of these functional SNPs can be a crucial problem. So, in this in-silico investigation, we used a variety of sequence- and structure-based bioinformatics methods to separate the potential nsSNPs of the IGFBP6 gene from the neutral ones. In total of 216 nsSNPs, 5 were found to have potential effects using 5 prediction tools. From which, 2 nsSNPs (R128G and R164H) were selected as potentially damaging due to their presence in highly conserved region and ability to decrease protein stability. Among these 2 nsSNPs, only R164H was found to be associated with Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma. It was also found that both, upregulation or downregulation of IGFBP6 gene can lead to the different types of cancers. The findings of the present study will certainly be valuable in the future large population-based investigations as well as drug discovery, especially developing personalized medicine.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5: Diverse roles in cancer

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) and the associated signaling components in the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and adhesion. Of the IGFBPs, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) is the most evolutionarily conserved with a dynamic range of IGF-dependent and -independent functions, and studies on the actions of IGFBP5 in cancer have been somewhat paradoxical. In cancer, the IGFBPs respond to external stimuli to modulate disease progression and therapeutic responsiveness in a context specific manner. This review discusses the different roles of IGF signaling and IGFBP5 in disease with an emphasis on discoveries within the last twenty years, which underscore a need to clarify the IGF-independent actions of IGFBP5, the impact of its subcellular localization, the differential activities of each of the subdomains, and the response to elements of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, recent advances addressing the role of IGFBP5 in resistance to cancer therapeutics will be discussed. A better understanding of the contexts in which IGFBP5 functions will facilitate the discovery of new mechanisms of cancer progression that may lead to novel therapeutic opportunities.

Expression and functional role of IGFs during early pregnancy in placenta of water buffalo

Adequate vascularisation is a key factor for successful fetal development. We hypothesized that Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) family members regulate angiogenesis along with promoting fetal development and growth. In this experiment, we determined the expression and functional role of IGF family in placental compartments (caruncle; CAR, cotyledon; COT) during different stages of early pregnancy in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Samples were collected from early pregnancy 1 (EP1, 28-45 days), early pregnancy 2 (EP2, 45-90 days), and third stage of estrous cycle (11-16 days), which was taken as control. In addition, the role of IGF1 on mRNA expression of vWF, StAR, CYP11A1, 3βHSD, PCNA, and BAX were elucidated in cultured trophoblast cells (TCC) obtained from EP2. Quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR), westernblot, and immunohistochemistry were done to investigate the gene expression, protein expression, and localization of examined factors, and RIA was also done to assess progesterone (P₄) concentration. Expression of IGFs, its receptors and binding proteins were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in both CAR and COT as compared to control during early pregnancy, except binding proteins IGFBP1, 3 and 4 which were significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in COT with advancement of pregnancy. mRNA expression was consistent with the findings of immunoblotting and immunolocalization experiments. Trophoblasts cell culture (TCC) study showed a significant time and dose-dependent effect of IGF1 onsteroidogenic transcript, which was found to be maximum at 100 ng/ml that paralleled with P₄ accretion in the media (p < 0.05). Further, IGF1 upregulated the transcripts of vWF, PCNA, and downregulated BAX at the same concentration (p < 0.05). Overall, our results demonstrated that the expression of IGFs is a site-specific phenomenon in placentome, which indicates autocrine/paracrine and endocrine function. Our in-vitro finding support that IGF1 plays a critical role in placental development by promoting angiogenesis, steroid synthesis, and cell proliferation during early pregnancy.

Characterization of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 7 (Igfbp7) and Its Potential Involvement in Shell Formation and Metamorphosis of Pacific Abalone, Haliotis discus hannai

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) are secreted proteins that play an important role in IGF regulation of growth and development of vertebrate and invertebrates. In this study, the IGFBP7 gene was cloned and characterized from mantle tissues of H. discus hannai, and designated as Hdh IGFBP7. The full-length cDNA sequence transcribed from the Hdh IGFBP7 gene was 1519-bp long with an open reading frame of 720-bp corresponding to a putative polypeptide of 239 amino acids. The molecular mass of its mature protein was approximately 23.44 KDa with an estimated isoelectric point (pI) of 5.35, and it shared significant homology with IGFBP7 gene of H. madaka. Hdh IGFBP7 has a characteristic IGFBP N-terminal domain (22–89 aa), a kazal-type serine proteinase inhibitor domain (77–128), and an immunoglobulin-like C2 domain (144–223). Furthermore, twelve cysteine residues and a signature motif of IGFBPs (XCGCCXXC) were found in its N-terminal domain. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Hdh IGFBP7 was aligned with IGFBP7 of H. madaka. Tissue distribution analysis showed that the mRNA of Hdh IGFBP7 was expressed in all examined tissues, with the highest expression level observed in the mantle and gill tissues. The expression level of Hdh IGFBP7 mRNA was relatively higher at the juvenile stage during its metamorphosis period. In situ hybridization showed that Hdh IGFBP7 transcript was expressed in epithelial cells of the dorsal mantle pallial and mucus cells of the branchial epithelium in gill. These results provide basic information for future studies on the role of IGFBP7 in IGF regulation of shell growth, development and metamorphosis of abalone.

Gene expression of the IGF hormones and IGF binding proteins across time and tissues in a model reptile

The insulin and insulin-like signaling (IIS) network regulates cellular processes including pre- and postnatal growth, cellular development, wound healing, reproduction, and longevity. Despite their importance in the physiology of vertebrates, the study of the specific functions of the top regulators of the IIS network, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), has been mostly limited to a few model organisms. To expand our understanding of this network, we performed quantitative gene expression of IGF hormones in liver and qualitative expression of IGFBPs across tissues and developmental stages in a model reptile, the brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei). We found that lizards express IGF2 across all life stages (preoviposition embryos to adulthood) and at a higher level than IGF1, which is opposite to patterns seen in laboratory rodents but similar to those seen in humans and other vertebrate models. IGFBP expression was ubiquitous across tissues (brain, gonad, heart, liver, skeletal muscle, tail, and regenerating tail) in adults, apart from IGFBP5, which was variable. These findings provide an essential foundation for further developing the anole lizard as a physiological and biomedical reptile model, as well as expanding our understanding of the function of the IIS network across species.

Critical role of SOX2-IGF2 signaling in aggressiveness of bladder cancer

Signaling elicited by the stem cell factors SOX2, OCT4, KLF4, and MYC not only mediates reprogramming of differentiated cells to pluripotency but has also been correlated with tumor malignancy. In this study, we found SOX2 expression signifies poor recurrence-free survival and correlates with advanced pathological grade in bladder cancer. SOX2 silencing attenuated bladder cancer cell growth, while its expression promoted cancer cell survival and proliferation. Under low-serum stress, SOX2 expression promoted AKT phosphorylation and bladder cancer cells' spheroid-forming capability. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of AKT phosphorylation, using MK2206, inhibited the SOX2-mediated spheroid formation of bladder cancer cells. Gene expression profiling showed that SOX2 expression, in turn, induced IGF2 expression, while SOX2 silencing inhibited IGF2 expression. Moreover, knocking down IGF2 and IGF1R diminished bladder cancer cell growth. Lastly, pharmacological inhibition of IGF1R, using linsitinib, also inhibited the SOX2-mediated spheroid formation of bladder cancer cells under low-serum stress. Our findings indicate the SOX2-IGF2 signaling affects the aggressiveness of bladder cancer cell growth. This signaling could be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for bladder cancer intervention.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-5 in Physiology and Disease

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling is regulated by a conserved family of IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) in vertebrates. Among the six distinct types of IGFBPs, IGFBP-5 is the most highly conserved across species and has the broadest range of biological activities. IGFBP-5 is expressed in diverse cell types, and its expression level is regulated by a variety of signaling pathways in different contexts. IGFBP-5 can exert a range of biological actions including prolonging the half-life of IGFs in the circulation, inhibition of IGF signaling by competing with the IGF-1 receptor for ligand binding, concentrating IGFs in certain cells and tissues, and potentiation of IGF signaling by delivery of IGFs to the IGF-1 receptor. IGFBP-5 also has IGF-independent activities and is even detected in the nucleus. Its broad biological activities make IGFBP-5 an excellent representative for understanding IGFBP functions. Despite its evolutionary conservation and numerous biological activities, knockout of IGFBP-5 in mice produced only a negligible phenotype. Recent research has begun to explain this paradox by demonstrating cell type-specific and physiological/pathological context-dependent roles for IGFBP-5. In this review, we survey and discuss what is currently known about IGFBP-5 in normal physiology and human disease. Based on recent in vivo genetic evidence, we suggest that IGFBP-5 is a multifunctional protein with the ability to act as a molecular switch to conditionally regulate IGF signaling.

Effects of Fasting and Refeeding on the mRNA levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding Proteins in Chick Liver and Brain

The physiological functions of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) in mammals have been evaluated in several studies. However, the physiological roles of IGFBPs in chickens have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we examined the effects of short-term (6 h) fasting and refeeding on the mRNA levels of IGFBPs in chick liver and brain. Eighteen 8-day-old chicks were weighed and allocated to three groups on the basis of body weight, and subjected to ad libitum feeding, 6 h of fasting, or 6 h of fasting followed by 6 h of refeeding. After the chicks were euthanized by decapitation, the liver and brain were excised, and the brain was dissected into six segments (telencephalon, optic lobes, cerebellum, rostral part of the brainstem, middle part of the brainstem, and caudal part of the brainstem). IGFBP mRNA levels were determined by qRT-PCR. Fasting significantly increased the mRNA levels of IGFBP-1 and -2 in the chick liver, and these changes were reversed by 6 h of refeeding. The mRNA levels of IGFBP-3 in the middle part of the brainstem and IGFBP-5 in the optic lobes were decreased by 6 h of fasting and were not reversed after 6 h of refeeding. These findings suggest that IGFBP-1 and -2 in the liver, IGFBP-3 in the middle part of the brainstem, and IGFBP-5 in the optic lobes may play physiological roles in response to short-term changes in the nutritional status of chicks.

MiR-137 inhibited cell proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells via targeting IGFBP-5 and modulating the mTOR/STAT3 signaling

Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown the great impact of microRNAs (miRNAs) on the cell proliferation of VSMCs. This study examined the effects of miR-137 on the cell proliferation and migration of VSMCs and also explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. The mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot assays, respectively. The CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay and transwell migration assay were performed to measure cell proliferation and migration of VSMCs. The miR-137-targeted 3’untranslated region of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Platelet-derived growth factor-bb (PDGF-bb) treatment enhanced cell proliferation and suppressed the expression of miR-137 in VSMCs. The gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays showed that overexpression of miR-137 suppressed the cell proliferation and migration, and also inhibited the expression of matrix genes of VSMCs; down-regulation of miR-137 had the opposite effects on VSMCs. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase report assay results showed that IGFBP-5 was a direct target of miR-137, and miR-137 overexpression suppressed the IGFBP-5 expression and down-regulation of miR-137 increased the IGFBP-5 expression in VSMCs. PDGF-bb treatment also increased the IGFBP-5 mRNA expression. In addition, enforced expression of IGFBP-5 reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-137 on cell proliferation and migration of VSMCs. More importantly, overexpression of miR-137 also suppressed the activity of mTOR/STAT3 signaling in VSMCs. Taken together, the results suggest that miR-137 may suppress cell proliferation and migration of VSMCs via targeting IGFBP-5 and modulating mTOR/STAT3 signaling pathway.

IGFBP2 enhances adipogenic differentiation potentials of mesenchymal stem cells from Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord via JNK and Akt signaling pathways

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-mediated tissue engineering represents a promising strategy to address adipose tissue defects. MSCs derived from Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord (WJCMSCs) may serve as an ideal source for adipose tissue engineering due to their abundance, safety profile, and accessibility. How to activate the directed differentiation potentials of WJCMSCs is the core point for their clinical applications. A thorough investigation of mechanisms involved in WJCMSC adipogenic differentiation is necessary to support their application in adipose tissue engineering and address shortcomings. Previous study showed, compared with periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), WJCMSCs had a weakened adipogenic differentiation potentials and lower expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2). IGFBP2 may be involved in the adipogenesis of MSCs. Generally, IGFBP2 is involved in regulating biological activity of insulin-like growth factors, however, its functions in human MSCs are unclear. Here, we found IGFBP2 expression was upregulated upon adipogenic induction, and that IGFBP2 enhanced adipogenic differentiation of WJCMSCs and BMSCs. Moreover, IGFBP2 increased phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) and p-Akt, and activated JNK or Akt signaling significantly promoted adipogenic differentiation of MSCs. Furthermore, inhibitor-mediated blockage of either JNK or Akt signaling dramatically reduced IGFBP2-mediated adipogenic differentiation. And the JNK inhibitor, SP600125 markedly blocked IGFBP2-mediated Akt activation. Moreover, IGFBP2 was negatively regulated by BCOR, which inhibited adipogenic differentiation of WJCMSCs. Overall, our results reveal a new function of IGFBP2, providing a novel insight into the mechanism of adipogenic differentiation and identifying a potential target mediator for improving adipose tissue engineering based on WJCMSCs.

Mesenchymal stem cells and myoblast differentiation under HGF and IGF-1 stimulation for 3D skeletal muscle tissue engineering

Background

Volumetric muscle loss caused by trauma or after tumour surgery exceeds the natural regeneration capacity of skeletal muscle. Hence, the future goal of tissue engineering (TE) is the replacement and repair of lost muscle tissue by newly generating skeletal muscle combining different cell sources, such as myoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), within a three-dimensional matrix. Latest research showed that seeding skeletal muscle cells on aligned constructs enhance the formation of myotubes as well as cell alignment and may provide a further step towards the clinical application of engineered skeletal muscle.

