Early stimulation by EGF plus insulin of rRNA, c-fos, and actin mRNA expression: inhibition by cytochalasin D

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide induces cytoskeletal rearrangement in small intestinal lamina propria fibroblasts: actin assembly is essential for lipopolysaccharide signaling

Cytoskeletal proteins are major components of the cell backbone and regulate cell shape and function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the dynamics and organization of the cytoskeletal proteins, actin, vimentin, tubulin and vinculin in human small intestinal lamina propria fibroblasts (HSILPF). A noticeable change in the actin architecture was observed after 30 min incubation with LPS with the formation of orthogonal fibers and further accumulation of actin filament at the cell periphery by 2 h. Reorganization of the vimentin network into vimentin bundling was conspicuous at 2 h. With further increase in the time period of LPS exposure, diffused staining of vimentin along with vimentin bundling was observed. Vinculin plaques distributed in the cell body and cell periphery in the control cells rearrange to cell periphery in LPS-treated cells by 30 min of LPS exposure. However, there was no change in the tubulin architecture in HSILPF in response to LPS. LPS increased the F-actin pool in HSILPF in a concentration-dependent manner with no difference in the level of G-actin. A time-dependent study depicted an increase in the G-actin pool at 10 and 20 min of LPS exposure followed by a decrease at further time intervals. The F-actin pool in LPS-treated cells was lower than the control levels at 10 and 20 min of LPS exposure followed by a sharp increase until 120 min and finally returning to the basal level at 140 and 160 min. Further (35)S-methionine incorporation studies suggested a new pool of actin synthesis, whereas the synthesis of other cytoskeletal filaments was not altered. Cytochalasin B, an actin-disrupting agent, severely affected the LPS induced increased percentage of 'S' phase cells and IL-6 synthesis in HSILPF. We conclude that dynamic and orchestrated organization of the cytoskeletal filaments and actin assembly in response to LPS may be a prime requirement for the LPS induced increase in percentage of 'S' phase cells and IL-6 synthesis

Growth factor-induced signal transduction in adherent mammalian cells is sensitive to gravity

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) activates a well-characterized signal transduction cascade in a wide variety of cells. This activation leads to increased cell proliferation in most cell types. Among the early effects evoked by EGF are receptor clustering, cell rounding, and early gene expression. The influence of gravity on EGF-induced EGF receptor clustering and gene expression as well as on actin polymerization and cell rounding have been investigated in adherent A431 epithelial cells with the use of sounding rockets to create microgravity conditions. EGF-induced c-fos and c-jun expression decreased in microgravity. This was caused by alteration of the EGF receptor and protein kinase C-mediated signal transduction pathways. In contrast, neither the binding of EGF to the receptor nor the receptor clustering were changed under microgravity conditions. Because cell morphology was also modulated under microgravity conditions, and the growth factor-induced signal transduction cascades have been demonstrated to be linked to the actin microfilament system, it is tempting to suggest that the actin microfilament system constitutes the gravity-sensitive cell component.

Actin polymerization is required for negative feedback regulation of epidermal growth factor-induced signal transduction

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces rapid actin filament assembly in the membrane skeleton of a variety of cells. To investigate the significance of this process for signal transduction, actin polymerization is inhibited by dihydrocytochalasin B (CB). CB almost completely abolishes EGF-induced actin polymerization, as assessed by quantitative confocal laser scanning microscopy. Under these conditions, EGF induces enhanced EGF receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase activity, as well as superinduction of the c-fos proto-oncogene. These data suggest that EGF-induced actin polymerization may be important for negative feedback regulation of signal transduction by the EGFR. The phosphorylation of Thr654 by protein kinase C (PKC) is a well-characterized negative feedback control mechanism for signal transduction by the EGFR tyrosine kinase. A synthetic peptide, corresponding to the regions flanking Thr654 of the EGFR, is used to analyze EGF stimulated PKC activity by incorporation of 32P into the peptide. Cotreatment of cells with CB and EGF results in a complete loss of EGF-induced phosphorylation of the peptide. These data suggest that actin polymerization is obligatory for negative feedback regulation of the EGFR tyrosine kinase through the C-kinase pathway.

