Functional components of basic fibroblast growth factor signaling that inhibit lung elastin gene expression

Previously, we have demonstrated that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) decreases elastin gene transcription in confluent rat lung fibroblasts via the binding of a Fra-1-c-Jun heterodimer to an activator protein-1-cAMP response element in the distal region of the elastin promoter. In the present study, we show that bFGF activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, resulting in the translocation of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 into the nucleus followed by increased binding of Elk-1 to the serum response element of the c-Fos promoter, transient induction of c-Fos mRNA, and sustained induction of Fra-1 mRNA. The addition of PD-98059, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, abrogates the bFGF-dependent repression of elastin mRNA expression. Comparative analyses of confluent and subconfluent fibroblast cultures reveal significant differences in elastin mRNA levels and activator protein-1 protein factors involved in the regulation of elastin transcription. These findings suggest that bFGF modulates specific cellular events that are dependent on the state of the cell and provide a rationale for the differential responses that can be expected in development and injury or repair situations.