Structural analysis of p185c-neu and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases: oligomerization of kinase domains.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and p185c-neu proteins associate as dimers to create an efficient signaling assembly. Overexpression of these receptors together enhances their intrinsic kinase activity and concomitantly results in oncogenic cellular transformation. The ectodomain is able to stabilize the dimer, whereas the kinase domain mediates biological activity. Here we analyze potential interactions of the cytoplasmic kinase domains of the EGFR and p185c-neu tyrosine kinases by homology molecular modeling. This analysis indicates that kinase domains can associate as dimers and, based on intermolecular interaction calculations, that heterodimer formation is favored over homodimers. The study also predicts that the self-autophosphorylation sites located within the kinase domains are not likely to interfere with tyrosine kinase activity, but may regulate the selection of substrates, thereby modulating signal transduction. In addition, the models suggest that the kinase domains of EGFR and p185c-neu can undergo higher order aggregation such as the formation of tetramers. Formation of tetrameric complexes may explain some of the experimentally observed features of their ligand affinity and hetero-receptor internalization.     

Role of extracellular subdomains of p185c-neu and the epidermal growth factor receptor in ligand-independent association and transactivation

We investigated the assembly and activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-p185c-neu heterodimer by using a sequential immunoprecipitation methodology. Using this approach we detected heterodimers and also higher-ordered oligomeric complexes. Phosphorylated EGFR-p185c-neu heterodimeric forms were detected in the absence of EGF, but the species became highly phosphorylated after EGF stimulation. To evaluate heterodimer formation and additional transactivation by EGF, we investigated the roles of the four extracellular subdomains of p185c-neu and the EGFR. Subdomains I-IV of the EGFR dimerized with subdomains I-IV of p185c-neu, respectively, in a parallel manner. In addition, subdomains I-IV of the EGFR also associated with p185c-neu subdomains III, IV, I, and II, respectively. A lack of one of the p185c-neu cysteine-rich domains (subdomains II or IV) resulted in a loss of EGF-induced transactivation. These data suggest that two cysteine-rich domains play defining roles in ligand-dependent transactivation and that both of these cysteine-rich extracellular subdomains as well as non-cysteine-rich extracellular subdomains are involved in ligand-independent interactions with the EGFR. Our studies provide biochemical evidence of the role of the cysteine-rich domains of p185c-neu in assembly and transactivation of erbB complexes and also indicate that these subdomains might be useful clinical targets.     

Antiserum raised against a synthetic phosphotyrosine-containing peptide selectively recognizes p185neu/erbB-2 and the epidermal growth factor receptor.

Rabbits were immunized with a synthetic phosphopeptide corresponding to a major autophosphorylation site of p185neu/erbB2 to determine the feasibility of producing tyrosine-phosphopeptide-specific antibodies. A series of adsorption and affinity chromatography steps were used to select antibodies with the desired reactivity. Immunoblot experiments showed that the resulting serum is highly specific for tyrosine-phosphorylated forms of p185 and the related epidermal growth factor receptor. The serum recognized these two receptors selectively when compared to five other receptor tyrosine kinases and several phosphorylated substrates. The serum is compatible with tissue-based assays since it detected tyrosine phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor in immunofluorescence experiments on permeabilized cells. The generality of the procedures used means that similar anti-tyrosine phosphopeptide sera can be produced that recognize other tyrosine kinases and substrates. Such sera will have numerous applications in research and clinical settings.     

Human epidermal growth factor receptor residue covalently cross-linked to epidermal growth factor.

An epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor monoclonal antibody (mAb), mAb LA22, was used to analyze the covalent coupling of human EGF receptors to mouse EGF by the amine-reactive cross-linking agent disuccinimidyl suberate. A soluble Mr 105,000 truncated form of the receptor secreted by A-431 epidermoid carcinoma cells and consisting of the ligand-binding extracellular domain was cross-linked to 125I-labeled EGF. Digestion of this complex with an endoproteinase that specifically cleaves at the COOH side of glutamyl residue released a single radiolabeled glycosylated fragment of Mr 18,000 that reacted with mAb LA22. As the epitope for mAb LA22 resided between Ala-351 and Asp-364 of the mature receptor, this result localized the cross-linked receptor residue(s) to the 47-amino acid interval from Phe-321 to Glu-367. The receptor residue(s) involved in the covalent coupling of rat 125I-labeled transforming growth factor alpha was similarly localized to this region of the receptor. This receptor interval, which included two glycosylated asparaginyl residues at positions 328 and 337, contained but three amino acid residues that were potentially reactive with disuccinimidyl suberate: Lys-332, Lys-333, and Lys-336. Characterization of mAb LA22-reactive 125I-EGF-labeled receptor fragments generated by an endoproteinase specific for the COOH side of lysyl residue placed the NH2 termini of the two smallest fragments between the glycosylated residues Asn-328 and Asn-337. These results indicated that disuccinimidyl suberate cross-linked the NH2 group of EGF residue Asn-1 to the human EGF receptor residue Lys-336. Our results further suggest that EGF and transforming growth factor alpha, two members of the EGF family of peptide growth factors, interact with closely apposed or identical features of the receptor.     

