Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor and human papillomavirus E6/E7 proteins in cervical carcinoma cells

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) proteins are highly expressed in many tumors, including those of the cervix. We have observed previously that the introduction of a transcription unit containing an antisense sequence for the E6/E7 genes of human papillomavirus (HPV) 18, along with a transcription unit containing a sense complementary DNA sequence for the wild-type retinoblastoma (Rb) gene, decreased the growth of human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells (HPV 18 positive) both in vitro and in vivo. To clarify the regulatory mechanisms by which this reduction in cell proliferation occurred, we studied the expression of EGF-R proteins in these cells. Methods: Western blot and northern blot techniques were used to measure EGF-R expression, and a pulse-chase immunoprecipitation assay was used to measure the stability of EGF-R protein in HeLa cells and HeLa cells that had been transfected with the antisense E6/E7 or sense Rb sequences. Cell proliferation was measured by use of a tetrazolium-based calorimetric assay for numbers of viable cells. Results: The introduction of sense Rb or antisense E6/E7 transcription units or a combination of these two transcription units into HeLa cells dramatically decreased the level of EGF- R proteins in these cells; EGF-R levels were not affected at the transcriptional level but at the post-transcriptional level. Addition of the anti-EGF-R-specific monoclonal antibody 225mAb to HeLa cells caused 53% (95% confidence interval = 44%-62%) growth inhibition. Conclusions: These results suggest that HeLa cervical carcinoma cells are dependent on EGF-R for proliferation and that changes in functional levels of the E6/E7 HPV proteins and endogenous Rb proteins may alter the growth rate of cervical cancer cell lines by reducing the stability of EGF-R at the post-transcriptional level.