Mitogen
A mitogen is a chemical substance that encourages a cell to commence cell division, triggering mitosis. A mitogen is usually some form of a protein. Mitogenesis is the induction (triggering) of mitosis, typically via a mitogen. Mitogens trigger signal transduction pathways in which mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is involved, leading to mitosis.
Contents
Use in immunology
Lymphocytes can enter mitosis when they are activated by mitogens or antigens. B cells specifically can divide when they encounter an antigen matching their immunoglobulin. T cells undergo mitosis when stimulated by mitogens to produce small lymphocytes that are then responsible for the production of lymphokines, which are substances that modify the host organism to improve its immunity. B cells, on the other hand, divide to produce plasma cells when stimulated by mitogens, which then produce immunoglobulins, or antibodies.[1] Mitogens are often used to stimulate lymphocytes and thereby assess immune function. The most commonly used mitogens in clinical laboratory medicine are:
| Name | Acts upon T cells? | Acts upon B cells? |
| phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) | yes | no |
| concanavalin A (conA) | yes | no |
| lipopolysaccharide (LPS) | no | yes |
| pokeweed mitogen (PWM) | yes | yes |
Lipopolysaccharide toxin from gram-negative bacteria is thymus-independent. They may directly activate B cells, regardless of their antigenic specificity. Plasma cells are terminally differentiated and, therefore, cannot undergo mitosis. Memory B cells can proliferate to produce more memory cells or plasma B cells. This is how the mitogen works, that is, by inducing mitosis in memory B cells to cause them to divide, with some becoming plasma cells.
Mitogens in human physiology
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 mediates the major growth-promoting effect of Human Growth Hormone as a paracrine agent at growth plates in the skeletal system. Another example for mitogen agent is G-CSF.
Other uses
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways can induce enzymes such as the COX-2 enzyme.[2] MAPK pathways may also play a role in the regulation of PTGS2.[3]
See also
References
External links
- Mitogens at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
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