GH3 tumor pituitary cell cytoskeleton and plasma membrane arrangement are determined by extracellular matrix proteins: implications on motility, proliferation and hormone secretion.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) influences different physiological and pathophysiological aspects of the cell. The ECM consists in a complex network of macromolecules with characteristic biochemical properties that allow cells to sense their environments inducing different signals and changing cell behavior. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the participation of different ECM proteins in cell morphology and its implication on motility, proliferation and hormone secretion in GH3 cells, a tumor pituitary cell.

Role of extracellular matrix-cell interaction and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on EGF-receptors and actin cytoskeleton arrangement in infantile pituitary cells.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces changes in cell morphology, actin cytoskeleton, and adhesion processes in cultured infantile pituitary cells. The extracellular matrix, through integrin engagement, collaborates with growth factors in cell signaling. We have examined the participation of collagen I/III and collagen plus fibronectin in the EGF response of infantile pituitary cells with respect to their cell morphology and actin cytoskeleton.

Stable genetic transformation of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus tinctorius.

In the present work the genetic transformation and the expression of gene markers in transgenic Pisolithus tinctorius are reported. The ectomycorrhizae are facultative symbionts of plant roots, which are capable of affording mineral nutrients to its co-host in exchange of fixed carbon. Given the importance of this association (more than 80% of gymnosperms are associated with these fungi), its study from both basic and applied viewpoints is relevant.