Spatial Distribution of the EGF Receptor in Regulation of Breast Epithelial Cell Growth and Organization
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) system is particularly important in the growth and development of mammary epithelial cells. Disruption in normal EGFR signaling is frequently observed in breast cancers. We tested the hypothesis that EGFR and its ligands must be in the correct cellular location to initiate correct signaling. We tested this by altering the EGFR and its cognate ligand using techniques of molecular biology. The altered genes were then expressed in noncancerous cells to see how they affected cell behavior. We made several significant findings. First, we found that the EGF-R system acts as "cell sonar" in telling the cells about their environment. Where a receptor is triggered specifies the signals that are transmitted Receptors in the wrong place transmit wrong signals. Second, normal cells can apparently determine when their receptors are defective and can stop growing as a result. Because defective receptors are commonly found in cancer, the normal "proofreading" functions of cells probably becomes inactivated in cancer. Our finding are important because they suggest Several novel sensing mechanisms that are probably defective in cancer cells. In addition, by preventing ligand release one can prevent EGFR mediated cell growth.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA367381
Entities
People
- H. S. Wiley
Organizations
- University of Utah