Temperature-dependent lateral and transverse distribution of the epidermal growth factor receptor in A431 plasma membranes.

To elucidate further the structure and molecular dynamics of the epidermal growth factor receptor, temperature-dependent aggregation and extracellular protrusion of the epidermal growth factor receptor in isolated plasma membranes from A431 cells were examined by fluorescence energy-transfer techniques. Epidermal growth factor was labeled at the amino terminus with either fluorescein isothiocyanate or tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate. A radionuclide receptor displacement assay demonstrated the bioactivity of these derivatives. Aggregation of the epidermal growth factor receptor was measured by determining the increase in fluorescence energy transfer between receptor-bound fluorescein and tetramethylrhodamine-labeled epidermal growth factor. Energy transfer between receptor-bound fluorescent derivatives was reversibly greater at 37 than 4 degrees C, indicating temperature-dependent aggregation of the receptor. The extracellular protrusion of the epidermal growth factor receptor was calculated from the magnitude of energy transfer between receptor-bound fluorescein labeled epidermal growth factor and 5-(N-dodecanoylamino)-eosin partitioned into the lipid membrane at 4 and 37 degrees C. No significant change in the distance of closest approach between the N-terminus of epidermal growth factor and the plasma membrane was observed at 4 degrees C (69 +/- 2 A) and 37 degrees C (67 +/- 2 A). Thus, the extracellular protrusion of the occupied epidermal growth factor receptor did not change detectably upon receptor aggregation.