Blocking EGF Signaling in Trophoblast Cells Induces Apoptosis
Author Information
Author(s): J. Bolnick, L. Albitar, L. L. Laidler, R. Abdullah, K. K. Leslie
Primary Institution: The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
Hypothesis
Blocking EGFR signaling may result in apoptosis via inhibition of PKBα/AKT.
Conclusion
EGF signaling through EGFR activates PKBα/AKT, and blocking this pathway with Iressa results in programmed cell death.
Supporting Evidence
- EGF treatment induces proliferation and inhibits apoptosis.
- Iressa treatment enhances apoptosis in trophoblast cells.
- Blocking EGFR signaling leads to dephosphorylation of PKBα/AKT.
Takeaway
When a certain signal is blocked in cells from the placenta, it makes them die. This shows how important that signal is for keeping the cells alive.
Methodology
The study used phosphoprotein profiling with Kinexus technology to identify EGFR targets in HTR-8/SVneo cells and assessed the effects of EGF and Iressa on cell cycle and apoptosis.
Limitations
The technology used requires confirmation by standard protein assays and the biological significance of changes in protein phosphorylation should be verified.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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