FIG. 6.
Enhanced growth factor response and EGFR expression in S7ΔEx1 NPCs. (A to D) NPCs derived from wild-type (wt) and S7ΔEx1 mice were growth factor starved for 3 h and subsequently stimulated with 20 ng/ml EGF and 10 ng/ml FGF-2 for the time indicated. Cell lysates were analyzed by Western blotting for the activation of EGFR, Akt, and Erk1/2 (A to C, upper panels) and for the expression of total EGFR, Akt, and Erk1 (A to C, lower panels). (D) Levels of β-actin were determined as loading controls. (E) EGFR signaling is essential for proliferation of wild-type and S7ΔEx1 NPCs. Cells (1 × 104/ml) were plated without growth factors in the presence of the EGFR inhibitor AG1478 at the concentrations indicated. After 30 min, 20 ng/ml EGF and 10 ng/ml FGF-2 were added. Cell numbers were determined after 4 days.