In this study the myogenic differentiation potential of MSCs upon co-cultivation with myoblasts and under stimulation with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was evaluated. We further analysed the behaviour of MSC-myoblast co-cultures in different 3D matrices.

Results

Primary rat myoblasts and rat MSCs were mono- and co-cultivated for 2, 7 or 14 days. The effect of different concentrations of HGF and IGF-1 alone, as well as in combination, on myogenic differentiation was analysed using microscopy, multicolour flow cytometry and real-time PCR. Furthermore, the influence of different three-dimensional culture models, such as fibrin, fibrin-collagen-I gels and parallel aligned electrospun poly-ε-caprolacton collagen-I nanofibers, on myogenic differentiation was analysed. MSCs could be successfully differentiated into the myogenic lineage both in mono- and in co-cultures independent of HGF and IGF-1 stimulation by expressing desmin, myocyte enhancer factor 2, myosin heavy chain 2 and alpha-sarcomeric actinin. An increased expression of different myogenic key markers could be observed under HGF and IGF-1 stimulation. Even though, stimulation with HGF/IGF-1 does not seem essential for sufficient myogenic differentiation. Three-dimensional cultivation in fibrin-collagen-I gels induced higher levels of myogenic differentiation compared with two-dimensional experiments. Cultivation on poly-ε-caprolacton-collagen-I nanofibers induced parallel alignment of cells and positive expression of desmin.

Conclusions

In this study, we were able to myogenically differentiate MSC upon mono- and co-cultivation with myoblasts. The addition of HGF/IGF-1 might not be essential for achieving successful myogenic differentiation. Furthermore, with the development of a biocompatible nanofiber scaffold we established the basis for further experiments aiming at the generation of functional muscle tissue.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12860-017-0131-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Variation in branchial expression among insulin-like growth-factor binding proteins (igfbps) during Atlantic salmon smoltification and seawater exposure

Background

In preparation for migration from freshwater to marine habitats, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) undergo smoltification, a transformation that includes the acquisition of hyposmoregulatory capacity. The growth hormone (Gh)/insulin-like growth-factor (Igf) axis promotes the development of branchial ionoregulatory functions that underlie ion secretion. Igfs interact with a suite of Igf binding proteins (Igfbps) that modulate hormone activity. In Atlantic salmon smolts, igfbp4,−5a,−5b1,−5b2,−6b1 and−6b2 transcripts are highly expressed in gill. We measured mRNA levels of branchial and hepatic igfbps during smoltification (March, April, and May), desmoltification (July) and following seawater (SW) exposure in March and May. We also characterized parallel changes in a broad suite of osmoregulatory (branchial Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (Nka) activity, Na⁺/K⁺/2Cl⁻cotransporter 1 (nkcc1) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator 1 (cftr1) transcription) and endocrine (plasma Gh and Igf1) parameters.

Results

Indicative of smoltification, we observed increased branchial Nka activity, nkcc1 and cftr1 transcription in May. Branchial igfbp6b1 and -6b2 expression increased coincidentally with smoltification. Following a SW challenge in March, igfbp6b1 showed increased expression while igfbp6b2 exhibited diminished expression. igfbp5a,−5b1 and−5b2 mRNA levels did not change during smolting, but each had lower levels following a SW exposure in March.

Conclusions

Salmonids express an especially large suite of igfbps. Our data suggest that dynamic expression of particular igfbps accompanies smoltification and SW challenges; thus, transcriptional control of igfbps may provide a mechanism for the local modulation of Igf activity in salmon gill.

Cross Talk Between Growth and Immunity: Coupling of the IGF Axis to Conserved Cytokine Pathways in Rainbow Trout

Although disease and infection is associated with attenuated growth, the molecular pathways involved are poorly characterized. We postulated that the IGF axis, a central governor of vertebrate growth, is repressed during infection to promote resource reallocation towards immunity. This hypothesis was tested in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) challenged by Aeromonas salmonicida (AS), a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen, or viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSv) at hatch, first feeding, and 3 weeks after first feeding. Quantitative transcriptional profiling was performed for genes encoding both IGF hormones, 19 salmonid IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) and a panel of marker genes for growth and immune status. There were major differences in the developmental response of the IGF axis to AS and VHSv, with the VHSv challenge causing strong down-regulation of many genes. Despite this, IGFBP-1A1 and IGFBP-6A2 subtypes, each negative regulators of IGF signaling, were highly induced by AS and VHSv in striking correlation with host defense genes regulated by cytokine pathways. Follow-up experiments demonstrated a highly significant coregulation of IGFBP-1A1 and IGFBP-6A2 with proinflammatory cytokine genes in primary immune tissues (spleen and head kidney) when trout were challenged by a different Gram-negative bacterium, Yersinia ruckeri. Based on our findings, we propose a model where certain IGFBP subtypes are directly regulated by cytokine signaling pathways, allowing immediate modulation of growth and/or immune system phenotypes according to the level of activation of immunity. Our findings provide new and comprehensive insights into cross talk between conserved pathways regulating teleost growth, development, and immunity.

Type I insulin-like growth factor as a liver reserve assessment tool in hepatocellular carcinoma

Chronic liver diseases (CLDs) encompass a wide range of illnesses, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and viral hepatitis. Deterioration of liver capacity, with subsequent progression into cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), ultimately leads to a further decrease in the hepatic reserve. The Child-Turcotte-Pugh scoring system is the standard tool for assessing underlying liver reserve capacity in routine practice and in clinical trials of CLD and HCC. In this review, we highlight the clinical significance of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and the growth hormone (GH) signaling pathway in HCC. IGF-I could be a marker for liver reserve capacity in CLDs and HCC in clinical practice. This approach could improve the risk assessment and stratifications of patients on the basis of their underlying liver reserve, either before active treatment in routine practice or before they are enrolled in clinical trials.

Coevolution of insulin-like growth factors, insulin and their receptors and binding proteins in New World Monkeys

Previous work has shown that the evolution of both insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and insulin shows an episode of accelerated change on the branch leading to New World Monkeys (NWM). Here the possibility that this is accompanied by a corresponding episode of accelerated evolution of IGF1 receptor (IGF1R), insulin receptor (IR) and/or IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) was investigated. Analysis of receptor sequences from a range of primates and some non-primate mammals showed that accelerated evolution did indeed occur on this branch in the case of IGF1R and IR, but not for the similar insulin receptor-related receptor (IRRR) which does not bind insulin or IGF1. Marked accelerated evolution on this branch was also seen for some IGFBPs, but not the mannose 6-phosphate/IGF2 receptor or epidermal growth factor receptor. The rate of evolution slowed before divergence of the lineages leading to the NWM for which sequences are available (Callithrix and Saimiri). For the IGF1R and IR, the accelerated evolution was most marked for the extracellular domains (ectodomains). Application of the branch-site method showed dN/dS ratios significantly greater than 1.0 for both receptor ectodomains and for IGFBP1, and allowed identification of residues likely to have been subject to selection. These residues were concentrated in the N-terminal half of the IGF1R ectodomain but the C-terminal half of the IR ectodomain, which could have implications for the formation of hybrid receptors. Overall the results suggest that adaptive coevolution of IGF1, insulin and their receptors and some IGFBPs occurred during the evolution of NWM. For the most part, the residues that change on this branch could not be associated with specific functional aspects (ligand binding, receptor dimerization, glycosylation) and the physiological significance of this coevolution remains to be established.

Interaction of AIM with insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-4

Apoptosis inhibitor of macrophages (AIM/cluster of differentiation 5 antigen-like/soluble protein α) has been shown to inhibit cellular apoptosis; however, the underlying molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. Using yeast two-hybrid screening, the present study uncovered that AIM binds to insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4). AIM interaction with IGFBP-4, as well as IGFBP-2 and -3, but not with IGFBP-1, -5 and -6, was further confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) using 293 cells. The binding activity and affinity between AIM and IGFBP-4 in vitro were analyzed by co-IP and biolayer interferometry. Serum depletion-induced cellular apoptosis was attenuated by insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and this effect was abrogated by IGFBP-4. Of note, in the presence of AIM, the inhibitory effect of IGFBP-4 on the anti-apoptosis function of IGF-I was attenuated, possibly through binding of AIM with IGFBP-4. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the present study provides the first evidence that AIM binds to IGFBP-2, -3 and -4. The data suggest that this interaction may contribute to the mechanism of AIM-mediated anti-apoptosis function.

Global gene expression patterns of grass carp following compensatory growth

BACKGROUND

Compensatory growth is accelerated compared with normal growth and occurs when growth-limiting conditions are overcome. Most animals, especially fish, are capable of compensatory growth, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Further investigation of the mechanism of compensatory growth in fish is needed to improve feeding efficiency, reduce cost, and explore growth-related genes.

RESULTS

In the study, grass carp, an important farmed fish in China, were subjected to a compensatory growth experiment followed by transcriptome analysis by RNA-sequencing. Samples of fish from starved and re-feeding conditions were compared with the control. Under starved conditions, 4061 and 1988 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in muscle and liver tissue when compared the experimental group with control group, respectively. After re-feeding, 349 and 247 DEGs were identified in muscle and liver when the two groups were compared. Moreover, when samples from experimental group in starved and re-feeding conditions were compared, 4903 and 2444 DEGs were found in muscle and liver. Most of these DEGs were involved in metabolic processes, or encoded enzymes or proteins with catalytic activity or binding functions, or involved in metabolic and biosynthetic pathways. A number of the more significant DEGs were subjected to further analysis. Under fasting conditions, many up-regulated genes were associated with protein ubiquitination or degradation, whereas many down-regulated genes were involved in the metabolism of glucose and fatty acids. Under re-feeding conditions, genes participating in muscle synthesis and fatty acid metabolism were up-regulated significantly, and genes related to protein ubiquitination or degradation were down-regulated. Moreover, Several DEGs were random selected for confirmation by real-time quantitative PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Global gene expression patterns of grass carp during compensatory growth were determined. To our knowledge, this is a first reported for a teleost fish. The results will enhance our understanding of the mechanism of compensatory growth in teleost fish.

Investigation of alanine mutations affecting insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I binding to IGF binding proteins

Binding properties of wild type (WT) and six single amino acid substituted variants (E3A, E9A, D12A, D20A, F23A, and E58A) of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) were analyzed with respect to their binding details to IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The binding sites and binding interactions on IGF-I and IGFBPs are screened and compared with the static X-ray structure. Electrostatic interaction is the primary driving force of the interaction between IGF-I and IGFBPs. Mutation may cause the rearrangement of binding sites, however, the unfolding of protein induced by mutation is not obvious in this work. We also provide the detailed picture of binding factors. And the results show that, whether the unfolding of helix occurs or not, the Ala mutation will change the molecular atmosphere of the binding interface by the rearrangement of conformation, and further affects the binding residues and binding interactions.

Core functional sequence of C-terminal GAG-binding domain directs cellular uptake of IGFBP-3-derived peptides

The current study clarifies the role of the Glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-binding domain of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in cell penetration. The cell penetration function of IGFBP-3 has been mapped to an 18-residue GAG-binding domain in the C-terminal region that mobilizes cellular uptake and nuclear localization of unrelated proteins. Uptake of KW-22, a 22-residue peptide that encompasses the 18-residue GAG-binding domain, and another IGFBP-3 peptide carrying a streptavidin protein cargo was investigated in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells defective at several steps of biosynthesis of cell surface GAGs. The severity of GAG truncation was highly correlated to the impairment of uptake ranging from complete abrogation to only a partial reduction, suggesting that GAG-binding is required for uptake. The 18-residue GAG-binding domain consists of an 8-residue KK-8 basic sequence devoid of Arg and an adjacent 10-residue QR-10 sequence rich in Arg. Peptide mapping of uptake and GAG-binding activities within the KW-22 peptide showed that the 8-residue KK-8 basic peptide retained 80% of GAG-binding activity with no uptake activity while the 10-residue QR-10 peptide retained 53% of uptake activity and 18% of GAG-binding activity. This suggests that KK-8 carries out the majority of GAG-binding function while QR-10 carries out the majority of the cell entry function. To our knowledge, this is the first report of physical separation of the uptake and GAG-binding functions within a short cell penetrating peptide and may shed light on the general mechanism of uptake of Arg-rich CPPs and guide new design of Arg-rich CPP-assisted drug/gene delivery systems.

IGFBP-3 inhibits TNF-α production and TNFR-2 signaling to protect against retinal endothelial cell apoptosis

In models of diabetic retinopathy, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) protects against tumor necrosis factors-alpha (TNF-α)-mediated apoptosis of retinal microvascular endothelial cells (REC), but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Our current findings suggest that at least two discrete but complimentary pathways contribute to the protective effects of IGFBP-3; 1) IGFBP-3 directly activates the c-Jun kinase/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3/TNF-α converting enzyme (c-Jun/TIMP-3/TACE), pathway, which in turn inhibits TNF-α production; 2) IGFBP-3 acts through the IGFBP-3 receptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), to inhibit signaling of TNF-α receptor 2 (TNFR2). Combined, these two IGFBP-3 pathways substantially reduce REC apoptosis and offer potential targets for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Molecular cloning, expression profiles and promoter analysis of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

We cloned and characterized cDNA sequence of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) from Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). The 1493 bp full-length cDNA sequence contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 780 bp, which encoded a protein of 259 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequences included a putative signal peptide of 28 amino acid residues resulting in a mature protein of 231 amino acids. Twenty cysteine residues and two conserved IGFBPs motif (GCGCCXXC and CWCV) were found in the N- and C-terminal domain. In the over 13 kbp genomic sequence, four exons, three introns, and 5'-/3'-flanking sequences were identified. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed that Japanese flounder IGFBP-4 was indeed the ortholog of the human IGFBP-4 gene and shared high identities with other teleost IGFBP-4 genes. The promoter region was also analyzed and several potential transcription factor (TF) binding sites were determined which may modulate the IGFBP-4 expression. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that IGFBP-4 mRNA was observed in various tissues, with intestine showing the highest expression. The maternal transcripts of IGFBP-4 gene existed in the early embryonic stages and then increased in the following stages until hatching, suggesting that IGFBP-4 may be involved in the fish early development. The expression level of IGFBP-4 mRNA was relatively higher at 3 days post hatching (dph) and 15 dph, and gradually decreased during the metamorphosis period. All these results indicated that IGFBP-4 plays a significant role in IGF regulating vertebrate growth and development.

