Epidermal growth factor (EGF) treatment of A-431 epidermoid carcinoma cells elicited a redistribution of phospholipase C-gamma 1 (PLC-gamma 1) from a predominantly cytosolic localization to membrane fractions. The temporal coincidence of this redistribution with EGF stimulation of inositol phosphate formation and EGF increased phosphorylation of PLC-gamma 1 suggests that the membrane association of PLC-gamma 1 is a significant event in second messenger transduction.