Enhanced epidermal growth factor receptor synthesis in human squamous carcinoma cells exposed to low levels of oxygen

Int J Cancer. 1992 Sep 30;52(3):428-32. doi: 10.1002/ijc.2910520317.

Abstract

Exposure of human A431 squamous carcinoma cells to levels of hypoxia found in some solid tumors causes 2-fold increases in epidermal growth-factor receptor (EGF-R) mRNA levels and rate of receptor protein synthesis compared with aerobic cells. Similar results are shown for receptor message from other squamous carcinoma cells, human keratinocytes, and human W138 fibroblasts. Less basal tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor occurs in hypoxic compared with aerobic A431 cells. Scatchard analysis also shows that reoxygenated A431 cells display enhanced surface expression of the EGF-R compared with aerobic control cells. Possible mechanisms and implications for tumor therapy are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aerobiosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Cell Hypoxia / physiology*
  • ErbB Receptors / analysis
  • ErbB Receptors / biosynthesis*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Humans
  • Phosphorylation
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • ErbB Receptors