Epidermal growth factor stimulates the synthesis of its own receptor in a human breast cancer cell line.

The MDA 468 human breast carcinoma cell line was examined for changes in epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor synthesis and degradation under the influence of EGF. This cell line was used because it overexpresses the EGF receptor such that each cell has 10(6) receptors, but unlike the well-studied A431 cell, its receptor gene is amplified but is not rearranged. On exposure to EGF, total cellular receptor protein, measured by immunoprecipitation with monoclonal antibody B1D8, is reduced. The half-life of receptor metabolically labeled with L-[35S]methionine is 24 h in the absence of EGF and is reduced to 12 h in the presence of 10(-9) M EGF. To measure the effect of EGF on synthesis of the receptor, pulse labeling conditions were selected in which the rate of synthesis of the receptor precursor were followed. EGF had no significant effect on the rate of general protein synthesis in these cells, yet stimulated the synthesis of the EGF receptor 1.8-fold over the unstimulated rate. This increase in receptor precursor synthesis showed time and dose dependence. Stimulation could be detected after 3 h exposure to EGF with a maximum at 6-8 h. A concentration of 10(-11) M EGF gave detectable stimulation with maximal stimulation occurring at 10(-9) M. Longer times and higher concentrations gave submaximal stimulation. A similar dose-response relationship was observed when the rate of mature 170-kDa receptor protein synthesis was measured. These studies demonstrate that EGF stimulates the synthesis of it own receptor. Downregulation of the receptor by EGF results from an increased rate of receptor degradation and not decreased synthesis.