表皮生长因子及其受体在糜烂胃黏膜中的表达

目的:观察胃窦黏膜糜烂区与糜烂旁胃黏膜、慢性萎缩性胃炎中表皮生长因子(epidermal growth factor,EGF)及其受体(epidermal growth factor receptor,EGFR)的表达,探讨其在胃黏膜损伤修复中的意义.方法:选择经胃镜及病理确诊的慢性萎缩性胃炎伴胃窦黏膜糜烂患者50例,距糜烂区3cm处40例,无糜烂慢性萎缩性胃炎40例,采用免疫组织化学染色法测EGF及EGFR的表达.结果:胃窦黏膜糜烂区EGF、EGFR阳性表达率分别为40%和30%,明显高于糜烂旁胃黏膜15%和10%及无糜烂慢性萎缩性胃炎20%和12.5%的阳性表达率(P<0.05),有统计学意义,无糜烂慢性萎缩性胃炎组略高于糜烂旁胃黏膜组,但无统计学差异.结论:EGF、EGFR在胃黏膜损伤后高表达,对促进胃黏膜修复有着重要意义.     

The role of distinct p185neu extracellular subdomains for dimerization with the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and EGF-mediated signaling

The extracellular domain of p185(c-neu) can be viewed as a complex structure of four subdomains, two of which are cysteine-rich subdomains. We have investigated the contribution of these distinct p185(c-neu) extracellular subdomains to p185/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) heteromer formation and EGF-induced heteromeric signaling. Our studies indicate that at least two separate p185 subdomains, a region spanning subdomains I and II and subdomain IV are involved in association of p185 with the EGFR. We also demonstrated that subdomain IV reduced the heteromeric signaling and transforming activities induced by EGF after associating with EGFR. When 126 aa were deleted from subdomain IV, this small subdomain IV-derived fragment could still lead to heterodimers with EGFR and suppress EGF-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and subsequent transformation abilities. These data provide information about trans-inhibitory mechanisms of mutant p185 species and also indicate that both the entire and a part of subdomain IV may represent a therapeutic target for erbB-overexpressing tumors. Finally, these studies define a basic feature of receptor-receptor associations that are determined by cystine-knot containing subdomains.     

Ligand and p185c-neu density govern receptor interactions and tyrosine kinase activation.

The neu protooncogene (also known as c-erbB2, NGL,and HER2) encodes a 185-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein with intrinsic tyrosinekinase activity that resembles the receptor for epidermal growth factor. Thep185 gene and protein were originally identified in the brain and are thought toplay a critical role in neurogenesis. Aberrant c-erbB2 protein overexpressionalso occurs in several human adenocarcinomas. A ligand for p185, neu-activatingfactor (NAF), specifically binds to neu receptor and increases the p185c-neutyrosine phosphorylation in vitro and in vivo in a dose-dependent manner. We nowshow that NAF specifically binds to purified p185 expressed in baculovirus.Direct binding analysis showed that NAF binds with high affinity (Kd = 1.3 nM).We have investigated changes in the structure and association state ofbaculovirus-produced neu holoreceptor that are induced by ligand binding. Inthis study, we used sucrose gradients to show that purified p185c-neu existsmainly in the monomeric form at low concentrations, whereas at higherconcentrations p185c-neu exists as dimers or multimers. At low concentrations,but in the presence of ligand, p185c-neu sediments as a dimeric or multimericform. Monomer-oligomer interconversion is absolutely ligand dependent at lowreceptor concentrations. The high molecular weight form of the receptor isenzymatically more active, as a consequence of ligand-driven activation of thereceptor kinase. Oncogenic p185neu receptors sediment predominantly as highmolecular weight forms and have constitutively active kinases.     

Monoclonal antibodies against receptor for epidermal growth factor induce early and delayed effects of epidermal growth factor.

