Targeting GPCR-mediated p70S6K activity may improve head and neck cancer response to cetuximab.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression is correlated with decreased survival in head and neck cancer (HNC) where the addition of EGFR inhibition to standard chemoradiation approaches has improved treatment responses. However, the basis for the limited efficacy of EGFR inhibitors in HNC is incompletely understood. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) have been shown to be overexpressed in HNC where GPCR activation induces HNC growth via both EGFR-dependent and -independent pathways. We hypothesized that targeting GPCR-induced EGFR-independent signaling would improve the efficacy of EGFR inhibition.

Experimental design

Using a high-throughput phosphoproteome array, we identified proteins that were phosphorylated in HNC cells where EGFR expression was down

SUBMITTER: Bhola NE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3149755 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature