Leumorphin has an anti-apoptotic effect by activating epidermal growth factor receptor kinase in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells

Endogenous opioid peptides, found in the central and peripheral nervous systems, perform neuromodulatory roles, and display a wide range of functional and pharmacological properties in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated the effects of prodynorphin gene products on intracellular signaling events and cell survival in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. Leumorphin, but not other prodynorphin gene products including dynorphin A, beta-neoendorphin and rimorphin (dynorphin B), increased cell viability in PC12 cells. The cytoprotective effect of leumorphin was dependent on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, but was insensitive to both naloxone, a general antagonist of the opioid receptor, and nor-binaltorphimine, a specific antagonist of the kappa opioid receptor. Moreover, a competition-binding assay clearly revealed that leumorphin had another binding site(s) in addition to that for the kappa opioid receptor. Interestingly, leumorphin induced activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor via a Src-dependent mechanism, which was proved to be responsible for the increased survival response. Flow cytometric and microscopic analysis showed that leumorphin rescued cells from serum deprivation-induced apoptosis. Collectively, we suggest that leumorphin prevents apoptosis via epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, which occur independent of the kappa opioid receptor.     

Temperature-dependent lateral and transverse distribution of the epidermal growth factor receptor in A431 plasma membranes

Summary To elucidate further the structure and molecular dynamics of the epidermal growth factor receptor, temperature-dependent aggregation and extracellular protrusion of the epidermal growth factor receptor in isolated plasma membranes from A431 cells were examined by fluorescence energy-transfer techniques. Epidermal growth factor was labeled at the amino terminus with either fluorescein isothiocyanate or tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate. A radionuclide receptor displacement assay demonstrated the bioactivity of these derivatives. Aggregation of the epidermal growth factor receptor was measured by determining the increase in fluorescence energy transfer between receptorbound fluorescein and tetramethylrhodamine-labeled epidermal growth factor. Energy transfer between receptor-bound fluorescent derivatives was reversibly greater at 37 than 4°C, indicating temperature-dependent aggregation of the receptor. The extracellular protrusion of the epidermal growth factor receptor was calculated from the magnitude of energy transfer between receptorbound fluorescein labeled epidermal growth factor and 5-(N-dodecanoylamino)-eosin partitioned into the lipid membrane at 4 and 37°C. No significant change in the distance of closest approach between the N-terminus of epidermal growth factor and the plasma membrane was observed at 4°C (69±2 Å) and 37°C (67±2 Å). Thus, the extracellular protrusion of the occupied epidermal growth factor receptor did not change detectably upon receptor aggregation.     

Regulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor by phosphorylation

The receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a glycosylated transmembrane phosphoprotein that exhibits EGF-stimulable protein tyrosine kinase activity. On EGF stimulation, the receptor undergoes a self-phosphorylation reaction at tyrosine residues located primarily in the extreme carboxyl-terminal region of the protein. Using enzymatically active EGF receptor purified by immunoaffinity chromatography from A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells, the self-phosphorylation reaction has been characterized as a rapid, intramolecular process which is maximal at 30-37 degrees C and exhibits a very low Km for ATP (0.2 microM). When phosphorylation of exogenous peptide substrates was measured as a function of receptor self-phosphorylation, tyrosine kinase activity was found to be enhanced two to threefold at 1-2 mol of phosphate per mol of receptor. Analysis of the dependence of the tyrosine kinase activity on ATP concentration yielded hyperbolic kinetics when plotted in double-reciprocal fashion, indicating that ATP can serve as an activator of the enzyme. Higher concentrations of peptide substrates were found to inhibit both the self- and peptide phosphorylation, but this inhibition could be overcome by first self-phosphorylating the enzyme. These results suggest that self-phosphorylation can remove a competitive/inhibitory constraint so that certain exogenous substrates can have greater access to the enzyme active site. In addition to self-phosphorylation, the EGF receptor can be phosphorylated on threonine residues by the calcium- and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase C. The sites on the EGF receptor phosphorylated in vitro by protein kinase C are identical to the sites phosphorylated on the receptor isolated from A431 cells exposed to the tumor promoters 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate or teleocidin. This phosphorylation of the EGF receptor results in a suppression of its tyrosine kinase and EGF binding activities both in vivo and in vitro. The EGF receptor can thus be variably regulated by phosphorylation: self-phosphorylation can enhance tyrosine kinase activity whereas protein kinase C-catalyzed phosphorylation can depress enzyme activity. Because these two phosphorylations account for only a fraction of the phosphate present in the EGF receptor in vivo, other protein kinases can apparently phosphorylate the receptor and these may exert additional controls on EGF receptor/kinase function.     

