# EFFECT OF GROWTH FACTORS ON ASPECTS OF BONE FORMATION

> **NIH NIH R01** · ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER · 1989 · $135,757

## Abstract

Bone formation is a complex process regulated by hormones and
by systemic and local growth factors.  The goal of this laboratory
has been to study the effects of systemic and local growth factors
on bone formation.  Our recetn efforts have focused on the local
regulators of bone growth.  We discovered that cultured fetal rat
calvariae secrete at least two growth factors; these were
originally termed bone-derived growth factor (BDGF) I and II.  We
have now shown that BDGF-I is a transforming growth factor of
the beta class (TGF-beta), has a relative molecular mass (Mr) of
23,000 and stimulates preosteoblastic cell replication.  We also
showed that BDGF II (presently termed BDGF) is a distinct factor,
has a Mr of 11-12,000 and stimulates, simultaneously, bone DNA
and collagen synthesis.  The biochemical and some of the
biological properties of TGF-beta have been characterized but the
amino acid sequence and many of the biological effects of BDGF
are unknown.  Over the next five years we intend to determine
the amino acid sequence of BDGF by the use of gas phase
sequencing and by establishing the structure of a complementary
(c) DNA clone for BDGF.  We also plan to investigate the effects
of TGF-beta and BDGF on bone formation, examine their
interactions with hormones an study their receptors.  Our studies
will include the development of sensitive and specific assays for
TGF-beta and BDGF which will be useful to study the synthesis of
these factors by bone cells and its regulation by systemic
hormones and growth factors.  To complement these experiments,
we will examine mRNA expression of TGF-beta and BDGF in bone
tissue and cells.  For this purpose, we obtained a mouse cDNA
clone for TGF-beta and we will develop a rat cDNA clone for
BDGF by constructing a bone cell library which will be probed
with a labeled synthetic oligonucleotide made in accordance with
the structure of BDGF.  Our research will provide information
about the biochemical and biological properties of bone-derived
TGF-beta and BDGF and how these factors interact with
hormones and other growth factors which may modulate their
synthesis or effects.  These studies are valuable because local
factors are likely to have an important effect on bone remodelling
and mediation of the effects of hormones on bone.  Our current
understanding of bone cell physiology and metabolic bone disease
is limited and this research may provide future diagnostic and
therapeutic alternatives for metabolic bone disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3155209
- **Project number:** 5R01AR021707-09
- **Recipient organization:** ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER
- **SAM.gov UEI:** T4WWPHALVUH9
- **Principal Investigator:** Ernesto Canalis
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $135,757
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1981-04-01 → 1992-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3155209

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3155209, EFFECT OF GROWTH FACTORS ON ASPECTS OF BONE FORMATION (5R01AR021707-09). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3155209. Licensed CC0.

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