The role of the insulin‑like growth factor (IGF) axis in osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis is a multicomponent molecular network which has important biological functions in the development and maintenance of differentiated tissue function(s). One of the most important functions of the IGF axis is the control of skeletal tissue metabolism by the finely tuned regulation of the process of osteogenesis. To achieve this, the IGF axis controls the activity of several cell types—osteoprogenitor cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts to achieve the co-ordinated development of appropriate hard tissue structure and associated matrix deposition. In addition, there is an increasing awareness that the IGF axis also plays a role in the process of odontogenesis (tooth formation). In this review, we highlight some of the key findings in both of these areas. A further understanding of the role of the IGF axis in hard tissue biology may contribute to tissue regeneration strategies in cases of skeletal tissue trauma.

A rapid, efficient, and economical inverse polymerase chain reaction-based method for generating a site saturation mutant library

With the development of deep sequencing methodologies, it has become important to construct site saturation mutant (SSM) libraries in which every nucleotide/codon in a gene is individually randomized. We describe methodologies for the rapid, efficient, and economical construction of such libraries using inverse polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We show that if the degenerate codon is in the middle of the mutagenic primer, there is an inherent PCR bias due to the thermodynamic mismatch penalty, which decreases the proportion of unique mutants. Introducing a nucleotide bias in the primer can alleviate the problem. Alternatively, if the degenerate codon is placed at the 5' end, there is no PCR bias, which results in a higher proportion of unique mutants. This also facilitates detection of deletion mutants resulting from errors during primer synthesis. This method can be used to rapidly generate SSM libraries for any gene or nucleotide sequence, which can subsequently be screened and analyzed by deep sequencing.

Determination of IGFs and their binding proteins

The worldwide clinical and scientific interest in peptides belonging to the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system has brought along a call for standardization of assays used to quantify the different IGF related proteins. This relates in particular to the measurement of IGF-I, which has stood the test of time as an important biochemical tool in the diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone (GH) related disorders. The first international consensus statement on the measurement of IGF-I in 2011 represents an important milestone and will undoubtedly improve commutability of reference ranges for IGF-I and clinically applicable cut-off values. By contrast, there is no consensus addressing the measurements of the other IGF-related peptides. Nevertheless, measurement of these peptides may be of interest, either as additional tools in GH disorders or as prognostic biomarkers of various diseases. Therefore, standardization of assays for the other IGF-related peptides is highly relevant. This chapter discusses the recent consensus on IGF-I measurements and how this approach may be applied to measurement of the other IGF-related peptides. In addition, assay pitfalls, pre- and post-analytical challenges, alternative methods for IGF-I measurements and potential assays of tomorrow will be discussed.

Insulin growth factor binding proteins as therapeutic targets in type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

The signaling pathways of the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) have been implicated in the aetiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and a number of therapeutic modalities aiming at the IGF-axis have been considered. Administration of IGF-I has been reported to improve insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects and patients with T2D. In recent years, the IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) have also been associated with metabolic disorders, prompting the idea that IGFBPs play important roles in the pathogenesis of T2D. Thus, by virtue of their role in the regulation of IGF effects, the IGFBPs have emerged as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in metabolic syndromes and T2D.

AREAS COVERED

The article provides an overview on recent findings in clinical and experimental IGFBP-research and addresses the studies that have investigated the potentials of the IGFBPs as therapeutic targets in T2D.

EXPERT OPINION

There is plenty of therapeutic promise within the IGF system, but further understanding of the IGFs in T2D is necessary to avoid off-target effects. Strong evidence supports the use of IGFBPs as therapeutic targets in the treatment of T2D, and it is not difficult to foresee the use of IGFBPs as part of a combination therapy alongside other anti-diabetic drugs.

The heparin-binding domains of IGFBP-2 mediate its inhibitory effect on preadipocyte differentiation and fat development in male mice

IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-2 overexpression confers resistance to high-fat feeding and inhibits the differentiation of preadipocytes in vitro. However, whether administration of IGFBP-2 can regulate adipogenesis in vivo and the domains that mediate this response have not been defined. IGFBP-2 contains 2 heparin-binding domains (HBD), which are localized in the linker region (HBD1) and C-terminal region (HBD2) of IGFBP-2. To determine the relative importance of these domains, we used synthetic peptides as well as mutagenesis. Both HBD1 and HBD2 peptides inhibited preadipocyte differentiation, but the HBD2 peptide was more effective. Selective substitution of charged residues in the HBD1 or HBD2 regions attenuated the ability of the full-length protein to inhibit cell differentiation, but the HBD2 mutant had the greatest reduction. To determine their activities in vivo, pegylated forms of each peptide were administered to IGFBP-2(-/-) mice for 12 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging scanning showed that only the HBD2 peptide significantly reduced (48 ± 9%, P < .05) gain in total fat mass. Both inguinal (32 ± 7%, P < .01) and visceral fat (44 ± 7%, P < .01) were significantly decreased by HBD2 whereas HBD1 reduced only visceral fat accumulation (24 ± 5%, P < .05). The HBD2 peptide was more effective peptide in reducing triglyceride content and serum adiponectin, but only the HBD2 peptide increased serum leptin. These findings demonstrate that the HBD2 domain of IGFBP-2 is the primary region that accounts for its ability to inhibit adipogenesis and that a peptide encompassing this region has activity that is comparable with native IGFBP-2.

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins increase intracellular calcium levels in two different cell lines

Background

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) are six related secreted proteins that share IGF-dependent and -independent functions. If the former functions begin to be well described, the latter are somewhat more difficult to investigate and to characterize. At the cellular level, IGFBPs were shown to modulate numerous processes including cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms implicated remain largely unknown. We previously demonstrated that IGFBP-3, but not IGFBP-1 or IGFBP-5, increase intracellular calcium concentration in MCF-7 cells (Ricort J-M et al. (2002) FEBS lett 527: 293–297).

