Signalling Mechanisms and Mobility of the EGF Receptor

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This project aims to characterize the mobility of the receptor or epidermal growth factor (EGF) using digital imaging optical microscopy and a novel methods of visualization of receptor location. Additionally, the changes in free cytosolic calcium ion activity induced by EGF stimulation will be measured at the level of the individual cell. EGF is a polypeptide which binds to a specific plasma membrane on various different cell types. It triggers a number of responses in the cell ultimately leading to a stimulation of DNA synthesis. In addition to the stimulation of proliferation, EGF induces early and late responses which may play a role in the transduction of the signal initiated by the binding of EGF and culminating with mitogenesis.