Mice were immunized with human epidermoid carcinoma cells (A-431 cell line) that possess an unusually high number of membrane receptors for epidermal growth factor (EGF). Spleen cells from these mice were fused with NSI cells, a nonsecreting murine myeloma. The immunoglobulins secreted by the obtained hybridomas were screened for specific binding to A-431 cells and selected according to their ability to inhibit the binding of radiolabeled EGF to the membrane of A-431 cells. Several antibodies secreted by cloned hybrid lines were found to inhibit the binding of radiolabeled EGF to membrane receptors of living A-431 cells, human foreskin fibroblasts, and mouse 3T3 fibroblasts and also to membrane preparations from A-431 cells. These monoclonal antibodies induced the early and delayed biological effects mediated by EGF. Like EGF, the antibodies induced morphological changes in A-431 cells and enhanced the phosphorylation of endogenous membrane proteins in membranes from these cells. They also stimulated DNA synthesis in human foreskin fibroblasts. These observations support the notion that the biological information of the EGF-receptor complex resides in the membrane receptor. Furthermore, the antibodies offer a powerful tool to study the structure, processing, and mode of action of EGF receptors.     

Potassium channel blocker activates extracellular signal-regulated kinases through Pyk2 and epidermal growth factor receptor in rat cardiomyocytes.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether potassium (K(+)) channel blockers (KBs) can activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and to characterize the upstream signals leading to ERK activation in cardiomyocytes. BACKGROUND: Because KBs attenuate K(+) outward current, they may possibly prolong the duration of action potentials, leading to an increase in calcium (Ca(2+)) transient ([Ca(2+)](i)) in cardiomyocytes. Elevation of intracellular Ca(2+) levels can trigger various signaling events. Influx of Ca(2+) through L-type Ca(2+) channels after membrane depolarization induced activation of MEK and ERK through activation of Ras in neurons. Although KBs are frequently used to treat cardiac arrhythmias, their effect on signaling pathways remains unknown. METHODS: Primary cultured rat cardiomyocytes were stimulated with four different KBs-4-aminopyridine (4-AP), E-4031, tetra-ethylammonium and quinidine-and phosphorylation of ERK, proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was detected. Action potentials were recorded by use of a conventional microelectrode. (Ca(2+))(i) was monitored by the fluorescent calcium indicator Fluo-4. RESULTS: E-4031, 4-AP, tetra-ethylammonium and quinidine induced phosphorylation of ERK. 4-Aminopyridine prolonged the duration of action potentials by 37% and increased (Ca(2+))(i) by 52% at 1 mmol/l. Pre-incubation of ethyleneglycoltetraacetic acid, 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetrakis and diltiazem completely blocked this phosphorylation, whereas flufenamic acid and benzamil did not. 4-Aminopyridine induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2 and EGFR, which peaked at 5 and 10 min, respectively. Cytochalasin D, AG1478 and dominant-negative EGFR strongly inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK, whereas calphostin C, calmidazolium and KN62 did not. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that KBs induce ERK activation, which starts with Ca(2+) entry through the L-type Ca(2+) channel in cardiomyocytes, and that EGFR and Pyk2 are involved in this activation.     

Insulin and epidermal growth factor stimulate phosphorylation of p185HER-2 in the breast carcinoma cell line, BT474.

The product of the HER-2 proto-oncogene, p185HER-2, was found to be amplified approximately 10-fold in the human breast carcinoma cell line, BT474, compared to a cell line, HBL-100, derived from normal breast tissue. To explore the possible role of p185HER-2 in growth of the breast carcinoma cells, we investigated factors that may modulate cell growth and phosphorylation of the HER-2 protein product. Two growth factors, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin, stimulated phosphorylation of the HER-2 protein product. In response to insulin, the phosphoserine and phosphothreonine content in p185HER-2 was transiently enhanced about 6-fold. When EGF was added to BT474 cells there was 2- to 3-fold enhanced phosphorylation of serine and threonine residues in p185HER-2 which was maintained for at least 60 min. Although p185HER-2 has been found to be phosphorylated on tyrosine residues following EGF treatment of several different cell types, we estimate that less than 1% of the protein contained phosphotyrosine in the BT474 cells.     

Specific radiolabeling of a cell surface receptor for epidermal growth factor.

A photoreactive derivative of epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been used to identify and specifically label a membrane receptor for EGF on mouse 3T3 cells. Photoactivable EGF, labeled with 125I, was incubated with 3T3 cells and then photolyzed in situ to generate a nitrene capable of reacting with a wide variety of chemical bonds. Analysis of the system by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed, besides the band of EGF, only one other major radioactive band, at a position indicating an apparent molecular weight of 190,000. This band was absent when a nonresponsive and nonbinding variant of 3T3 was used. A direct proportionality between binding activity and crosslinked complex formation was demonstrated using a variety of binding conditions. "Down regulated" cells, in which EGF binding activity was greatly reduced by prolonged incubation with an appropriate concentration of EGF, also had a decrease in covalent complex formation proportional to the decrease in EGF binding activity.     