Purification and characterization of mitogen-activated protein kinase activator(s) from epidermal growth factor-stimulated A431 cells.

Two peaks of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activator activity are resolved upon ion exchange chromatography of cytosolic extracts from epidermal growth factor-stimulated A431 cells. Two forms of the activator (1 and 2) have been purified from these peaks, using chromatography on Q-Sepharose, heparin-agarose, hydroxylapatite, ATP-agarose, Sephacryl S-300, Mono S, and Mono Q. The two preparations each contained one major protein band with an apparent molecular mass of 46 or 45 kDa, respectively, on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Evidence identifying the MAP kinase activators as the 46- and 45-kDa proteins is presented. Using inactive mutants of MAP kinase as potential substrates, it was found that each preparation of MAP kinase activator catalyzes phosphorylation of the regulatory residues, threonine 188 and tyrosine 190, of Xenopus MAP kinase. These results support the concept that the MAP kinase activators are protein kinases. These MAP kinase kinases demonstrate an apparent high degree of specificity toward the native conformation of MAP kinase, although slow autophosphorylation on serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues and phosphorylation of myelin basic protein on serine and threonine residues is detected as well.     

Ligand-induced association of epidermal growth factor receptor to the cytoskeleton of A431 cells

Recently, we have obtained evidence in favor of a structural interaction between the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and the Triton X-100-insoluble cytoskeleton of epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. Here we present a further analysis of the properties of EGF receptors attached to the cytoskeleton. Steady-state EGF binding studies, analyzed according to the Scatchard method, showed that A431 cells contain two classes of EGF-binding sites: a high-affinity site with an apparent dissociation constant (KD) of 0.7 nM (7.5 x 10(4) sites per cell) and a low-affinity site with a KD of 8.5 nM (1.9 x 10(6) sites per cell). Non-equilibrium binding studies revealed the existence of two kinetically distinguishable sites: a fast-dissociating site, with a dissociation rate constant (k-1) of 1.1 x 10(-3) s-1 (1.0-1.3 x 10(6) sites per cell) and a slow-dissociating site, with a k-1 of 3.5 x 10(-5) s-1 (0.6-0.7 x 10(6) sites per cell). The cytoskeleton of A431 cells was isolated by Triton X-100 extraction. Scatchard analysis revealed that approximately 5% of the original number of receptors were associated with the cytoskeleton predominantly via high-affinity sites (KD = 1.5 nM). This class of receptors is further characterized by the presence of a fast-dissociating component (k-1 = 2.0 x 10(-3) s-1) and a slow-dissociating component (k-1 = 9.1 x 10(-5) s-1). The distribution between fast and slow sites of the cytoskeleton was similar to that of intact cells (65% fast and 35% slow sites). Incubation of A431 cells for 2 h at 4 degrees C in the presence of EGF resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of EGF receptors associated to the cytoskeleton. These newly cytoskeleton-associated receptors appeared to represent low-affinity binding sites (KD = 7 nM). Dissociation kinetics also revealed an increase of fast-dissociating sites. These results indicate that at 4 degrees C EGF induces the binding of low-affinity, fast-dissociating sites to the cytoskeleton of A431 cells.     

表皮生长因子受体与肺脏发育的关系

表皮生长因子受体(Epidermal growth factor receptor,EGFR)是一种跨膜蛋白受体,是ErbB家族成员之一,具有酪氨酸激酶活性。EGFR与相应的配体结合引起EGFR形成同源或异源二聚体启动胞内信号转导,激活下游多种信号转导途径,产生生物学效应,RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK通路与细胞增殖、分化和凋亡有关;PI3K/PDK1/AKT通路与细胞的迁移和粘附有关。EGFR能促进肺泡II型上皮细胞的成熟和肺表面活性物质的合成、分泌。EGFR对哺乳动物肺脏的作用呈现时空效应及剂量依赖效应,EGFR的下调表达则会引起肺脏发育不成熟;而EGFR过度表达促进肺肿瘤细胞的增殖、侵袭和转移。文章综述了EGFR及其调节信号通路的研究进展,以及EGFR与动物肺脏发育不成熟和肺癌之间的关系。     

Suppression of extracellular signals and cell proliferation through EGF receptor binding by (−)-epigallocatechin gallate in human A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells

Tea polyphenols are known to inhibit a wide variety of enzymatic activities associated with cell proliferation and tumor progression. The molecular mechanisms of antiproliferation are remained to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of the major tea polyphenol (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on the proliferation of human epidermoid carcinoma cell line, A431. Using a [³H]thymidine incorporation assay, EGCG could significantly inhibit the DNA synthesis of A431 cells. In vitro assay, EGCG strongly inhibited the protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activities of EGF-R, PDGF-R, and FGF-R, and exhibited an IC₅₀ value of 0.5–1 μg/ml. But EGCG scarcely inhibited the protein kinase activities of pp60^v-src, PKC, and PKA (IC₅₀ > 10 μg/ml). In an in vivo assay, EGCG could reduce the autophosphorylation level of EGF-R by EGF. Phosphoamino acid analysis of the EGF-R revealed that EGCG inhibited the EGF-stimulated increase in phosphotyrosine level in A431 cells. In addition, we showed that EGCG blocked EGF binding to its receptor. The results of further studies suggested that the inhibition of proliferation and suppression of the EGF signaling by EGCG might mainly mediate dose-dependent blocking of ligand binding to its receptor, and subsequently through inhibition of EGF-R kinase activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 67:55–65, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Regulation of epidermal growth factor-stimulated formation of inositol phosphates in A-431 cells by calcium and protein kinase C

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) treatment of A-431 cells induces a biphasic increase in the levels of inositol phosphates. The growth factor produces an initial, rapid increase in the level of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins-1,4,5-P3) due to hydrolysis of phosphatidyl-inositol-4,5-bisphosphate (Wahl, M., Sweatt, J. D., and Carpenter, G. (1987) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 142, 688-695). The level of inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (Ins-1,3,4,5-P4) also rises rapidly in response to treatment with EGF. The initial formation (less than 1 min) of Ins-1,4,5-P3 and Ins-1,3,4,5-P4 does not require Ca2+ present in the culture medium. However, the addition of Ca2+ to the medium at levels of 100 microM or greater potentiates the growth factor-stimulated increases in the levels of all inositol phosphates at later times after EGF addition (1-60 min). The data suggest that EGF-receptor complexes initially stimulate the enzyme phospholipase C in a manner that is independent of an influx of extracellular Ca2+. The presence of Ca2+ in the medium allows prolonged growth factor activation of phospholipase C. Treatment of A-431 cells with Ca2+ ionophores (A23187 and ionomycin) did not mimic the activity of EGF in producing a rapid increase in the formation of the Dowex column fraction containing Ins-1,4,5-P3, Ins-1,3,4,5-P4, and inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate (InsP3). However, the initial EGF-stimulated formation of inositol phosphates was substantially diminished in cells loaded with the Ca2+ chelator Quin 2/AM. EGF receptor occupancy studies indicated that maximal stimulation of InsP3 accumulation by EGF requires nearly full (75%) occupancy of available EGF binding sites, while half-maximal stimulation requires 25% occupancy. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), an exogenous activator of Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C), causes a dramatic, but transient, inhibition of the EGF-stimulated formation of inositol phosphates. Tamoxifen and sphingosine, reported pharmacologic inhibitors of protein kinase C activity, potentiate the capacity of EGF to induce formation of inositol phosphates. Neither TPA nor tamoxifen significantly affects the 125I-EGF binding capacity of A-431 cells; however, TPA appeared to enhance internalization of the ligand. Ligand occupation of the EGF receptor on the A-431 cell appears to initiate a complex signaling mechanism involving production of intracellular messengers for Ca2+ mobilization and activation of protein kinase C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Growth control of A431 cells in protein-free medium: Secretory products do not affect cell growth

