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Epidermal growth factor stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinase by a PKC-dependent pathway in human keratinocytes

V Mitev1, R Le Panse, B Coulomb

  • 1INSERM unité 312-Laboratoire de Dermatologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.

Insights

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) activates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in human skin cells. This activation relies on protein kinase C (PKC) signaling, revealing a novel signaling pathway in keratinocytes.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Human keratinocytes play a crucial role in skin structure and function.
  • Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a key signaling molecule in keratinocyte biology.
  • Understanding growth factor-induced signaling pathways is vital for skin research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify kinases involved in myelin basic protein (MBP) phosphorylation stimulated by EGF in human keratinocytes.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathway mediating EGF-induced MBP phosphorylation.

Main Methods:

  • Primary human keratinocyte cultures were used.
  • Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) was employed to separate proteins.
  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase C (PKC) activities were assessed using specific antibodies and inhibitors (GF 109203X, TPA).

Main Results:

  • Three distinct MBP kinase activities were detected in keratinocyte extracts.
  • EGF specifically stimulated one MBP kinase activity, identified as MAPK (p42mapk and p44mapk isoforms).
  • EGF-induced MBP phosphorylation was significantly inhibited by blocking or depleting PKC, indicating a PKC-dependent pathway.

Conclusions:

  • EGF activates MAPK signaling in human keratinocytes.
  • This EGF-induced MAPK activation is dependent on protein kinase C (PKC) activity.
  • The study reveals a novel PKC-dependent pathway for EGF-mediated MAPK activation in keratinocytes.

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