Methodology/Principal Findings

We perform a global analysis in which we studied, by two different approaches, the binding of each IGFBP isoform (i.e., IGFBP-1 to -6) to the surface of two different cellular models, MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells and C2 myoblast proliferative cells, as well as the IGFBP-induced increase of intracellular calcium concentration. Using both confocal fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis, we showed that all IGFBPs bind to MCF-7 cell surface. By contrast, only four IGFBPs can bind to C2 cell surface since neither IGFBP-2 nor IGFBP-4 were detected. Among the six IGFBPs tested, only IGFBP-1 did not increased intracellular calcium concentration whatever the cellular model studied. By contrast, IGFBP-2, -3, -4 and -6, in MCF-7 cells, and IGFBP-3, -5 and -6, in C2 proliferative cells, induce a rapid and transient increase in intracellular free calcium concentration. Moreover, IGFBP-2 and -3 (in MCF-7 cells) and IGFBP-5 (in C2 cells) increase intracellular free calcium concentration by a pertussis toxin sensitive signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that IGFBPs are able to bind to cell surface and increase intracellular calcium concentration. By characterizing the IGFBPs-induced cell responses and intracellular couplings, we highlight the cellular specificity and complexity of the IGF-independent actions of these IGF binding proteins.

Evolution of ancient functions in the vertebrate insulin-like growth factor system uncovered by study of duplicated salmonid fish genomes

Whole-genome duplication (WGD) was experienced twice by the vertebrate ancestor (2 rounds; 2R), again by the teleost fish ancestor (3R) and most recently in certain teleost lineages (4R). Consequently, vertebrate gene families are often expanded in 3R and 4R genomes. Arguably, many types of “functional divergence” present across 2R gene families will exceed that between 3R/4R paralogs of genes comprising 2R families. Accordingly, 4R offers a form of replication of 2R. Examining whether this concept has implications for molecular evolutionary research, we studied insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins (IGFBPs), whose six 2R family members carry IGF hormones and regulate interactions between IGFs and IGF1-receptors (IGF1Rs). Using phylogenomic approaches, we resolved the complete IGFBP repertoire of 4R-derived salmonid fishes (19 genes; 13 more than human) and established evolutionary relationships/nomenclature with respect to WGDs. Traits central to IGFBP action were determined for all genes, including atomic interactions in IGFBP–IGF1/IGF2 complexes regulating IGF–IGF1R binding. Using statistical methods, we demonstrate that attributes of these protein interfaces are overwhelming a product of 2R IGFBP family membership, explain 49–68% of variation in IGFBP mRNA concentration in several different tissues, and strongly predict the strength and direction of IGFBP transcriptional regulation under differing nutritional states. The results support a model where vertebrate IGFBP family members evolved divergent structural attributes to provide distinct competition for IGFs with IGF1Rs, predisposing different functions in the regulation of IGF signaling. Evolution of gene expression then acted to ensure the appropriate physiological production of IGFBPs according to their structural specializations, leading to optimal IGF-signaling according to nutritional-status and the endocrine/local mode of action. This study demonstrates that relatively recent gene family expansion can facilitate inference of functional evolution within ancient genetic systems.

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins: a structural perspective

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP-1 to -6) bind insulin-like growth factors-I and -II (IGF-I and IGF-II) with high affinity. These binding proteins maintain IGFs in the circulation and direct them to target tissues, where they promote cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival via the type 1 IGF receptor. IGFBPs also interact with many other molecules, which not only influence their modulation of IGF action but also mediate IGF-independent activities that regulate processes such as cell migration and apoptosis by modulating gene transcription. IGFBPs-1 to -6 are structurally similar proteins consisting of three distinct domains, N-terminal, linker, and C-terminal. There have been major advances in our understanding of IGFBP structure in the last decade and a half. While there is still no structure of an intact IGFBP, several structures of individual N- and C-domains have been solved. The structure of a complex of N-BP-4:IGF-I:C-BP-4 has also been solved, providing a detailed picture of the structural features of the IGF binding site and the mechanism of binding. Structural studies have also identified features important for interaction with extracellular matrix components and integrins. This review summarizes structural studies reported so far and highlights features important for binding not only IGF but also other partners. We also highlight future directions in which structural studies will add to our knowledge of the role played by the IGFBP family in normal growth and development, as well as in disease.

Determinants, discriminants, conserved residues--a heuristic approach to detection of functional divergence in protein families

In this work, belonging to the field of comparative analysis of protein sequences, we focus on detection of functional specialization on the residue level. As the input, we take a set of sequences divided into groups of orthologues, each group known to be responsible for a different function. This provides two independent pieces of information: within group conservation and overlap in amino acid type across groups. We build our discussion around the set of scoring functions that keep the two separated and the source of the signal easy to trace back to its source.We propose a heuristic description of functional divergence that includes residue type exchangeability, both in the conservation and in the overlap measure, and does not make any assumptions on the rate of evolution in the groups other than the one under consideration. Residue types acceptable at a certain position within an orthologous group are described as a distribution which evolves in time, starting from a single ancestral type, and is subject to constraints that can be inferred only indirectly. To estimate the strength of the constraints, we compare the observed degrees of conservation and overlap with those expected in the hypothetical case of a freely evolving distribution.Our description matches the experiment well, but we also conclude that any attempt to capture the evolutionary behavior of specificity determining residues in terms of a scalar function will be tentative, because no single model can cover the variety of evolutionary behavior such residues exhibit. Especially, models expecting the same type of evolutionary behavior across functionally divergent groups tend to miss a portion of information otherwise retrievable by the conservation and overlap measures they use.

IGF binding protein 1 is correlated with hypoxia-induced growth reduce and developmental defects in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) embryos

The effects of hypoxia on embryonic development and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are poorly understood in teleost fish, although the hypoxic effects on embryonic growth and development have been reported in the zebrafish model. Here, we found that hypoxia caused significant developmental delay and growth retardation during grass carp embryogenesis. Placing the embryos in hypoxic conditions at different developmental stages strongly induced the mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), an inhibitory protein that binds to IGF and inhibits its subsequent actions in vivo. Further gain-of-function analysis results provided strong evidence to support the hypothesis that IGFBP1 plays an important role in mediating hypoxic-induced growth and developmental defects. Overexpression of IGFBP1 mRNA reduced the growth rate to a degree that was similar to hypoxia. Additionally, overexpression of IGFBP1 caused significant developmental defects in the formation of midline, somite and hindbrain structures during grass carp embryogenesis. Taken together, our studies suggest that IGFBP1 plays a key role in mediating these hypoxia-induced embryonic growth retardation and developmental delay in grass carp.