Summary A431 cells grew at similar rates in protein-free Coon's modified Ham's F12 medium (PF-C-F12) with and without added bovine calf serum. The cells secreted a heparin-binding growth factor and a type-β transforming growth factor, but their growth in PF-C-F12 was not affected by these factors, or by DNA synthesis factor from Rhodamine fibrosarcoma, basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin, human transferrin, bovine serum albumin, and their combinations. Growth of A431 cells in PF-C-F12 was not density dependent and was not affected by either addition of conditioned medium or replacement of conditioned medium by fresh medium. These results indicate that A431 cells have an intracellular mechanism for autonomous growth, and that their growth is not affected by factors that they secrete or by exogenous growth factors. This work was supported by a grant-in-aid for cancer research from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture of Japan, and a grant from Hokkoku Cancer Research Foundation.     

Activation mechanism of solubilized epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase.

Dimerization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) leads to the activation of its tyrosine kinase. To elucidate whether dimerization is responsible for activation of the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain or just plays a role in the stabilization of the active form, the activated status of wild-type EGFR moiety in the heterodimer with kinase activity-deficient mutant receptors was investigated. The kinase activity of the wild-type EGFR was partially activated by EGF in the heterodimer with intracellular domain deletion (sEGFR) or ATP binding-deficient mutant (K721A) EGFRs, while the wild-type EGFR in the heterodimer of wild-type and phosphate transfer activity-deficient mutant receptor D813N could be fully activated. After treatment with EGF, the ATP binding affinity and the V(max) of the wild-type EGFR increased. In the presence of sEGFR, a similar increase in the affinity for ATP was observed, but V(max) did not change. A two-step activation mechanism for EGFR was proposed: upon binding of EGF, the affinity for ATP increased and then, as a result of interaction between the neighboring tyrosine kinase domain, V(max) increased.     

Inhibition of epidermal growth factor-stimulated DNA synthesis by a bovine sialoglycopeptide inhibitor occurs at an intracellular level

The control of cell proliferation involves the complex interaction between growth factors and growth inhibitors. We have examined this interaction with the mitogen epidermal growth factor (EGF) and a recently purified 18 kD, pI 3, sialoglycopeptide that reversibly inhibits cellular metabolism of a variety of cells. The sialoglycopeptide was a very potent inhibitor of EGF action; 0.22 nM of the inhibitor completely blocked the mitogenic effect of 1.60 nM of EGF. The sialoglycopeptide, however, did not affect the binding of EGF to 3T3 cells. Neither the mixed affinities (0.11-1.9 nM) of binding nor the total number of receptors (50,000 receptors/cell) for EGF were altered by the addition of the sialoglycopeptide. In addition, competitive binding experiments demonstrated the specificity of inhibitor binding to 3T3 cells and also showed that EGF and the sialoglycopeptide did not share the same receptor, suggesting that the inhibitor blocked EGF action at a postreceptor, intracellular event in the signal cascade. We further demonstrated that the sialoglycopeptide had to be added within 2.5 hr after EGF to block effectively the stimulation of DNA synthesis by the growth factor, suggesting that the inhibitor blocked EGF stimulation at a relatively early step in the signal transduction mechanism.     

Phosphorylation of a synthetic gastrin peptide by the tyrosine kinase of A431 cell membranes

The peptide Arg.Arg.Leu.Glu.Glu.Glu.Glu.Glu.Ala.Tyr.Gly was synthesized as an analogue of residues 20–30 of human gastrin 34. The epidermal growth factor-stimulated tyrosine kinase of A431 cell membranes phosphorylated the peptide's single tyrosine residue. K_m values of 0.11 and 0.61mM and V_max values of 1.71 and 0.68nmol/min/mg were obtained in the presence and absence of epidermal growth factor respectively. This is the first report of phosphorylation of tyrosine in a sequence related to a human hormone.     

Extracellular regulated kinase5 is expressed in fetal mouse submandibular glands and is phosphorylated in response to epidermal growth factor and other ligands of the ErbB family of receptors

Growth factors and their receptors regulate development of many organs through activation of multiple intracellular signaling cascades including a mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Extracellular regulated kinases (ERK)1/2, classic MAPK family members, are expressed in fetal mouse submandibular glands (SMG), and stimulate branching morphogenesis. ERK5, also called big mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1, was recently found as a new member of MAPK super family, and its biological roles are still largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression and function of ERK5 in developing fetal mouse SMGs. Western blotting analysis showed that the expression pattern of ERK5 was different from the pattern of ERK1/2 in developing fetal SMGs. Both ERK1/2 and ERK5 were phosphorylated after exposure to ligands of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was strongly induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) in SMG rudiments at embryonic day 14 (E14), E16 and E18. However, ERK5 phosphorylation induced by EGF was clearly observed at E14 and E16, but not at E18. Branching morphogenesis of cultured E13 SMG rudiments was strongly suppressed by administration of U0126, an inhibitor for ERK1/2 activation, whereas the phosphorylation of ERK5 was not inhibited by U0126. BIX02188, a specific inhibitor for ERK5 activation, also inhibited branching morphogenesis in cultured SMG rudiments. These results show that EGF‐responsive ERK5 is expressed in developing fetal mouse SMG, and suggest that both ERK1/2 and ERK5 signaling cascades might play an important role in the regulation of branching morphogenesis.     

p38丝裂原素激活的蛋白激酶在调节低氧诱导人内皮细胞分泌血管内皮生长因子过程中的作用

血管内皮细胞中血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growthfactor,VEGF)的合成增加在促进血管新生的过程中起着非常重要的作用.然而低氧诱导VEGF分泌的细胞内信号转导机制还不是很清楚.人脐静脉内皮细胞系(ECV304)在低氧或常氧的状态下培养12～24 h后分别用实时定量PCR和Western blot的方法来检测VEGF mRNA的表达及ERK1/2和p38激酶的磷酸化水平.分泌到培养液中的VEGF蛋白用酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)的方法来检测.业已报道,ERK的抑制剂PD98059能够抑制低氧诱导的VEGF基因的表达,根据这个报道,我们发现在低氧情况下,ECV304细胞的ERK1/2磷酸化水平增高以及VEGF的合成增加等这些变化也能被PD98059所抑制.本次实验的新发现是p38激酶的激活在低氧诱导VEGF合成增加中的作用.p38激酶的抑制剂SB202190能抑制低氧诱导的VEGF合成增加.这些数据首次直接证实了p38激酶在低氧诱导人内皮细胞分泌VEGF增加过程中的作用.     

Vanadate-activated calcium influx in A431 cells is dependent on the plasma membrane potential

Vanadate can activate the uptake of Ca in A431 epidermal carcinoma cells by two- to fivefold with no detectable lag period. Preincubation with epidermal growth factor (EGF) to down-regulate the EGF receptor prevents subsequent stimulation by EGF but not that by vanadate. Ca uptake is sodium-independent and is not activated by depolarization in high KCl. On the contrary, vanadate-stimulated uptake is completely inhibited by decreasing the plasma membrane potential from about -65 to -30 mV. These results demonstrate that the EGF receptor is not itself functioning as a Ca channel, that vanadate is not acting at the level of EGF receptor, and that the Ca transport system exhibits an unusual potential sensitivity in that it is inhibited by depolarization of the plasma membrane.     

Sustained activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase by nerve growth factor regulates c-fos protein stabilization and transactivation in PC12 cells

The duration of intracellular signaling is thought to be a critical component in effecting specific biological responses. This paradigm is demonstrated by growth factor activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling cascade in the rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12 cells). In this model, sustained ERK activation induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) results in differentiation, whereas transient ERK activation induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) results in proliferation in these cells. Recently, the immediate early gene product c-fos has been proposed to be a sensor for ERK signaling duration in fibroblasts. In this study, we ask whether this is true for NGF and EGF stimulation of PC12 cells. We show that NGF, but not EGF, can regulate both c-fos stability and activation in an ERK-dependent manner in PC12 cells. This is achieved through ERK-dependent phosphorylation of c-fos. Interestingly, distinct sites regulate enhanced stability and transactivation of c-fos. Phosphorylation of Thr325 and Thr331 are required for maximal NGF-dependent transactivation of c-fos. In addition, a consensus ERK binding site (DEF domain) is also required for c-fos transactivation. However, stability is controlled by ERK-dependent phosphorylation of Ser374, while phosphorylation of Ser362 can induce conformational changes in protein structure. We also provide evidence that sustained ERK activation is required for proper post-translational regulation of c-fos following NGF treatment of PC12 cells. Because these ERK-dependent phosphorylations are required for proper c-fos function, and occur sequentially, we propose that c-fos is a sensor for ERK signaling duration in the neuronal-like cell line PC12.     

