Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

Studying the Stoichiometry of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Intact Cells using Correlative Microscopy
Published on: September 11, 2015
Autophosphorylation activation and inhibition by curcumin of the epidermal growth factor receptor reconstituted in
Samah Doumiati1, Karsten Haupt, Claire Rossi
1UMR CNRS, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, France.
Abstract:
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a 170-kDa transmembrane protein with intrinsic protein kinase activity. It is involved in the regulation of essential cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and migration. An increase in EGFR activity has been correlated to malignant evolution of the cells. We have used proteoliposomes as a platform to study the mechanism of activation and inhibition of EGFR. We have been able to reconstitute functional EGFR in liposomes through detergent removal by Bio-Beads and have measured the receptor dimerization and its autophosphorylation resulting from its inherent tyrosine kinase activity. In particular, we have studied the activation of autophosphorylation by the natural ligand epidermal growth factor and its inhibition by curcumin, a polyphenol from Curcuma longa. This artificial membrane model provides a convenient tool to both qualitatively and quantitatively elucidate the mechanism of activation and inhibition of EGFR. It allows studying the isolated receptor under well-defined conditions, which enables one to use a number of biochemical and physico-chemical techniques that are difficult to put into practice with living cells. We believe that this platform can be used as a systematic screening tool for membrane receptor modulators, which are potential drug candidates.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
Amplifying Signals via Enzymatic Cascade
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:

