PROTEIN-KINASE C-DEPENDENT AND C-INDEPENDENT PATHWAYS MEDIATE EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR (EGF) EFFECTS IN HUMAN ENDOMETRIAL ADENOCARCINOMA CELL-LINE KLE

The role of EGF in the proliferation of the poorly differentiated endo metrial adenocarcinoma cell line (KLE) was examined. EGF (10 ng/ml) an d the tumor promoter, protein kinase C agonist, phorbol 12-myristate 1 3-acetate (PMA) were potent stimulators (P < 0.01) of DNA synthesis in this cell line as determined by [H-3]thymidine incorporation into DNA . Staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, partially blocked the E GF effects on [H-3]thymidine incorporation. Similarly, downregulation of protein kinase C also failed to completely abolish EGF effect on DN A synthesis and cell division. These results suggest that in the KLE c ell line EGF stimulation of cell growth is exerted through both protei n kinase C-dependent and -independent pathways. (C) 1994 Academic Pres s, Inc.