Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) is a single chain polypeptide which exists in a variety of forms differing in molecular weight. These forms are variously present in normal and neoplastic cells. Of particular interest are TGF-α's well-known mitogenic properties. The transition from a normal to a neoplastic cellular state results from signalling defects that may depend upon, iter alia, abonormal levels of expression and secretion of TGF-α. It is known that the secretion of TGF-α may be enhanced appreciably by agents such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), serum factors and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Here, we compare the efficacy of these three agents in the elevation of TGF-α secretion in the well studied A431 cell line with their previously undocumented efficacy in certain interesting, but little known, human oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) lines.
Transforming Growth Factor Alpha Stimulation of Mucosal Tissue Cultures from Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients Increases Chemoresistance to Cisplatin
