Molecular mechanisms involved in increasing epidermal growth factor receptor levels on the cell surface.

Various tissues and cell lines were analyzed to determine factors which regulate the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor level on the cell surface. At least 3 mechanisms are postulated to potentially control the EGF receptor level: gene amplification, receptor mRNA levels, and receptor half-life. The abnormal activation of any or all of these mechanisms may contribute to the high level of EGF receptors observed in squamous cell carcinomas.