Pertussis Toxin Inhibits Colchicine-Induced DNA Synthesis in Human Fibroblast

Several lines evidence indicate that microtubule depolymerization initiates DNA synthesis or enhances the effects of serum or purified growth factors in many types of fibroblasts. Yet little is known about the intracellular events responsible for the mitogenic effect of microtubule disrupting agents. The effects of antitubulin agents on DNA synthesis in sparse and dense cultures in the presence or absence of serum and possible involvement of G-proteins in their mitotic action were examined. In these studies, colchicine by itself appeared to be mitogenic only for confluent quiesecent human lung fibroblasts. In sparse culture, however, colchicine inhibited serum-stimulated DNA synthesis. Colcemid, another antitubulin agent, showed similar effects of growth inhibition and stimulation in sparse and confluent cultures while lumicolhicine, inactive colchicine, did not. The mitogenic effect of two antitubulin agents, colchicine and colcemid, was partially inhibited by pertussis toxin. These data suggest that microtubular integrity is associated with the expression of either negative or positive control on DNA synthesis and mitogenic effect of antitubulin agents may be partially mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein.