Amlodipine ameliorates myocardial hypertrophy by inhibiting EGFR phosphorylation

The effects of long-acting calcium channel blockers on pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy have been little studied in experimental animals and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We previously reported that cardiomyocyte hypertrophy could be induced via phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In this study, we investigated whether amlodipine attenuates cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting EGFR phosphorylation. We found that amlodipine dose-dependently inhibited epinephrine-induced protein synthesis and EGFR phosphorylation in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Our in vivo study revealed that amlodipine could ameliorate myocardial hypertrophy induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in C57/B6 mice. One week after TAC, amlodipine treatment (3 mg/kg/day) significantly reduced the heart-to-body weight ratio (6.04 +/- 0.16 mg/g vs. 6.90 +/- 0.45 mg/g in untreated TAC mice, P < 0.01). These results indicate that amlodipine ameliorates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation.     

EGF signalling regulates cell invagination as well as cell migration during formation of tracheal system in Drosophila

 The Drosophila tracheal system is a network of epithelial tubes that arises from the tracheal placodes, lateral clusters of ectodermal cells in ten embryonic segments. The cells of each cluster invaginate and subsequent formation of the tracheal tree occurs by cell migration and fusion of tracheal branches, without cell division. The combined action of the Decapentaplegic (Dpp), Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and breathless/branchless pathways are thought to be responsible for the pattern of tracheal branches. We ask how these transduction pathways regulate cell migration and we analyse the consequences on cell behaviour of the Dpp and EGF pathways. We find that rhomboid (rho) mutant embryos display defects not only in tracheal cell migration but also in tracheal cell invagination unveiling a new role for EGF signalling in the formation of the tracheal system. These results indicate that the transduction pathways that control tracheal cell migration are active in different steps of tracheal formation, beginning at invagination. We discuss how the consecutive steps of tracheal morphogenesis might affect the final branching pattern. Received: 9 October 1998 / Accepted: 5 November 1998     

Localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) during postnatal testis development in the alpaca (Lama pacos)

The objective of the present studies was to determine the localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in testicular tissue collected from male alpacas at 12 and 24 months of age. In the testes of 12-month-old alpacas, positive staining for EGF was not detected. EGFR was localized to Leydig cells within the 12-month-old alpaca testis, but staining was absent within seminiferous tubules. At 24 months of age, EGF was localized to Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells, Sertoli cells and germ cells of the alpaca testis, with a preferential adluminal compartment staining within the seminiferous tubules. EGFR was also localized to the Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells, Sertoli cells and germ cells within the 24-month-old alpaca testis, but staining within the tubules was primarily within the basal compartment. Results indicate distinct temporal and spatial regulation of EGF and EGFR in the alpaca testis and support a potential role for EGF and its related ligands in alpaca testis development and spermatogenesis.     

EGF and angiotensin II modulate lysophosphatidic acid LPA1 receptor function and phosphorylation state

Background

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a local mediator that exerts its actions through G protein coupled receptors. Knowledge on the regulation of such receptors is scarce to date. Here we show that bidirectional cross-talk exits between LPA₁ and EGF receptors.

Methods

C9 cells expressing LPA₁ receptor fussed to the enhanced green fluorescent protein were used. We studied intracellular calcium concentration, Akt/PKB phosphorylation, LPA₁ and EGF receptor phosphorylation.

Results

EGF diminished LPA-mediated intracellular calcium response and induced LPA₁ receptor phosphorylation, which was sensitive to protein kinase C inhibitors. Angiotensin II and LPA induced EGF receptor transactivation as evidenced by Akt/PKB phosphorylation through metalloproteinase-catalyzed membrane shedding of heparin-binding EGF and autocrine/paracrine activation of EGF receptors. This process was found to be of major importance in angiotensin II-induced LPA₁ receptor phosphorylation. Attempts to define a role for EGF receptor transactivation in homologous LPA₁ receptor desensitization and phosphorylation suggested that G protein-coupled receptor kinases are the major players in this process, overshadowing other events.

Conclusions

EGF receptors and LPA₁ receptors are engaged in an intense liaison, in that EGF receptors are capable of modulating LPA₁ receptor function through phosphorylation cascades. EGF transactivation plays a dual role: it mediates some LPA actions, and it modulates LPA₁ receptor function in inhibitory fashion.

General significance

EGF and LPA receptors coexist in many cell types and play key roles in maintaining the delicate equilibrium that we call health and in the pathogenesis of many diseases. The intense cross-talk described here has important physiological and pathophysiological implications.     

