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TGF‐β and stem cell factor regulate cell proliferation in the proximal stem cell niche
Author(s) -
Salm Sarah,
Burger Patricia E.,
Wilson Elaine Lynette
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the prostate
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.295
H-Index - 123
eISSN - 1097-0045
pISSN - 0270-4137
DOI - 10.1002/pros.21505
Subject(s) - stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , cell growth , biology , transforming growth factor , cell , cellular differentiation , growth factor , stem cell factor , pathology , progenitor cell , medicine , biochemistry , gene , receptor
BACKGROUND Stem cells are located in specific regulatory environments termed niches, which modulate the survival and proliferation of the cells through a variety of both mitogenic and inhibitory cytokines. In the murine prostate, stem cells are located in the proximal region of prostatic ducts. We examined the regulation of murine prostate cells in the stem cell niche by transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) and stem cell factor (SCF). METHODS Prostate cells from the proximal and distal regions of prostatic ducts were cultured in the presence and absence of TGF‐β and SCF, both on collagen‐coated wells and in collagen gels. Cell growth on collagen was assessed by determining cell number. Cell growth in collagen gels was quantified by determining the number, size and complexity of prostatic ducts. The basal and luminal phenotype of the cells was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Endogenous TGF‐β inhibited proliferation and promoted differentiation of proximal cells towards a luminal phenotype. It also inhibited duct‐forming capacity and promoted differentiation of prostatic ducts towards a luminal phenotype. Addition of SCF enhanced proximal cell proliferation on collagen‐coated wells and duct formation in collagen gels. Proliferation was further increased by ablation of endogenous TGF‐β. CONCLUSION Proliferation and the basal/luminal cell composition of cells isolated from the proximal region of prostatic ducts, the stem cell niche, is regulated in part by opposing effects of SCF and endogenous TGF‐β. Prostate 72:998–1005, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.