Hepatocyte growth factor stimulates the growth and activates mitogen-activated protein kinase in human hepatoma cells

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potent mitogen for hepatocytes and various epithelial cells. Unexpectedly, it has been reported to inhibit the growth of hepatoma cells in vitro. To clarify this phenomenon, we examined the effects of recombinant baculovirus-expressed HGF on the growth of 6 human hepatoma cell lines. The growth of Hep3B and HepG2 cells was markedly stimulated to 1.8- and 1.7-fold, respectively, PLC/PRF/5 to 1.4-fold, and SK-Hep-1 to 1.2-fold in a dose-dependent manner under HGF concentrations below 20 ng/ml. Neither HuH-7 nor HCC36 were affected. None of these cells were inhibited. All these cells expressed c-Met, the membrane receptor for HGF, and their c-Met would be activated to be phosphorylated upon addition of HGF. They also contained the ERK2 subgroup of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). When HGF was added, their ERK2 would also be phosphorylated. The extent of ERK2 phosphorylation was partially correlated to their growth response to HGF. In conclusion, HGF could stimulate the growth of certain human hepatoma cells, probably through activation of c-Met and MAPKs.     

Role of protein kinase C in the regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ in A431 cells: Separation of growth factor and bradykinin pathways

Summary Calcium signaling systems in nonexcitable cells involve activation of Ca²⁺ entry across the plasma membrane and release from intracellular stores as well as activation of Ca²⁺ pumps and inhibition of passive Ca²⁺ pathways to ensure exact regulation of free cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺] _i ). A431 cells loaded with fura-2 cells were used as a model system to examine regulation of Ca²⁺ entry and intracellular release. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-) both stimulated Ca²⁺ entry and release while bradykinin appeared only to release Ca²⁺ from intracellular stores. The possible role of protein kinase C (PKC) in modulating the [Ca²⁺] _i response to these agonists was examined by four methods. Low concentrations of TPA (2×10^–10 m) had no effect on Ca²⁺ release due to EGF, TGR- or bradykinin but resulted in a rapid return of [Ca²⁺] _i to baseline levels for EGF or TGF-. Addition of the PKC inhibitor staurosporine (1 and 10nm)_completely inhibited the action of TPA on EGF-induced [Ca²⁺] _i changes. An inhibitor of diglyceride kinase (R59022) mimicked the action of TPA. Down-regulation of PKC by overnight incubation with 0.1 or 1 m TPA produced the converse effect, namely prolonged Ca²⁺ entry following stimulation with EGF or TGF-. To show that one effect of TPA was on Ca²⁺ entry, fura-2 loaded cells were suspended in Mn²⁺ rather than Ca²⁺ buffers. Addition of EGF or TGF- resulted in Ca²⁺ release and Mn²⁺ entry. TPA but not the inactive phorbol ester, 4--phorbol-12,13-didecanoate, inhibited the Mn²⁺ influx. Thus, PKC is able to regulate Ca²⁺ entry due to EGF or TGF- in this cell type. A431 cells treated with higher concentrations of TPA (5×10^–8 m) inhibited not only Ca²⁺ entry but also Ca²⁺ release due to EGF/TGF- but had no effect on bradykinin-mediated Ca²⁺ release, suggesting differences in the regulation of the intracellular stores responsive to these two classes of agonists. Furthermore, sequential addition of EGF or TGF- gave a single transient of [Ca²⁺] _i , showing a common pool of Ca²⁺ for these agonists. In contrast, sequential addition of EGF (or TGF-) and bradykinin resulted in two [Ca²⁺] _i transients equal in size to those obtained with a single agonist. Ionomycin alone was able to fully deplete intracellular Ca²⁺ stores, whereas ionomycin following either EGF (or TGF-) or bradykinin gave an elevation of the [Ca²⁺] _i signal equal to that of the second agonist. These data indicate that there are separate pools of intracellular Ca²⁺ for EGF-mediated Ca²⁺ release which also respond differently to TPA.