Model analysis of difference between EGF pathway and FGF pathway

The difference in time course of Ras and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade by different growth factors is considered to be the cause of different cellular responses. We have developed the computer simulation of Ras-MAPK signal transduction pathway containing newly identified negative feedback system, Sprouty, and adaptor molecules. Unexpectedly, negative feedback system did not profoundly affect time course of MAPK activation. We propose the key role of fibroblast growth factor receptor substrate 2 (FRS2) in NGF/FGF pathway for sustained MAPK activation. More Grb2-SOS complexes were recruited to the plasma membrane by binding to membrane-bound FRS2 in FGF pathway than in EGF pathway and caused sustained activation of ERK. The EGF pathway with high concentration of EGF receptor also induced sustained MAPK activation, which is consistent with the results in the PC12 cell overexpressing the EGF receptors. The simulated time courses of FRS2 knock-out cells were consistent with those of the reported experimental results.     

SNP analyses of growth factor genes EGF, TGFbeta-1, and HGF reveal haplotypic association of EGF with autism

Autism is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed in early childhood. Growth factors have been found to play a key role in the cellular differentiation and proliferation of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is detected in several regions of the developing and adult brain, where, it enhances the differentiation, maturation, and survival of a variety of neurons. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) isoforms play an important role in neuronal survival, and the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to exhibit neurotrophic activity. We examined the association of EGF, TGFbeta1, and HGF genes with autism, in a trio association study, using DNA samples from families recruited to the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange; 252 trios with a male offspring scored for autism were selected for the study. Transmission disequilibrium test revealed significant haplotypic association of EGF with autism. No significant SNP or haplotypic associations were observed for TGFbeta1 or HGF. Given the role of EGF in brain and neuronal development, we suggest a possible role of EGF in the pathogenesis of autism.     

Formation of signal transduction complexes during immobile phase of NGFR movements

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a secreted neurotrophin involved in the differentiation, growth, and maintenance of neurons. Here, we have used single-molecule imaging to characterize the behavior of Cy3-tagged NGF after binding to receptor complexes on the surfaces of PC12 cells. We show that NGF-receptor complexes have two distinct diffusive states, characterized as mobile and immobile phase. The transition between the two diffusive states occurred reversibly with duration times determined by a single rate limiting process. The abrupt transition to the immobile phase often occurred simultaneously with the clustering of NGF-receptor complexes. Immobilization depended on the phosphorylation of the TrkA NGF-receptor. Using dual-color imaging, it was demonstrated that the membrane recruitment of the intercellular signaling protein occurs with NGF-receptor complexes in the immobile phase indicating signal transduction occurs during this phase. Thus, NGF signaling is performed through a repetitive random process to induce transient formation of signaling complexes.     

Serrate-Notch signaling defines the scope of the initial denticle field by modulating EGFR activation

The Drosophila embryonic epidermis has been a key model for understanding the establishment of cell type diversity across a cellular field. During segmental patterning, distinct signaling territories are established that employ either the Hedgehog, Spitz, Serrate or Wingless ligands. How these pathways control segmental pattern is not completely clear. One major decision occurs as cells are allocated to differentiate either smooth cuticle or denticle type cuticle. This allocation is based on competition between Wingless signaling and Spitz, which activates the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). Here we show that a main role for Serrate-Notch signaling is to adjust the Spitz signaling domain. Serrate accomplishes this task by activating Notch in a discrete domain, the main purpose of which is to broaden the spatially regulated expression of Rhomboid. This adjusts the breadth of the source for Spitz, since Rhomboid is necessary for the production of active Spitz. We also show that the Serrate antagonist, fringe, must temper Notch activity to insure that the activation of the EGFR is not too robust. Together, Serrate and Fringe modulate Notch activation to generate the proper level of EGFR activation. If Serrate-Notch signaling is absent, the denticle field narrows while the smooth cell field expands, as judged by the expression of the denticle field determinant Ovo/Shaven baby. This establishes one important role for the Serrate signaling territory, which is to define the extent of denticle field specification.     

Shc-dependent pathway is redundant but dominant in MAPK cascade activation by EGF receptors: a modeling inference

In cell signaling cascades, one stimulus often leads to various physiological functions by multiple pathways. Perturbation of one pathway by blocking or overexpressing one of its components will result in changes in multiple pathways and multiple cell functions. Thus, it is important to reveal the relative contribution of each pathway to each function in order to assess the consequence of perturbations (e.g. drug delivery). By exploring an established mathematical model, the Shc-dependent pathway is found to be both redundant and dominant during activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Its dominance results from the majority consumption of the common precursor ((EGF-EGFR*)2-GAP) by this pathway. The key steps for the dominance are the binding and phosphorylation of Shc. In conclusion, cells may prefer the long Shc-dependent pathway to the short Shc-independent pathway.     

