Spontaneous expression of the c-sis gene and release of a platelet-derived growth factorlike molecule by human alveolar macrophages.

Publication Type Academic Article
Authors Mornex J, Martinet Y, Yamauchi K, Bitterman P, Grotendorst G, Chytil-Weir A, Martin G, Crystal R
Journal J Clin Invest
Volume 78
Issue 1
Pagination 61-6
Date Published 07/01/1986
ISSN 0021-9738
Keywords Gene Expression Regulation, Lung Diseases, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor, Proto-Oncogenes, Pulmonary Alveoli
Abstract Alveolar macrophages from normal individuals and patients with interstitial lung diseases spontaneously expressed a 4.2-kilobase mRNA complementary to the c-sis gene, a proto-oncogene coding for one of the chains of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Concomitantly, these cells released a mediator with the properties of PDGF, including: chemotactic factor for smooth muscle cells whose activity was resistant to heat and acid, but sensitive to reduction; mitogenic (competence) activity for fibroblasts; ability to compete with PDGF for its receptor; and precipitated by an anti-PDGF antibody. While blood monocytes did not contain c-sis mRNA transcripts, monocytes matured in vitro expressed c-sis, consistent with the concept that expression of c-sis occurs during the differentiation of monocytes into alveolar macrophages. Together with the known actions of PDGF, these observations suggest that the c-sis proto-oncogene and its PDGF product are part of the armamentarium available to the alveolar macrophages for normal lung defense and participation in lung inflammation.
DOI 10.1172/JCI112574
PubMed ID 3722386
PubMed Central ID PMC329531
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