EGF-stimulated signaling by means of PI3K, PLCgamma1, and PKC isozymes regulates branching morphogenesis of the fetal mouse submandibular gland.

Branching morphogenesis of fetal mouse submandibular glands (SMGs) partly depends on the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor that triggers at least three intracellular signaling pathways involving (1) the mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK-1/2, (2) phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1), and (3) phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K). PLCgamma1 directly activates protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes; PI3K stimulates protein kinase B (PKB, also known as Akt), which ultimately activates PKCs and other proteins. We reported that the pattern of phosphorylation of ERK-1/2 in response to EGF in SMGs varies with fetal age and that blockade of EGF-stimulated ERK-1/2 signaling partially inhibits branching (Kashimata et al. [2000] Dev. Biol. 220:183-196). Here, we report on components of the PLCgamma1, PI3K, and PKC families of signaling molecules in fetal SMGs from the 13th day of gestation to postnatal ages. Western blotting revealed that (1) PLCgamma1 is present from E13 to E18 but drops off precipitously to negligible levels on the day of birth and thereafter, and (2) PI3K, PKB(Akt), and several PKC isozymes are expressed from E13 onward through adult life. Both PLCgamma1 and PI3K are phosphorylated in response to EGF. Inhibition of PI3K by LY294002 inhibited EGF-stimulated branching, but inhibition of PLCgamma1 by U73122 had no effect. Western blotting showed that the concentrations of 8 PKC isozymes vary with age in the fetal and postnatal SMG. However, general inhibition of PKCs by Calphostin C or specific inhibition of PKCalpha or of PKCepsilon by Gö6976 or Ro-32-0432, respectively, increased EGF-stimulated branching. Calphostin C also increased EGF-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK-1/2. These findings indicate that signaling from the EGF receptor in the fetal mouse SMG varies with development and triggers stimulatory effects by means of ERK-1/2 and PI3K but inhibitory effects by means of PKC isozymes.