[Effects of environmental physical and chemical agents on epidermal growth factor receptor and its signal

Qiao-Ling Wang1, Ji-Min Shao

  • 1Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.

Insights

Environmental agents can disrupt the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, influencing cell behavior and potentially leading to cancer. This review explores how these disruptions contribute to cellular stress and carcinogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a key protein tyrosine kinase receptor involved in crucial cellular processes like proliferation, survival, and apoptosis.
  • Aberrant EGFR signaling is strongly linked to the initiation and progression of various cancers.
  • Environmental factors can significantly impact EGFR function and signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding how environmental agents affect EGFR signaling.
  • To elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms underlying cellular stress and carcinogenesis induced by environmental exposures.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of EGFR's role in environmental carcinogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific publications.
  • Analysis of studies investigating environmental agents' effects on EGFR.
  • Synthesis of data on EGFR phosphorylation, conformation, function, and membrane distribution.

Main Results:

  • Environmental physical and chemical agents can interfere with EGFR signaling through various mechanisms.
  • These interferences affect EGFR phosphorylation, conformation, function, and cellular localization.
  • Altered EGFR signaling by environmental agents can lead to changes in gene expression and cell fate, promoting carcinogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the interplay between environmental agents and EGFR signaling is crucial for comprehending carcinogenesis.
  • Epigenetic modifications induced by environmental factors play a significant role in EGFR-related cancers.
  • Further research into these mechanisms can inform strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.

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