Evaluation of cell proliferation and migration mediated by EGFR activation in lung cancer cell lines grown as monolayers and spheroids.

Author(s)

Camila Lauand

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2015-10-23

Examining board members

Glaucia Maria Machado Santelli; Alison Colquhoun; Patricia Gama; Marisa Ionta; Durvanei Augusto Maria

• Advisor: Glaucia Maria Machado Santelli

Abstract

This study compared the effects of activation and inhibition of EGFR in two cell lines of lung cancer, grown in monolayer or spheroids. Spheroids were cultured without extracellular matrix components. HK2 and A549 cells showed, respectively, 3 and 6 ErbB1 gene copies per nucleus, while EGFR expression is lower in the HK2 cells. The activation by EGF or EGFR inhibition by AG1478 did not cause changes in cell proliferation. However, cells cultured in monolayers stimulated with EGF, showed changes in the arrangement of actin microfilaments and increased the speed of cell migration. UO126 and LY294002 were added to the cultures to inhibit, respectively, the ERK and Akt pathways. A549 cells grown in monolayer did not show involvement of ERK and Akt signaling pathways in the cell migration induced by EGF, but was observed involvement of such pathways in the spheroids. HK2 cells showed involvement of Akt to promote cell migration after EGF stimulation in monolayers and in spheroids. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/19040-7 - Expression and localization of EGFR in non-small cell lung cancer: its role in proliferation and cell migration
• Grantee: Camila Lauand
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)