Interaction of bovine epithelial lens (BEL) cells with extracellular matrix (ECM) and eye-derived growth factor (EDGF)

Bovine epithelial lens (BEL) cells, cultured in the presence or absence of an eye-derived growth factor (EDGF) on plastic surfaces or on extracellular matrix (ECM) laid down by corneal endothelial cells, were metabolically labelled with [ 3 H] glucosamine and with [ 35 S] O 4 2+. The newly formed glycoproteins and proteoglycans were determined and studied in the extracellular compartment. EDGF reduces radiosulfate incorporation and provides the formation of low molecular weight (LMW) proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. [ 3 H]Glucosamine incorporation into the glycoprotein fractions is affected by EDGF and by ECM, but in a different manner. EDGF and ECM reduce the formation of the glycoproteins with an affinity towards the collagen, but the effect of EDGF and ECM on the other glycoproteins is different. It is suggested that the actions of EDGF and of ECM are at least partially different and mutually independent.