Epidermal growth factor receptor translocation to the mitochondria: regulation and effect

J Biol Chem. 2009 Dec 25;284(52):36592-36604. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.000760. Epub 2009 Oct 19.

Abstract

Co-overexpression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) and c-Src frequently occurs in human tumors and is linked to enhanced tumor growth. In experimental systems this synergistic growth requires EGF-dependent association of c-Src with the EGFR and phosphorylation of Tyr-845 of the receptor by c-Src. A search for signaling mediators of Tyr(P)-845 revealed that mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (CoxII) binds EGFR in a Tyr(P)-845- and EGF-dependent manner. In cells this association involves translocation of EGFR to the mitochondria, but regulation of this process is ill-defined. The current study demonstrates that c-Src translocates to the mitochondria with similar kinetics as EGFR and that the catalytic activity of EGFR and c-Src as well as endocytosis and a mitochondrial localization signal are required for these events. CoxII can be phosphorylated by EGFR and c-Src, and EGF stimulation reduces Cox activity and cellular ATP, an event that is dependent in large part on EGFR localized to the mitochondria. These findings suggest EGFR plays a novel role in modulating mitochondrial function via its association with, and modification of CoxII.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CSK Tyrosine-Protein Kinase
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / genetics
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / metabolism*
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / genetics
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / metabolism*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mitochondria / genetics
  • Mitochondria / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation / physiology
  • Protein Transport / physiology
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism*
  • src-Family Kinases

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • Electron Transport Complex IV
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • CSK Tyrosine-Protein Kinase
  • src-Family Kinases
  • CSK protein, human