Biological characterization and structure based prediction of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5

The insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) family has been shown to play a role in various functions such as cell growth, cell death, cell motility, and tissue remodeling. Among the 7 IGFBP family members, IGFBP-5 was recently shown to play an important role in breast cancer biology, especially in breast cancer metastasis. The three-dimensional structure of the mini IGFBP-5 domain (amino acids 40-92) is known, but structural information on the complete N, L, and C domains remains unknown. Due to difficulties associated with expression and crystallization of full-length IGFBP-5, fragments have more frequently been studied. In this study, IGFBP-5 structures containing N, L, and C domains were separately modeled from solved structures in protein data bank (PDB). In addition, the L domain of IGFBP-5 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified for studying its structural characterization. Despite very low sequence homology, the novel L domain structure of IGFBP-5 was unexpectedly similar to that of the corepressor of repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (CoREST) linker in the lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1)-CoREST complex. The purified L domain existed as a homogenous dimer in glutaraldehyde cross-linking and exhibited a typical α-helix structure in the circular dichroism (CD) assay. This study has potential applications in medicine and other fields such as drug design, mutational study, and disease prediction.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 and -3 in gingival crevicular fluid

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) are crucial regulators of insulin-like growth factor (IGF). They enhance or inhibit IGF functions, but also exhibit IGF-independent effects. In a previous study, we detected, qualitatively, IGFBP-2 and -3 in gingival crevicular fluid using a cytokine antibody array. Here we extended these results using an ELISA to determine the concentrations of IGFBP-2 and -3 in gingival crevicular fluid. In addition, we explored whether the expression of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 correlates with periodontal disease severity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Gingival crevicular fluid samples from 92 sites of 12 patients affected with periodontal disease and from 100 sites of 19 healthy volunteers, were collected, divided into two groups and analyzed by ELISA for IGFBP-2 and -3 expression. The potential correlation among probing depth, gingival index and the concentrations of IGFBP-2 and -3 was analyzed.

RESULTS

Positive correlations were observed between the concentration of IGFBP-2 and probing depth and gingival index, but not for IGFBP-3. The IGFBP-2 concentrations at bleeding on probing-positive sites and at sites with a probing depth of ≥ 4 mm were higher than at bleeding on probing-negative sites and at sites with a probing depth of ≤ 3 mm.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that IGFBP-2 is a potential novel marker for periodontal disease progression. As IGFBP-2 modulates bone metabolism and cell migration, IGFBP-2 in the gingival crevicular fluid may reflect periodontal disease activity.

Defining the pathway to insulin-like growth factor system targeting in cancer

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs; IGF-1 and IGF-2) play central roles in cell growth, differentiation, survival, transformation and metastasis. The biologic effects of the IGFs are mediated by the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), a receptor tyrosine kinase with homology to the insulin receptor (IR). Dysregulation of the IGF system is well recognized as a key contributor to the progression of multiple cancers, with IGF-1R activation increasing the tumorigenic potential of breast, prostate, lung, colon and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite this relationship, targeting the IGF-1R has only recently undergone development as a molecular cancer therapeutic. As it has taken hold, we are witnessing a robust increase and interest in targeting the inhibition of IGF-1R signaling. This is accentuated by the list of over 30 drugs, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that are under evaluation as single agents or in combination therapies. The IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) represent the third component of the IGF system consisting of a class of six soluble secretory proteins. They represent a unique class of naturally occurring IGF-antagonists that bind to and sequester IGF-1 and IGF-2, inhibiting their access to the IGF-1R. Due to their dual targeting of the IGFs without affecting insulin action, the IGFBPs are an untapped "third" class of IGF-1R inhibitors. In this commentary, we highlight some of the significant aspects of and prospects for targeting the IGF-1R and describe what the future may hold.

Transcriptional regulation of the IGF signaling pathway by amino acids and insulin-like growth factors during myogenesis in Atlantic salmon

The insulin-like growth factor signalling pathway is an important regulator of skeletal muscle growth. We examined the mRNA expression of components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signalling pathway as well as Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) during maturation of myotubes in primary cell cultures isolated from fast myotomal muscle of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The transcriptional regulation of IGFs and IGFBP expression by amino acids and insulin-like growth factors was also investigated. Proliferation of cells was 15% d⁻¹ at days 2 and 3 of the culture, increasing to 66% d⁻¹ at day 6. Three clusters of elevated gene expression were observed during the maturation of the culture associated with mono-nucleic cells (IGFBP5.1 and 5.2, IGFBP-6, IGFBP-rP1, IGFBP-2.2 and IGF-II), the initial proliferation phase (IGF-I, IGFBP-4, FGF2 and IGF-IRb) and terminal differentiation and myotube production (IGF2R, IGF-IRa). In cells starved of amino acids and serum for 72 h, IGF-I mRNA decreased 10-fold which was reversed by amino acid replacement. Addition of IGF-I and amino acids to starved cells resulted in an 18-fold increase in IGF-I mRNA indicating synergistic effects and the activation of additional pathway(s) leading to IGF-I production via a positive feedback mechanism. IGF-II, IGFBP-5.1 and IGFBP-5.2 expression was unchanged in starved cells, but increased with amino acid replacement. Synergistic increases in expression of IGFBP5.2 and IGFBP-4, but not IGFBP5.1 were observed with addition of IGF-I, IGF-II or insulin and amino acids to the medium. IGF-I and IGF-II directly stimulated IGFBP-6 expression, but not when amino acids were present. These findings indicate that amino acids alone are sufficient to stimulate myogenesis in myoblasts and that IGF-I production is controlled by both endocrine and paracrine pathways. A model depicting the transcriptional regulation of the IGF pathway in Atlantic salmon muscle following feeding is proposed.

High-yield bacterial expression and structural characterization of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2

The diverse biological activities of the insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1 and IGF-2) are mediated by the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R). These actions are modulated by a family of six IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP-1-6; 22-31 kDa) that via high affinity binding to the IGFs (K(D) approximately 300-700 pM) both protect the IGFs in the circulation and attenuate IGF action by blocking their receptor access. In recent years, IGFBPs have been implicated in a variety of cancers. However, the structural basis of their interaction with IGFs and/or other proteins is not completely understood. A critical challenge in the structural characterization of full-length IGFBPs has been the difficulty in expressing these proteins at levels suitable for NMR/X-ray crystallography analysis. Here we describe the high-yield expression of full-length recombinant human IGFBP-2 (rhIGFBP-2) in Escherichia coli. Using a single step purification protocol, rhIGFBP-2 was obtained with >95% purity and structurally characterized using NMR spectroscopy. The protein was found to exist as a monomer at the high concentrations required for structural studies and to exist in a single conformation exhibiting a unique intra-molecular disulfide-bonding pattern. The protein retained full biologic activity. This study represents the first high-yield expression of wild-type recombinant human IGFBP-2 in E. coli and first structural characterization of a full-length IGFBP.

Acromegaly pathogenesis and treatment

Dysregulated growth hormone (GH) hypersecretion is usually caused by a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma and leads to acromegaly - a disorder of disproportionate skeletal, tissue, and organ growth. High GH and IGF1 levels lead to comorbidities including arthritis, facial changes, prognathism, and glucose intolerance. If the condition is untreated, enhanced mortality due to cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and pulmonary dysfunction is associated with a 30% decrease in life span. This Review discusses acromegaly pathogenesis and management options. The latter include surgery, radiation, and use of novel medications. Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) ligands inhibit GH release, control tumor growth, and attenuate peripheral GH action, while GH receptor antagonists block GH action and effectively lower IGF1 levels. Novel peptides, including SSTR ligands, exhibiting polyreceptor subtype affinities and chimeric dopaminergic-somatostatinergic properties are currently in clinical trials. Effective control of GH and IGF1 hypersecretion and ablation or stabilization of the pituitary tumor mass lead to improved comorbidities and lowering of mortality rates for this hormonal disorder.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 induces activation and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells in vitro

AIM: To investigate the role of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 (IGFBP-7) in the activation and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) in vitro.

