Overexpression of EGFR and c-erbB2 causes enhanced cell migration in human breast cancer cells and NIH3T3 fibroblasts

FEBS Lett. 1998 Mar 20;425(1):145-50. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(98)00224-5.

Abstract

Overexpression of EGFR and c-erbB2 frequently occurs in human breast cancers, correlating with poor prognosis. Here we show that overexpression of EGFR and c-erbB2 in cell lines increases cell migration, an important step in metastasis formation. The effect of EGFR on migration is dependent on the addition of EGF to the cells. In contrast, c-erbB2 seems to act independently of its ligand in these assays. Overexpression of this receptor is sufficient to induce cell migration. In addition, we investigated the involvement of a number of signal transduction pathways known to be activated by the EGFR. We found that inactivation of MAPKK results in a decreased migration, while inactivation of PI3K increases migration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics*
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Humans
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Mice
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / genetics
  • Phosphorylation
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics*
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / metabolism

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Receptor, ErbB-2