Quantitative analysis of endocytosis and turnover of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF receptor

Curr Protoc Cell Biol. 2010 Mar:Chapter 15:Unit 15.14. doi: 10.1002/0471143030.cb1514s46.

Abstract

Binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to the EGF receptor (EGFR) initiates signal transduction, ultimately leading to altered gene expression. Ligand-activated EGFR is also rapidly internalized and then targeted to lysosomes for degradation or recycled back to the plasma membrane. Endocytosis is a major regulator of EGFR signaling. Therefore, elucidation of the mechanisms of EGFR endocytosis is essential for a better understanding of EGFR biology. In order to achieve a comprehensive analysis of these mechanisms, reliable methods for measuring the rates of EGFR protein turnover and the rate parameters for individual steps of EGFR endocytic trafficking must be employed. The protocols in this unit describe methodologies to measure the rates of EGFR synthesis and degradation, to monitor EGF-induced down-regulation of surface EGFR, to measure the kinetic rate parameters of internalization, recycling, and degradation of radiolabeled EGF, and to perform radioiodination of EGF by the chloramine T method.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biochemistry / methods*
  • Down-Regulation
  • Endocytosis*
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / metabolism*
  • ErbB Receptors / biosynthesis
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Mice
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Sus scrofa

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • ErbB Receptors