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Population density and regulation of cell division in 3T3 cells. I. Inorganic phosphate levels, uptake and release
Author(s) -
Gray Peter N.,
Cullum Malford E.,
Griffin Martin J.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
journal of cellular physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.529
H-Index - 174
eISSN - 1097-4652
pISSN - 0021-9541
DOI - 10.1002/jcp.1040890206
Subject(s) - phosphate , inorganic phosphate , cell division , population , microbiology and biotechnology , cell , 3t3 cells , chemistry , biology , biochemistry , environmental health , medicine , gene , transfection
Triggering mechanisms for initiating density dependent inhibition of cell division in 3T3 cell monolayers are activated approximately two to three population doublings prior to cessation of cell division at monolayer confluency. This activation occurs at a critical contact cell density of approximately 8 × 10 3 cells/cm 2 . During this period there are selective controls on transport and storage of required low molecular weight nutrients. A possible correlation between orthophosphate and rates of cell division has been investigated. We have demonstrated a relationship between cellular concentrations of orthophosphate and initiation of density dependent inhibition of cell division. Prior to critical intercellular contact, the [Pi] in 3T3 cells is 10 mM. During critical contact, this concentration is quickly reduced to approximately 2 mM and remains at this concentration to confluency. Similar alterations do not occur in Py 3T3 cells, which maintain a concentration of approximately 2 mM Pi regardless of cell density. After confluent 3T3 cells are released from inhibition of cell division the [Pi] must increase several‐fold before DNA synthesis commences. These are physiological changes in 3T3 cellular [Pi] as a function of cell density, and cannot be attributed to nutrient depletion, altered transport of Pi into the cell, increased [ATP], or increased [PPi] levels. The controlled modulation of [Pi] may regulate glycolysis and coordinate counter‐ion changes (Ca ++ ) may regulate mitochondrial activity.