Affinity labeling of a transforming growth factor receptor that does not interact with epidermal growth factor.

Membrane components that interact with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factors (TGFs) have been identified by covalent crosslinking to their respective 125I-labeled ligands. Under appropriate conditions, disuccinimidyl suberate or hydroxysuccinimidyl p-azidobenzoate cross-link receptor-bound 125I-labeled EGF to a 140- to 170-kilodalton (kDal) receptor species in membranes from both A431 human carcinoma cells and normal rat kidney cells. 125I-Labeled sarcoma growth factor (SGF), a TGF from virally transformed mouse 3T3 cells, also can be affinity-crosslinked to the 140- to 170-kDal EGF receptor species in membranes from A431 and rat kidney cells. The labeling of this receptor is inhibited when either excess unlabeled EGF or SGF is present during incubation of membranes with either 125I-labeled EGF or 125I-labeled SGF. In contrast, a second receptor species of 60 kDal is affinity-labeled with 125I-labeled SGF but not with 125I-labeled EGF in membranes from both A431 and rat kidney cells. SGF and a TGF from virally transformed rat embryo cells inhibit the labeling of the 60-kDal species when present in excess during incubation of membranes with 125I-labeled SGF, whereas EGF is completely ineffective in inhibiting the labeling of this receptor. The data suggest that a specific 60-kDal receptor that displays high affinity for TGFs but not for EGF may mediate induction of the transformed phenotype. In addition, SGF and other TGFs interact with the 140- to 170-kDal EGF receptor that appears to mediate normal cell growth effects.     

Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in gastric carcinomas.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Epidermal growth factor receptor belongs to the family of type I receptor tyrosine kinases. Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor has been observed in a variety of cancers with or without amplification of the gene. Novel chemotherapies targeting receptor tyrosine kinases might be effective for the treatment of cancers in which overexpression of this protein is a feature. The aim of this study was to assess the potential efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapy in gastric cancer. This was achieved by determining the frequency of increased epidermal growth factor receptor expression in gastric cancers and investigating the relationship between protein overexpression and gene amplification. METHODS: Immunohistochemical evaluation of 413 gastric cancers was carried out by using a monoclonal antibody to the epidermal growth factor receptor. The intensity of reactivity was scored by using a 4-tier system (negative, 1+, 2+, and 3+). All positive staining (>1+) tumors overexpressing the protein were then analyzed for gene amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization by using a gene-specific probe. RESULTS: High levels of overexpression (2+ or 3+ staining) were found in 9 of 413 (2.2%) patients, whereas low levels of overexpression (1+) were found in 34 (8.2%) of the study cohort. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed that more than 10 copies of the gene were recognized in all 5 cancers with 3+ staining and in 2 of the 4 tumors with 2+ staining. CONCLUSIONS: Although a high level of overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor is uncommon in gastric carcinomas, it almost exclusively occurs by gene amplification.     

Mechanism of epidermal growth factor receptor autophosphorylation and high-affinity binding.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor monomers and noncovalently associated dimers were isolated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, and their respective binding and autophosphorylation activities were determined. We find that monomers are low-affinity receptors and dimers are high-affinity receptors. In the absence of EGF, dimers exhibit a 4-fold higher autophosphorylation activity than do monomers. Addition of EGF increases autophosphorylation on monomers an average of 4.8-fold but has a minimal effect on autophosphorylation of dimers. Furthermore, EGF binding shifts the receptor monomer-dimer equilibrium to the dimer form. We conclude that EGF stimulates in vitro receptor autophosphorylation by inducing kinase-inactive receptor monomers to associate and form receptor dimers, in which conformation the autophosphorylation activity is enhanced.     

CrkII signals from epidermal growth factor receptor to Ras.

A rat fibroblast mutant defective in oncogenic transformation and signaling from epidermal growth factor receptor to Ras has been isolated. The mutant contains dominant negative-type point mutations in the C-terminal SH3 domain of one crkII gene. Among the adapters tested, the mutant is complemented only by crkII cDNA. Expression of the mutated crkII in parent cells generates the phenotype indistinguishable from the mutant cell. Yet overexpression or reduced expression of Grb2 in the mutant before and after complementation with crkII have little effect on its phenotype. We conclude that adapter molecules are highly specific and that the oncogenic growth signal from epidermal growth factor receptor to Ras is predominantly mediated by CrkII in rat fibroblast.     

