H2O2 is required for UVB-induced EGF receptor and downstream signaling pathway activation

Free Radic Biol Med. 1999 Dec;27(11-12):1197-202. doi: 10.1016/s0891-5849(99)00198-7.

Abstract

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced receptor phosphorylation is increasingly recognized as a widely occurring phenomenon. However, the mechanisms, mediators, and sequence of events involved in this process remain ill-defined. We have recently shown that exposure of human keratinocytes to physiologic doses of ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) activates epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/extracellular-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and p38 signaling pathways via reactive oxygen species. Here we demonstrate that UVB exposure increased intra- and extracellular H2O2 production rapidly in a time-dependent manner. An EGFR-specific monoclonal antibody abrogated EGFR autophosphorylation and markedly decreased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 whereas p38 activation was unaffected. Overexpression of catalase strongly inhibited UVB-induced EGFR/ERK1/2 pathway activation. These findings establish the sequence of events after UVB irradiation: (i) H2O2 generation, (ii) EGFR phosphorylation, and (iii) ERK activation. Our results identify UVB-induced H2O2 as a second messenger that is required for EGFR and dependent downstream signaling pathways activation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalase / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Enzyme Activation / drug effects
  • Enzyme Activation / radiation effects
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / metabolism
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / pharmacology*
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism*
  • Keratinocytes / radiation effects
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / metabolism
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Ultraviolet Rays*
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases

Substances

  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Catalase
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases