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Shc mediates ligand-induced internalization of epidermal growth factor receptors

K Sakaguchi1, Y Okabayashi, M Kasuga

  • 1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University School of Medicine, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.

Insights

Shc protein facilitates epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor endocytosis by interacting with the AP2 complex. This interaction is crucial for EGF receptor internalization and cellular response.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Shc proteins are known to interact with components of the AP2 complex.
  • Adaptins, including alpha-adaptin, are key players in the formation of coated pits during endocytosis.
  • Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors are internalized upon ligand binding, a process mediated by endocytosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the physiological role of the Shc-adaptin interaction in EGF receptor endocytosis.
  • To elucidate the mechanism by which Shc influences EGF receptor internalization.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro peptide binding assays to assess Shc-alpha-adaptin interaction.
  • Use of adenovirus vectors to express wild-type and mutant Shc proteins in cells.
  • Co-precipitation assays to study protein-protein interactions in intact cells.
  • Internalization assays to quantify EGF receptor uptake.
  • Immunofluorescence microscopy to visualize protein localization and endocytosis patterns.

Main Results:

  • Alpha-adaptin binds to wild-type Shc in an EGF-dependent manner, with reduced binding to a mutant Shc (Shc FA).
  • EGF stimulation enhances the association of alpha-adaptin with Shc and promotes the coprecipitation of alpha-adaptin with EGF receptors.
  • Overexpression of Shc FA reduces EGF internalization, while wild-type Shc enhances punctate staining indicative of endocytosis.
  • Shc facilitates the formation of Shc-AP2 complexes and their association with EGF receptors, promoting endocytosis.

Conclusions:

  • Shc plays a significant role in ligand-induced endocytosis of EGF receptors.
  • The interaction between Shc and the AP2 complex is critical for efficient EGF receptor internalization.
  • EGF signaling modulates Shc-AP2 complex formation and its subsequent association with EGF receptors, driving endocytosis.

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