Genetic analysis of epidermal growth factor action: assignment of human epidermal growth factor receptor gene to chromosome 7.

Purified murine epidermal growth factor (EGF) binds to mouse and human cells. Two mouse transformed cell lines of different origins, PG19 and B82, were found to lack EGF receptors (EGFR). The defect in each of these two cell lines seems to be identical because they fail to complement each other. Somatic cell hybrids between these EGFR-deficient mouse cells and human cells expressing EGFR were produced. Several of these hybrids bound labeled EGF. Detailed cytogenetic analysis of these cell hybrids, followed by correlation of EGFR expression with human chromosomes revealed that EGFR presence correlated with human chromosome 7. The results suggest that the structural gene or a gene necessary for expression of the human EGF receptor is located on human chromosome 7.     

Actions of epidermal growth factor and its receptor in the thyroid.

Since its discovery by Stanley Cohen (1962), epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been found to influence the growth and function of most mammalian cells. EGF is secreted, after cleavage of a large precursor molecule, as a 53-amino acid polypeptide that exerts its effects through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), a single 170-kD transmembrane molecule exhibiting intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of crucial importance to signal transduction (Hsuan et al 1989). Although generally mitogenic, EGF has a wide range of other effects, which vary considerably among organs, cell types, and species. [For a comprehensive update, see the review by Fisher and Lakshmanan (1990).] This article summarizes the present knowledge of EGF actions on thyroid follicular cells (thyrocytes), discusses the possible role of EGF in physiological and pathological conditions of the thyroid gland, and points out some issues that warrant further studies.     

Simultaneous detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and ras p21 in cholangiocarcinoma by an immunocytochemical method

Expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF), EGF receptor (EGF-R) and ras oncogene product p21 was simultaneously examined in 37 cases with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CC) by means of an immunocytochemical method. While normal livers were all negative for any of the antigens at the concentration of the antibodies used, EGF-R was positive in 12 (32.4%) CCs, EGF in 22 (59.5%), and ras p21 in 33 (89.2%). The positive incidence of the three antigens was not different among the histologic subtypes of the tumor. However, the number of EGF-R- and ras p21-positive tumor cells decreased with progressing histologic tumor grade, but the expression of EGF was not associated with the tumor grade. Expression of the three antigens was not related to the degree of metastatic spread of the tumor. Simultaneous expression of the three antigens was seen only in 4 CCs, and that of EGF-R and EGF in 4, EGF-R and ras p21 in 12, and EGF and ras p21 in 20. These data suggest that the expression of EGF, EGF-R and ras p21 on CC cells is not related to the tumor aggressiveness, and the activation of each respective gene is independent. Furthermore, the data also indicate that an autocrine model for tumor growth, as suggested by a combination of EGF and EGF-R, may be applicable only to very limited cases of CCs.     

Endothelin-mediated vascular growth requires p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase and p70 S6 kinase cascades via transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor peptide, exerts a growth-promoting effect on vascular smooth muscle cells, implicating its pathogenic role in vascular remodeling. To gain insight into the cellular and molecular mechanism whereby ET-1 induces vascular growth, we studied whether transactivation of receptor tyrosine kinases, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor, are required for activation of p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K), and subsequent growth-promotion by ET-1 in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Immunoblotting with antiphosphotyrosine antibody revealed that ET-1 rapidly (within 2 min) and transiently induced tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, among which 180-kDa protein was shown to be EGFR. ET-1 rapidly increased association of EGFR and Shc with glutathione-S-transferase-Grb2 fusion protein. The ET-1-induced activation of MAP kinase was reduced by an EGFR kinase inhibitor (AG1478) but not by a platelet-derived growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor (AG1296). AG1478 dose-dependently decreased ET-1-stimulated MAP kinase activity as well as [3H]leucine and [3H]thymidine uptake. The ET-1-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR, as well as MAP kinase activation, was inhibited by an ETA receptor antagonist and intracellular Ca2+ antagonists but not by an ETB receptor antagonist, pertussis toxin, or protein kinase C inhibitors. In addition, dominant negative mutant of H-Ras and a MAP kinase kinase (MEK-1) inhibitor (PD98059) completely blocked ET-1-induced MAP kinase activation as well as [3H]leucine and [3H]thymidine uptake. Both AG1478 and PD98059 inhibited ET-1-induced phosphorylation and activation of p70S6K. Furthermore, rapamycin, a selective inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin, completely blocked ET-1-stimulated [3H]leucine and [3H]thymidine uptake. These results suggest that ETA receptor-mediated vascular growth by ET-1 requires both MAP kinase and p70S6K cascades mediated partly via Ca2+-dependent EGFR transactivation.