Sphingolipids are involved in N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine-induced epidermal growth factor receptor clustering

Previously we have found that N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), an alkylating agent, can induce the clustering of cellular surface receptors including tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Since sphingolipids, especially ceramide, have been suggested as major players in ligand-induced receptor clustering, their involvement in this ligand-independent, chemical-induced receptor clustering was evaluated. It was shown that MNNG-induced EGFR clustering occurred primarily at lipid rafts, as nystatin, which can disrupt lipid raft structure, significantly decreasing MNNG-induced EGFR clustering. Lipidomic studies revealed that MNNG treatment induced profound changes in sphingolipids metabolism, which were not the same as those induced by EGF treatment. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) is responsible for hydrolyzing sphingomyelin to generate ceramide, and it was demonstrated that MNNG treatment caused ASM distribution changing from diffused state to concentrated area of cells, which colocalized with lipid rafts. Nystatin treatment also abolished the redistribution of ASM. In addition, blockage of ceramide production by ASM inhibitor imipramine interrupted MNNG-induced receptor clustering. Taken together, these data suggested that sphingolipids are involved in MNNG-induced receptor clustering; however, the specific species involved may be different from those involved in EGF-mediated receptor clustering.     

A basic peptide within the juxtamembrane region is required for EGF receptor dimerization

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is fundamental for normal cell growth and organ development, but has also been implicated in various pathologies, notably tumors of epithelial origin. We have previously shown that the initial 13 amino acids (P13) within the intracellular juxtamembrane region (R645-R657) are involved in the interaction with calmodulin, thus indicating an important role for this region in EGFR function. Here we show that P13 is required for proper dimerization of the receptor. We expressed either the intracellular domain of EGFR (TKJM) or the intracellular domain lacking P13 (DeltaTKJM) in COS-7 cells that express endogenous EGFR. Only TKJM was immunoprecipitated with an antibody directed against the extracellular part of EGFR, and only TKJM was tyrosine phosphorylated by endogenous EGFR. Using SK-N-MC cells, which do not express endogenous EGFR, that were stably transfected with either wild-type EGFR or recombinant full-length EGFR lacking P13 demonstrated that P13 is required for appropriate receptor dimerization. Furthermore, mutant EGFR lacking P13 failed to be autophosphorylated. P13 is rich in basic amino acids and in silico modeling of the EGFR in conjunction with our results suggests a novel role for the juxtamembrane domain (JM) of EGFR in mediating intracellular dimerization and thus receptor kinase activation and function.     

alpha-Hemolysin-induced dephosphorylation of EGF receptor of A431 cells is carried out by rPTPsigma

Earlier we have shown that the epidermal growth factor receptor was unable to retain its phospho Tyr signal after the assembly of staphylococcal alpha-hemolysin (alpha-HL). However, the nature of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase) or its identity is not known. In this report, we demonstrate that the alpha-HL elevates the activity of receptor like protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma (rPTPsigma). The alpha-HL induced dephosphorylation is prominent only in intact A431 cells. The PTPase activity is not inhibited if the alpha-HL treatment precedes PTPase inhibitor treatments. The anti-EGFr immunoprecipitates have exhibited higher PTPase activity after alpha-HL treatment of A431 cells. Interestingly, PTPase activity of anti-EGFr immunoprecipitates from the A431 cells expressing the antisense message of rPTPsigma has not increased despite alpha-HL treatment, confirming the role of rPTPsigma in the dephosphorylation of EGFr. The studies presented here will be useful in understanding the process of signal modulation by the assembly of alpha-HL.     

Accumulation of human EGF in nectar of transformed plants of Nicotiana langsdorffii x N. sanderae and transfer to honey by bees

Honey has been used successfully in wound healing for thousands of years. The peptide hormone human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) is also known to have a beneficial effect in various wound healing processes via mechanisms that differ from those for honey. In this study, we show that hEGF can be incorporated into honey via nectar. Plants of Nicotiana langsdorffii × N. sanderae were transformed with the gene for hEGF, equipped with a nectary‐targeted promoter and a signal sequence for secretion to nectar. These plants accumulated hEGF in the nectar. The maximum hEGF concentration recorded with ELISA in these plants is 2.5 ng·ml^?1. There is a significant linear relationship (P < 0.001) between hEGF concentration and induction of hEGF‐receptor phosphorylation. Since the flower morphology of these plants did not allow production of honey from their nectar, we used feeding solutions, spiked with synthetic hEGF, to study transfer of this peptide into honey through bee activity. Transfer of hEGF from a feeding solution to honey by bees occurred with retention of the hEGF concentration and the capacity to induce hEGF‐receptor phosphorylation. These observations indicate that plants can function as a production platform for honey containing biologically active peptides, which may enhance wound healing and other biological processes.     

Activation of ErbB2 by 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (menadione) in human keratinocytes: role of EGFR and protein tyrosine phosphatases

Activation of ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases triggers multiple signaling pathways that regulate cellular proliferation and survival. We here demonstrate that ErbB2 is activated via the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) upon exposure of cultured human keratinocytes to 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (menadione). Both ErbB2 and EGFR are shown to be regulated by protein tyrosine phosphatases that are inhibited by menadione, giving rise to the hypothesis that phosphatase inhibition by menadione may result in a net activation of EGFR and an enhanced ErbB2 phosphorylation. Isolated PTP-1B, a protein tyrosine phosphatase known to be associated with ErbB receptors, is demonstrated to be inhibited by menadione.     

Nuclear EGFR shuttling induced by ionizing radiation is regulated by phosphorylation at residue Thr654

Nuclear localisation of EGFR is associated with treatment resistance of tumor cells. The aim of this study was to identify molecular targets to block nuclear shuttling of EGFR. Mutation of Thr654, located within the putative EGFR NLS demonstrated that phosphorylation of this residue is essential for nuclear EGFR shuttling following irradiation. Deletion of Thr654 blocked nuclear transport of EGFR, whereas mutation to Glu increased shuttling. Treatment with a peptide, corresponding to the phosphorylated NLS, abolished nuclear EGFR transport and reduced radiation-induced activation of DNA-PK, essential for DNA-repair. In accordance with that, lack of nuclear EGFR increased residual DNA damage in tumor cells and reduced cellular survival following irradiation. Blockage of nuclear EGFR shuttling may be a new strategy to fight treatment resistance.

Structured summary

MINT-7987956: Karyopherin alpha (uniprotkb:P52294) physically interacts (MI:0915) with EGFR (uniprotkb:P00533) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)     

Quantitative analysis of the responses of murine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to EGF, PDGF-BB and fibronectin by factorial design methodology

A 2-level full factorial design was firstly employed to explore the responses of murine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells stimulated by various combinations of EGF, PDGF-BB, and fibronectin. EGF and PDGF-BB individually, rather than fibronectin, had significant effects on cell proliferation. The synergism between PDGF-BB and fibronectin, as well as the antagonism between EGF and PDGF-BB were also detected. Moreover, cells changed from a flattened and spread to a smaller and elongated shape with addition of factors. The factors also moved cells out of G0/G1 phase, increasing the fractions of cells in S and G2/M phases.     

乳腺癌中EGFR蛋白表达和基因扩增的检测结果比较

目的：比较免疫组织化学技术检测乳腺癌中EGFR蛋白表达和荧光原位杂交检测EGFR基因扩增的结果的符合率,为EGFR靶向治疗病例的选择提供依据。方法：随机选取2005年1月到2011年12月冷水江市人民医院和湖南省肿瘤医院病理科的147例乳腺癌档案病例,采用免疫组织化学技术检测乳腺癌组织中EGFR蛋白表达,荧光原位杂交检测EGFR的基因扩增,比较两种方法阳性结果的符合率。结果：免疫组化染色结果显示EGFR在原发性和转移性乳腺癌中的阳性表达率分别为85%（105/123）和79%1（9/24）,两组比较无显著差异（P〉0.05）。FISH检测结果显示原发性和转移性乳腺癌中分别有12%（15/123）和8%（2/24）存在EGFR基因扩增,两组比较结果无显著差异（P〉0.05）。所有存在EGFR基因扩增的原发性和转移性乳腺癌的EGFR免疫组织化学结果均为阳性。在原发性和转移性乳腺癌中,免疫组化阳性和基因扩增程度间呈显著正相关（P〈0.05）,但免疫组化结果预测基因扩增的特异性较低。结论：免疫组织化学检测EGFR只能作为EGFR靶向治疗病例选择的初步筛选,进一步进行荧光原位杂交检测EGFR基因扩增是必须的。     

EGFR signaling regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and morphogenesis during planarian regeneration and homeostasis

Similarly to development, the process of regeneration requires that cells accurately sense and respond to their external environment. Thus, intrinsic cues must be integrated with signals from the surrounding environment to ensure appropriate temporal and spatial regulation of tissue regeneration. Identifying the signaling pathways that control these events will not only provide insights into a fascinating biological phenomenon but may also yield new molecular targets for use in regenerative medicine. Among classical models to study regeneration, freshwater planarians represent an attractive system in which to investigate the signals that regulate cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as the proper patterning of the structures being regenerated. Recent studies in planarians have begun to define the role of conserved signaling pathways during regeneration. Here, we extend these analyses to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor pathway. We report the characterization of three epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea. Silencing of these genes by RNA interference (RNAi) yielded multiple defects in intact and regenerating planarians. Smed-egfr-1(RNAi) resulted in decreased differentiation of eye pigment cells, abnormal pharynx regeneration and maintenance, and the development of dorsal outgrowths. In contrast, Smed-egfr-3(RNAi) animals produced smaller blastemas associated with abnormal differentiation of certain cell types. Our results suggest important roles for the EGFR signaling in controlling cell proliferation, differentiation and morphogenesis during planarian regeneration and homeostasis.