Inhibition of glycogen synthesis by epidermal growth factor in hepatocytes. The role of cell density and pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding proteins

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) counteracts the stimulation of glycogen synthesis by insulin in hepatocytes, but it is not known whether this is due to inhibition of glycogen synthesis or to inhibition of the insulin-signalling mechanism. This study investigates the mechanisms by which EGF affects the basal rate and the insulin stimulation of glycogen synthesis. The basal rate of glycogen synthesis is higher at low than at high cell density. EGF inhibits the basal rate of glycogen synthesis at low cell density but not in confluent cultures and abolishes the difference due to density. However, EGF inhibits the stimulation of glycogen synthesis by insulin irrespective of cell density. Increasing glycogen synthesis by increasing the [glucose] does not abolish the difference in rates of glycogen synthesis due to cell density, neither does it induce responsiveness to EGF at high cell density, establishing that responsiveness to EGF is a function of cell density and not of the basal rate and that inhibition of the insulin stimulation also cannot be accounted for by the higher rate of glycogen synthesis. Cytochalasin D and phalloidin, which alter cell morphology through interactions with the microfilament cytoskeleton, mimic the cell-density-dependent inhibition of glycogen synthesis by EGF. The inhibition of glycogen synthesis by EGF and cytochalasin D is additive and cytochalasin D potentiates the inhibition of glycogen synthesis by EGF, suggesting involvement of a cytoskeletal mechanism. Exogenous phospholipase C inhibits glycogen synthesis at both low and high cell density and the inhibition at low cell density is not additive with that caused by either EGF or cytochalasin D, suggesting that these agonists inhibit glycogen synthesis through changes in Ca2+ and/or diacylglycerol. The inhibition of glycogen synthesis by EGF in the absence of insulin stimulation is blocked by neomycin, which inhibits Ca2+ release from intracellular stores but not by antagonists of protein kinase C. It was also inhibited by pertussis toxin (50%), suggesting that it may involve GTP-binding-protein-mediated release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. The inhibition of the stimulation of glycogen synthesis by insulin was not affected by neomycin and was only marginally inhibited by pertussis toxin or guanosine 5'-O-[3-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]). We infer from these findings that the inhibition by EGF of the basal rate of glycogen synthesis and of the insulin stimulation are mediated by different mechanisms. The latter is pertussis toxin insensitive and independent of cell density, whereas the former is expressed only at low cell density, it is potentiated by cytochalasin D and inhibited by pertussis toxin.

Effects of gravity on the cellular response to epidermal growth factor

EGF and related polypeptides are involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation of continuously regenerating tissues, in tissue repair processes and in placental and fetal development. Their initial mode of action generally constitutes binding to specific plasma membrane localized receptors, transduction of the signal across the plasma membrane, subsequent activation of signalling pathways in the cell, and the induction of early nuclear gene expression. EGF-induced signal transmission from the plasma membrane to the nucleus has been studied in microgravity in order to gain insight in the molecular mechanisms that constitute the effects of gravity on cell growth. Exposure of human A431 cells to microgravity strongly suppresses EGF- and PMA-induced c-fos and c-jun expression. In contrast, forskolin- and A23187-induced c-fos expression and constitutive beta-2 microglobulin expression remain unaffected. This suggests that microgravity differentially modulates EGF-induced signal transduction pathways. Since both EGF and PMA are known to be activators of PKC, which is not the case for forskolin and A23187, PKC-mediated signal transduction may be a cellular target for microgravity. Inhibition of EGF-induced c-fos expression by microgravity occurs downstream of the initiation of EGF-induced signal transduction, i.e., EGF binding and EGFR redistribution. In addition to PKC signaling, actin microfilament organization appears to be sensitive to microgravity. Therefore, the inhibition of signal transduction by microgravity may be related to alterations in actin microfilament organization. The fact that early gene expression is affected by agents that alter the organization of the actin microfilament system supports this hypothesis. The decrease in c-fos and c-jun expression in microgravity may result in the decreased formation of the FOS and JUN proteins. Consequently, a short-term reduction in gene expression in microgravity may have a more dramatic effect over the long term, since both the JUN and FOS protein families are required for normal cell cycle progression. However, since more than 20 years of manned spaceflight have shown that humans can survive in microgravity for prolonged periods, it appears that cells in the human body can partly or completely overcome gravitational stress. Although some insight in the molecular basis on human cells has been obtained, future studies will be needed for a better understanding of the grounds for alterations in the cellular biochemistry due to altered gravity conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Differential expression of P-glycoprotein genes in primary rat hepatocyte culture

