title: UVB-induced activation and internalization of keratinocyte growth factor receptor.
abstract: Ultraviolet irradiation of mammalian cells induces several events that include activation of growth factor receptors and triggering of signal transduction pathway. Most of the UV responses are mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and can be blocked by antioxidants. In this study, we analysed the effect of UVB irradiation at physiologic doses and that of the pro-oxidant agent cumene hydroperoxide (CUH) on the activation of the receptor for keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), a key mediator of epithelial growth and differentiation. Exposure to both UVB (30-150 mJ/cm(2)) and CUH (200 microM of NIH3T3 KGFR (KGF receptors) transfectants caused a rapid tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of KGFR similar to that induced by KGF, and internalization of the activated receptor. The KGFR expression appeared unmodified by the treatments. Ultrastructural observations of both UVB- and CUH-treated cells showed a normal morphology of the plasma membranes and intracellular organelles. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine inhibited UVB-induced receptor phosphorylation. The generation of an intracellular oxidative stress was detected as a decrease of catalase activity and of vitamin E, and reduced glutathione levels, whereas superoxide dismutase activity was not significantly modified. A peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids of cell membranes was observed after both treatments, associated with the intracellular oxidative stress. Similar biochemical events were observed on NIH3T3 untransfected control cells, suggesting that KGFR activation follows intracellular generation of ROS and is not associated with a scavenging effect. Taken together our results demonstrate that exposure to UVB and to oxidant stimuli induces a rapid intracellular production of ROS, which in turn are capable of triggering KGFR activation and internalization, similar to those induced by KGF.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Patologia, Università di Roma La Sapienza, viale Regina Elena 324, Rome 00161, Italy. cinzia.marchese@uniroma1.it
authors.forename: Cinzia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marchese
authors.forename: Vittoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Maresca
authors.forename: Giorgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cardinali
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Belleudi
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ceccarelli
authors.forename: Marinella
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bellocci
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Frati
authors.forename: Maria Rosaria
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Torrisi
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Picardo
mesh_terms: D016475:3T3 Cells; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D010766:Phosphorylation; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*; D051497:Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2; D017468:Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D017468:Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor; D051497:Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2; C065104:keratinocyte growth factor receptor