Fatty acids modulate transforming growth factor-beta activity and plasma clearance.

Thai Yen Ling, Yen Hua Huang, Ming Chih Lai, Shuan Shian Huang, Jung San Huang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The activity and plasma clearance of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta are known to be regulated by activated alpha2-macroglobulin (alpha2M*). This has been implicated in pathophysiological processes, but no small molecule compounds have been reported to modulate TGF-beta activity by affecting the interaction of TGF-beta and alpha2M*. Here, we demonstrate that fatty acids are capable of inhibiting complex formation of TGF-beta isoforms and alpha2M* as demonstrated by nondenaturing and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This is dependent on carbon chain length (C20, C18, C16, C14 > C12 > C10), degree of unsaturation (polyunsaturated > saturated), and TGF-beta isoforms (TGF-beta1 > TGF-beta2 > TGF-beta3). Arachidonic acid, which is one of the most potent inhibitors, is also capable of dissociating TGF-beta-alpha2M* complexes, but higher concentrations are required. Arachidonic acid appears to inhibit TGF-beta-alpha2M* complex formation by binding specifically to alpha2M* as demonstrated by gel filtration chromatography. Arachidonic acid reverses the inhibitory effect of alpha2M* on TGF-beta binding, TGF-beta-induced growth inhibition, and TGF-beta-induced transcriptional activation in mink lung epithelial cells and affects plasma clearance of TGF-beta-alpha2M* complexes in mice. These results show that fatty acids are effective modulators of TGF-beta activity and plasma clearance and may be useful in treating human diseases through their effects on the interaction of TGF-beta and alpha2M*.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1559-1561
Number of pages3
JournalThe FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Volume17
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fatty acids modulate transforming growth factor-beta activity and plasma clearance.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this