The multidrug resistance (MDR)-associated protein, P-glycoprotein (Pgp), is expressed on the bile canalicular surface of hepatocytes, where it is thought to function in the detoxification of xenobiotics or in the transport of specific metabolites. Several studies have shown that Pgp expression in rat liver can be perturbed in vivo and in vitro; however, it is not known which of the 3 Pgp genes (class I, II, or III) are involved. In rodents, the class I and II Pgp genes have been shown to mediate MDR while the class III gene apparently does not. In this report, we have used gene-specific probes generated from the 3'-untranslated regions of the three rat Pgp genes (Deuchars et al.: Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1130:157-165, 1992) to investigate Pgp gene expression in primary rat hepatocytes. We observed that the class II Pgp mRNA, the least abundant in the intact liver, is dramatically increased in culture over a 48 h period, while the class I Pgp showed only a modest increase in mRNA level. In contrast, the class III Pgp mRNA, which is the most abundant in the intact liver, exhibited a gradual decline. In rat liver hepatocytes, different culture conditions, as well as drugs such as cytochalasin D and colchicine, appear to affect the level of the class II Pgp gene expression. Moreover, under all these conditions, there is a strong correlation between the level of the class II Pgp and cytoskeletal (actin and tubulin) mRNAs. Thus, there may be a common mechanism regulating the expression of cytoskeletal protein genes and the class II Pgp gene. These findings have implications for our understanding of the regulation of Pgp gene expression in normal and malignant tissues.

Hyperexpression of baculovirus polyhedrin and p10 is inversely correlated with actin synthesis

Polyhedrin and p10, two proteins encoded by Autographa californica M nuclear polyhedrosis virus, are hyperexpressed very late during normal infections. In this study we found that cytochalasin D, a drug that leads to increased actin synthesis in infected and uninfected host cells, delayed the amplified expression of polyhedrin and p10 when added to infected cells before hyperexpression was already in progress. Restoration of polyhedrin and p10 hyperexpression could be achieved by removal of the drug, but required new protein synthesis. An inverse correlation was observed between polyhedrin/p10 mRNA levels and actin mRNA levels at late and very late times during infection, regardless of whether cytochalasin D was added, removed, or never present. In comparison to mRNAs of polyhedrin and p10, the mRNA levels of the early/late viral gene 39K were much less affected by cytochalasin D and responded to drug removal more slowly. The results of these studies revealed an apparent correlation between the shut down of host actin genes and the amplified expression of polyhedrin and p10 in the presence and absence of cytochalasin D. The possibility that newly synthesized actin itself, either directly or indirectly, plays a negative regulatory role in the accumulation of polyhedrin and p10 mRNAs is discussed.

The EGF receptor is an actin-binding protein

In a number of recent studies it has been shown that in vivo part of the EGF receptor (EGFR) population is associated to the actin filament system. In this paper we demonstrate that the purified EGFR can be cosedimented with purified filamentous actin (F-actin) indicating a direct association between EGFR and actin. A truncated EGFR, previously shown not to be associated to the cytoskeleton, was used as a control and this receptor did not cosediment with actin filaments. Determination of the actin-binding domain of the EGFR was done by measuring competition of either a polyclonal antibody or synthetic peptides on EGFR cosedimentation with F-actin. A synthetic peptide was made homologous to amino acid residues 984-996 (HL-33) of the EGFR which shows high homology with the actin-binding domain of Acanthamoeba profilin. A polyclonal antibody raised against HL-33 was found to prevent cosedimentation of EGFR with F-actin. This peptide HL-33 was shown to bind directly to actin in contrast with a synthetic peptide homologous to residues 1001-1013 (HL-34). During cosedimentation, HL-33 competed for actin binding of the EGFR and HL-34 did not, indicating that the EGFR contains one actin-binding site. These results demonstrate that the EGFR is an actin-binding protein which binds to actin via a domain containing amino acids residues 984-996.

The mammalian iris-ciliary complex affects organization and synthesis of cytoskeletal proteins of organ and tissue cultured lens epithelial cells

A water soluble growth inhibitor was isolated from the mammalian ocular iris-ciliary complex. The molecular weight of this protein is 10 kD or lower as determined by ultrafiltration fractionation. The iris-ciliary (IC) complex water soluble protein(s) significantly inhibits synthesis of lower molecular weight proteins of the epithelial cells of the organ cultured mammalian ocular lens. It was also found that this inhibitory effect of IC is mediated via the structural organization of the lens. Monolayer cultures of the lens epithelial cells exposed to IC did not manifest any inhibition of their protein synthesis. Moreover, these tissue cultured lens epithelial (TCLE) cells showed a significant increase in their protein synthetic activities in response to the presence of IC factors in the culture medium. It is postulated that the IC activity is modulated via either the lens capsule, an extracellular matrix, or due to the specific organization of the intact lens. The specific effects of IC on the cytoskeletal organization and synthesis in the organ cultured lens epithelial (OCLE) and TCLE cells were also examined. Both groups, treated with IC factors, manifested significant alterations in their protein synthetic activities and cytoskeletal architecture. The 3H-leucine incorporation experiments showed that alpha-actin and alpha-tubulin synthesis is partially inhibited by IC factors in OCLE cells but vimentin synthesis is not, whereas in TCLE cells all of them showed increased synthesis in response to IC factors. Turnover rates of these proteins in both OCLE and TCLE cells were also computed. The immunofluorescence and microscopic evaluation of OCLE and TCLE cells exposed to IC factors illustrated significant alteration in the cytoarchitecture of the filaments. We demonstrate that an inhibitor(s) molecule of 10 kD or lower size isolated from IC inhibited protein synthesis of OCLE cells and stimulated protein synthesis in TCLE cells. The IC factor also affects the synthesis and organization of cytoskeletal filaments of both the OCLE and TCLE cells.

The role of cell swelling in the stimulation of glycogen synthesis by insulin

In hepatocyte cultures, insulin stimulates cellular accumulation of K+, partly (approximately 20%) by net replacement of cell Na+, but largely (approximately 80%) by increasing the cell K++Na+ content, with a consequent increase in cell volume. An increase in cation content occurred within 5 min of exposure to insulin and was not secondary to metabolic changes. Insulin also increased the cation content, by increasing the Na+ content, in a K(+)-free medium or when K+ uptake was inhibited with 1 mM-ouabain. However, insulin did not increase the cation content in a Na(+)-free medium. The stimulation of glycogen synthesis by insulin, like the increase in cation content, was blocked in a Na(+)-free medium, but not when K+ uptake was inhibited. Hypo-osmotic swelling restored the stimulation of glycogen synthesis in a Na(+)-free medium, indicating that the lack of effect of insulin in the iso-osmotic Na(+)-free medium was not due to a direct requirement for Na+ for glycogen synthesis, but to a secondary mechanism, dependent on Na+ entry, that can be mimicked by hypo-osmotic swelling. Quinine increased cell volume further and caused a further increase in glycogen synthesis. The hypothesis that cellular uptake of K+ may be part of the mechanism by which insulin controls metabolism was discounted, because inhibition of K+ uptake does not block the metabolic effects of insulin [Czech (1977) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 46, 359-384]. The present results support the hypothesis that an increase in cell cation content, and thereby cell volume, rather than K+ uptake, is part of the mechanism by which insulin stimulates glycogen synthesis in hepatocytes.

Insulin induces changes in the subcellular distribution of actin and 5'-nucleotidase

An increase in the amount of actin associated with the plasma membrane was visualized by immunocytochemistry 5 min after the addition of insulin to Krebs II ascites tumour cells maintained in serum-free medium. At 1 h of incubation the rim of fluorescence at the plasma membrane as measured by image analysis, was about 30% more intense than in control cells indicating that the initial accumulation of actin at the plasma membrane was not of a transient nature. Since an increase in the total cellular actin content in ascites cells did not occur until after a lag period of about 15 min then the increased amount of actin at the plasma membrane seen at 5 min was attributed to a stimulation of the polymerization of actin. An increase in the association of actin at the plasma membrane was also observed in 3T3 fibroblasts in areas of membrane ruffling, while in some cells there was also increased actin accumulation in the perinuclear area. The putative plasma membrane-microfilament linking protein 5'-nucleotidase was shown to be present in association with actin in the cytoskeletal fraction. Incubation of cells with insulin resulted in a shift of the enzyme toward the bottom of gradients indicating association with actin filaments of a greater length. The results demonstrate that insulin causes a stimulation of actin polymerization and that the hormone can be therefore assigned a role in the regulation of the cytoskeleton.

Autographa californica M nuclear polyhedrosis virus and cytochalasin D: antagonists in the regulation of protein synthesis

During infection by the baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV), synthesis of host proteins in IPLB-Sf-21 cells is inhibited. We report here that cytochalasin D (CD), a drug that specifically interacts with actin, behaved as an antagonist in the virus-mediated shutdown of host proteins actin and tubulin. In uninfected cells, CD caused an increase in actin synthesis but had no apparent effect on tubulin synthesis. In infected cells, CD similarly enhanced actin synthesis early in infection and delayed the virus shutoff of actin synthesis by 14 hr. The shutoff of tubulin synthesis was delayed by 8 hr. Addition of CD to infected cells after host protein synthesis ceased resulted in an induction of actin synthesis reversing viral inhibitory effects. Similarly, the removal of CD resulted in virus-induced inhibition of actin synthesis. Treatment of infected cells with CD caused a delay in the onset and/or shutoff of at least five viral proteins and inhibited the amplification of polyhedrin synthesis by at least 8 hr.

Actin cytoskeletal network in aging and cancer

The cytoskeleton is being recognized as an important modulator of metabolic functions of the cell. The actin cytoskeletal network, in particular, is involved in events regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. The state of actin in a variety of cell types is regulated by signals arising from the cell surface through a wide spectrum of interactions. In this review, we explore the role of actin cytoskeletal network in a series of events which are known to influence cell proliferation and differentiation. These include interaction of actin network with extracellular matrix proteins, cell surface membranes, second messengers, cytoplasmic enzymes and the nucleus. Because of the involvement of the actin network in such diverse interactions, we propose that alterations in the actin cytoskeletal function may be an important aspect of generalized decrease in cellular functions associated with aging. Preliminary data indicate that alterations in the cytoskeletal network do occur in cells obtained from older individuals. Alterations in actin state are also reported during malignant transformation of cells in culture, and in naturally occurring tumors. Taken together, the existing data seem to suggest that changes in the actin cytoskeletal network may be a part of the aging process as well as malignant transformation. Therefore, the study of the actin cytoskeletal network and its regulation has the potential to yield important information regarding cellular senescence and neoplastic transformation.

Disruption of the cytoskeleton with cytochalasin D induces c-fos gene expression

The treatment of exponentially growing HeLa cells and quiescent WI-38 cells with cytochalasin D, which disrupts the cytoskeletal microfilaments, results in a rapid and marked increase in the transcription of the c-fos protooncogene with a concomitant increase in c-fos mRNA steady-state levels. Transcription of rRNA, HLA-B7, and H4 histone genes was not significantly affected by the drug treatment. These results suggest that the nucleus can respond to signals related to the structural organization of the cytoskeleton and selectively adjust the regulation of gene expression.

Actin gene expression in murine erythroleukemia cells treated with cytochalasin D

The expression of cytoskeletal protein genes may be linked to both cell growth and the status of the cytoskeleton. Actin gene expression was examined in murine erythroleukemia cells treated with the microfilament disrupting agent, cytochalasin D (CD), at a concentration which was determined to inhibit cell growth and arrest cells in the S and G1 phase of the cell cycle. Levels of actin mRNA and protein synthesis were elevated eight- and sixfold, respectively, after 9 h in CD. This increase was reflected in levels of nuclear run-on actin transcripts and prevented by actinomycin D, suggesting that enhanced transcription of the actin gene was responsible for the increase. Removal of CD resulted in immediate resumption of cell cycle progression with the accumulation of a G2-phase-enriched population and a rapid return of actin mRNA and protein synthesis to control levels (half-life 4.8 h). These results are consistent with a model linking actin gene expression to cell growth by regulating transcription during the G1 and mRNA decay during the G2 phase of the cell cycle.