METHODS: Rat HSC-T6 cells were cultured in separate dishes and treated with various concentration of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β₁, IGFBP-7 or anti-IGFBP-7 antibody for 24 h. The supernatant or a cytoplasm suspension was obtained from cultured HSC, followed by transfer of cells to form cell-coated dishes. Immunocytochemistry and Western blotting were used to analyze the expression of IGFBP-7 induced by TGF-β₁ and the level of fibronectin, collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). The pro-apoptotic effect of anti-IGFBP-7 antibody was determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS: Immunocytochemistry and Western blotting revealed that the expression of IGFBP-7 in TGF-β₁ treated HSC was significantly up-regulated compared to that in the control group. In addition, fibronectin, collagen I and α-SMA also showed enhanced expression in accordance with the transdifferentiation process in a dose-dependent manner to some extent. Moreover, flow cytometry suggested that anti-IGFBP-7 antibody induced apoptosis of activated HSC, which is responsible for the development of liver fibrosis, and may represent a novel pathway and target for therapeutic intervention.

CONCLUSION: IGFBP-7 showed increased expression in activated HSC and played an important role in the activation and transdifferentiation process of HSC. Anti-IGFBP-7 antibody may ameliorate liver fibrogenesis.

Discovery and characterization of IGFBP-mediated endocytosis in the human retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) are prime regulators of IGF-action in numerous cell types including the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The RPE performs several functions essential for vision, including growth factor secretion and waste removal via a phagocytic process mediated in part by vitronectin (Vn). In the course of studying the effects of IGFBPs on IGF-mediated VEGF secretion and Vn-mediated phagocytosis in the RPE cell line ARPE-19, we have discovered that these cells avidly ingest synthetic microspheres (2.0 mum diameter) coated with IGFBPs. Given the novelty of this finding and the established role for endocytosis in mediating IGFBP actions in other cell types, we have explored the potential role of candidate cell surface receptors. Moreover, we have examined the role of key IGFBP structural motifs, by comparing responses to three members of the IGFBP family (IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-5) which display overlapping variations in primary structure and glycosylation status. Coating of microspheres (FluoSpheres((R)), sulfate modified polystyrene filled with a fluorophore) was conducted at 37 degrees C for 1 h using 20 microg/mL of test protein, followed by extensive washing. Binding of proteins was confirmed using a microBCA assay. The negative control consisted of microspheres treated with 0.1% bovine serum albumin (BSA), and all test samples were post-treated with BSA in an effort to coat any remaining free protein binding sites, which might otherwise encourage non-specific interactions with the cell surface. Serum-starved cultures of ARPE-19 cells were incubated with microspheres for 24 h, using a ratio of approximately 100 microspheres per cell. Uptake of microspheres was quantified using a fluorometer and was confirmed visually by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The ARPE-19 cells displayed little affinity for BSA-treated microspheres, but avidly ingested large quantities of those pre-treated with Vn (ANOVA; p < 0.001). Strong responses were also observed towards recombinant formulations of non-glycosylated IGFBP-3, glycosylated IGFBP-3 and glycosylated IGFBP-5 (all p < 0.001), while glycosylated IGFBP-4 induced a relatively minor response (p < 0.05). The response to IGFBP-3 was unaffected in the presence of excess soluble IGFBP-3, IGF-I or Vn. Likewise, soluble IGFBP-3 did not induce uptake of BSA-treated microspheres. Antibodies to either the transferrin receptor or type 1 IGF-receptor displayed slight inhibitory effects on responses to IGFBPs and Vn. Heparin abolished responses to Vn, IGFBP-5 and non-glycosylated IGFBP-3, but only partially inhibited the response to glycosylated IGFBP-3. Our results demonstrate for the first time IGFBP-mediated endocytosis in ARPE-19 cells and suggest roles for the IGFBP-heparin-binding domain and glycosylation status. These findings have important implications for understanding the mechanisms of IGFBP actions on the RPE, and in particular suggest a role for IGFBP-endocytosis.

Molecular and functional characterization of two distinct IGF binding protein-6 genes in zebrafish

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) are high-affinity binding partners for IGFs and play important roles in modulating IGF activities. In this study, we have identified and characterized two functional IGFBP-6 genes in zebrafish. Structural, phylogenetic, and comparative genomic analyses indicate that they are co-orthologs of the human IGFBP-6 gene. To gain insight into how the duplicated genes may have evolved through partitioning of ancestral functions, gene expression and functional studies were carried out. In adult fish, IGFBP-6a mRNA was most abundantly expressed in the muscle. The levels of IGFBP-6a mRNA in nonmuscle tissues were very low or barely detectable. In comparison, the levels of IGFBP-6b mRNA were high in the brain, heart, and muscle, but very low or undetectable in other adult tissues. During embryogenesis, the IGFBP-6a mRNA levels were relatively low. The IGFBP-6b mRNA levels were low during the initial 48 h. They became significantly higher at 72 and 96 h postfertilization. Overexpression of zebrafish IGFBP-6a and IGFBP-6b caused a similar degree of reduction in body size and developmental rate. No notable effects were observed on cell fate or patterning in these transgenic fish. These data suggest that the duplicated igfbp-6 genes encode two functionally similar proteins, but they have evolved distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns. These findings are consistent with the notion of an additional gene duplication event in teleost fish and have provided novel insight into the structural and functional evolution of the IGFBP gene family.

Switching to fast growth: the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in skeletal muscle of Atlantic salmon

In this study we describe the complete coding sequence for insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II), insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 and IGFBP-related protein 1 (IGFBP-rP1) of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). We also report the characterisation of two gene paralogues of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-5. Following 22 days restricted feeding (0 d) to achieve zero growth, fish were fed to satiation and sampled at 3, 5, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days. Expression profiles for genes involved in the IGF signalling pathway in fast myotomal muscle were determined using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. The transition from zero to fast growth is characterised by constitutive upregulation of IGF-I and IGFBP-4, a transient increase in IGFBP-5.2, and downregulation of IGFBP-2.1, IGF-II, IGF2R (IGF-II receptor) and IGFR1a (IGF-I receptor a). Expression of IGFBP-2.2, IGFBP-5.1, IGFBP-6, IGFBP-rP1 and IGFR1b showed little or no response to feeding. Expression of the myogenic marker genes myogenin, MHC and MLC2 were higher with feed restriction, and decreased as an early response to feeding, before increasing to a peak at 14 days, corresponding with a peak in IGF-I expression. IGFBP-4, which contains a putative connective tissue localisation signal, was the only IGFBP constitutively upregulated following feeding, and was positively correlated with IGF-I expression. Together, these data show that switching to fast growth in Atlantic salmon skeletal muscle involves the local upregulation of IGF-I, IGFBP-5.2 and IGFBP-4, with downregulation of IGFBP-2.1.