Variations of EGF-R surface expression in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region

Anticancer Res. 2001 Sep-Oct;21(5):3413-8.

Abstract

Background: It has been previously found that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) is highly expressed in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region (SCCHN) and that this expression correlates with malignant transformation and tumor development.

Materials and methods: We examined 9 SCCHN cell lines and a control keratinocyte cell line for EGF-R expression, utilizing fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and Western blot analysis. Immuno-cytochemistry was performed to evaluate the receptor's cellular distribution.

Results: We found the EGF-R to be up-regulated in SCCHN. Surprisingly we did not see a clear correlation between tumor staging, grading or Stat3 signaling and EGF-R level but we observed up to three distinct EGF-R specific bands in our Western blots, implicating the presence of different protein isoforms.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that not only the amount but also the receptor function, including the presence of mutations, need to be considered in SCCHN malignancies.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • ErbB Receptors / biosynthesis*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • ErbB Receptors