Mutant EGFR and VEGF Regulation
Author Information
Author(s): Clarke K, Smith K, Gullick W J, Harris A L
Primary Institution: Imperial Cancer Research Fund
Hypothesis
The mutant epidermal growth factor receptor enhances the induction of vascular endothelial growth factor by hypoxia and insulin-like growth factor-1 via a PI3 kinase dependent pathway.
Conclusion
The study found that mutant EGFR significantly increases VEGF production under hypoxic conditions compared to wild-type EGFR.
Supporting Evidence
- Mutant EGFR cells showed a growth advantage in vivo compared to full length EGFR.
- VEGF levels increased 3.5–6.6 fold in mutant cells under hypoxic conditions.
- The increase in VEGF was blocked by PI3 kinase inhibitors.
Takeaway
When cancer cells have a mutated version of a growth factor receptor, they can produce more of a substance that helps them grow when there's less oxygen around.
Methodology
NIH3T3 cells were transfected with full length or truncated human EGFR, and growth rates were analyzed in vivo and in vitro.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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