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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Assessment of Acute Wound Healing using the Dorsal Subcutaneous Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge Implantation and Excisional Tail Skin Wound Models.
Published on: March 25, 2020
Tyrosine phosphorylation of EGF-R and PDGF-R proteins during acute cutaneous wound healing process in mice
Mohan L Gope1, Rajalakshmi Gope
1Department of Biotechnology, City College, Bangalore, India.
Abstract:
The effect of topical application of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) on the levels of EGF-R and PDGF-R proteins and their tyrosine phosphorylation were analyzed during an acute cutaneous wound healing process in mice. The growth factor-treated wounds had optimum levels of receptor proteins as early as day 1 compared with the control, which had only a basal level. Analysis of the tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor proteins in control and growth factor-treated wounds indicated that they were phosphorylated until day 5 after wounding. Only the mature forms of alpha-PDGF-R and beta-PDGF-R proteins were phosphorylated and not their precursors. Our results show that rapid attainment of maximum levels of growth factor receptor proteins and their tyrosine phosphorylation as early as day 1 and the maintenance of the same until day 3 appear to aid faster and better wound healing. Topical application of PDGF-AA alone did not facilitate the wound healing process and it also antagonized the EGF-medicated wound healing when applied premixed with EGF or within 30 minutes after EGF application. Under these conditions, the receptor proteins were not phosphorylated. Thus, an increased and sustained level of EGF-R and PDGF-R proteins and their tyrosine phosphorylation appear to accelerate the wound healing process.
Insights
Topical application of growth factors like epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) accelerates wound healing in mice. Increased receptor protein levels and tyrosine phosphorylation, particularly EGF-R and PDGF-R, promote faster skin repair.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Cutaneous wound healing is a complex biological process.
- Growth factors play a crucial role in regulating tissue repair.
- Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGF-R) and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptors (PDGF-R) are key mediators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of topical EGF and PDGF on EGF-R and PDGF-R levels and activity during wound healing.
- To determine the correlation between receptor phosphorylation and the rate of cutaneous wound repair.
- To assess the effect of PDGF-AA alone and in combination with EGF on wound healing.
Main Methods:
- Acute cutaneous wound model in mice.
- Analysis of EGF-R and PDGF-R protein expression via Western blotting.
- Assessment of tyrosine phosphorylation of receptor proteins.
- Evaluation of wound closure rates.
Main Results:
- Growth factor treatment led to significantly higher EGF-R and PDGF-R levels by day 1 compared to controls.
- Tyrosine phosphorylation of mature alpha-PDGF-R and beta-PDGF-R was observed until day 5.
- PDGF-AA alone did not enhance healing and antagonized EGF-mediated healing, inhibiting receptor phosphorylation.
Conclusions:
- Rapid and sustained elevation of EGF-R and PDGF-R levels and their tyrosine phosphorylation accelerate wound healing.
- Optimal receptor activation is critical for effective growth factor-driven tissue repair.
- Specific PDGF formulations or application timing can interfere with the healing cascade.
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