The growth-regulated gene 1B6 is identified as the heavy chain of calpactin I

The expression of 1B6, a growth-regulated sequence isolated from a Syrian hamster fibroblast cDNA library, was studied in BALB/c 3T3 cells. The level of cytoplasmic 1B6 mRNA (1600 bases) was low in quiescent cells and plateaued in mid/late G1 after the cells were stimulated with 15% fetal calf serum (FCS). Protein synthesis was not required for the induction of 1B6 mRNA; therefore, the expression of 1B6 is a primary response to serum stimulation. The induction of 1B6 mRNA was also observed after stimulation with insulin, epidermal growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor but not with platelet-derived growth factor. When quiescent cells were serum-stimulated, the percentage of cells that became committed to enter DNA synthesis was proportional to the length of their incubation with serum. To determine if 1B6 expression was also correlated with the time of exposure to serum, quiescent cells were stimulated with a pulse of 15% FCS and the abundance level of 1B6 induced by that pulse was determined. The amount of 1B6 mRNA increased with increasing time of exposure to serum and paralleled the increase in the percentage of nuclei that were induced into DNA synthesis by the serum pulse. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence of the p1B6 cDNA to the GenBank database revealed a striking identity of 1B6 to the 3' end of p36, the heavy chain of calpactin I. The previous characterization of p36 as a substrate for tyrosine kinases suggests a possible role for 1B6/p36 in cell proliferation.

Differences in inhibition by IDF45 (an inhibitory diffusible factor) of early RNA synthesis stimulation induced by pp60 v-src and various mitogens

Factors inhibiting cell growth have been isolated from different cell types. However, little information is available concerning their mode of action. A novel growth inhibitory factor of 45 kDa (IDF45) was recently purified to homogeneity from medium conditioned by 3T3 cells. This molecule was able to inhibit DNA synthesis and the growth of chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF) in a reversible manner. By contrast, DNA synthesis stimulated by v-src expression in CEF was poorly inhibited by IDF45. In order to gain further insight into the IDF45 mode of action in normal and transformed CEF, we compared the effects of IDF45 on early stimulation of RNA synthesis induced in CEF by different mitogenic factors and by v-src gene expression. Stimulation, by serum, of RNA synthesis was inhibited by IDF45; however, inhibition increased when cells were preincubated with IDF45 before addition of serum and cell labeling for 2 h. IDF45 was also able to inhibit partially the stimulation of RNA synthesis induced by PMA and PDGF but was unable to inhibit stimulation of RNA synthesis induced by insulin and v-src expression. By contrast, stimulation of RNA synthesis induced by IGF-I was rapidly 100% inhibited by IDF45. The effect of IDF45 on DNA synthesis stimulated by the different mitogens was also determined and was correlated with the effect of IDF45 on RNA synthesis. These results suggest that the modes of action of IDF45 on stimulation of RNA synthesis by v-src and by insulin are similar. Our present results agree with others showing the bifunctional activity of IDF45 as an IGF-binding protein and as an inhibitory molecule in DNA stimulation induced by serum.

Ligand-induced association of epidermal growth factor receptor to the cytoskeleton of A431 cells

Recently, we have obtained evidence in favor of a structural interaction between the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and the Triton X-100-insoluble cytoskeleton of epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. Here we present a further analysis of the properties of EGF receptors attached to the cytoskeleton. Steady-state EGF binding studies, analyzed according to the Scatchard method, showed that A431 cells contain two classes of EGF-binding sites: a high-affinity site with an apparent dissociation constant (KD) of 0.7 nM (7.5 x 10(4) sites per cell) and a low-affinity site with a KD of 8.5 nM (1.9 x 10(6) sites per cell). Non-equilibrium binding studies revealed the existence of two kinetically distinguishable sites: a fast-dissociating site, with a dissociation rate constant (k-1) of 1.1 x 10(-3) s-1 (1.0-1.3 x 10(6) sites per cell) and a slow-dissociating site, with a k-1 of 3.5 x 10(-5) s-1 (0.6-0.7 x 10(6) sites per cell). The cytoskeleton of A431 cells was isolated by Triton X-100 extraction. Scatchard analysis revealed that approximately 5% of the original number of receptors were associated with the cytoskeleton predominantly via high-affinity sites (KD = 1.5 nM). This class of receptors is further characterized by the presence of a fast-dissociating component (k-1 = 2.0 x 10(-3) s-1) and a slow-dissociating component (k-1 = 9.1 x 10(-5) s-1). The distribution between fast and slow sites of the cytoskeleton was similar to that of intact cells (65% fast and 35% slow sites). Incubation of A431 cells for 2 h at 4 degrees C in the presence of EGF resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of EGF receptors associated to the cytoskeleton. These newly cytoskeleton-associated receptors appeared to represent low-affinity binding sites (KD = 7 nM). Dissociation kinetics also revealed an increase of fast-dissociating sites. These results indicate that at 4 degrees C EGF induces the binding of low-affinity, fast-dissociating sites to the cytoskeleton of A431 cells.