Fibroblast growth factor receptors are components of autocrine signaling networks in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

We previously reported that a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor (FGFR) signaling pathway drives growth of lung cancer cell lines of squamous and large cell histologies. Herein, we explored FGFR dependency in cell lines derived from the tobacco-related malignancy, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Experimental design

FGF and FGFR mRNA and protein expression was assessed in nine HNSCC cell lines. Dependence on secreted FGF2 for cell growth was tested with FP-1039, an FGFR1-Fc fusion protein. FGFR and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) dependence was defined by sensitivity to multiple inhibitors selective for FGFRs or EGFR.

Results

FGF2 was expressed in eight of the nine HNSCC cell lines examined. Also, FGFR2 and FGFR3 were frequently expr

SUBMITTER: Marshall ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3149730 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature