Inhibition of epidermal growth factor-dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation by phorbol myristate acetate is mediated by protein tyrosine phosphatase activity

Abstract

Incubation of HER 14 cells with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) decreases epidermal growth factor (EGF)-dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation, except for a 40-kDa MAP kinase II-like protein, whose tyrosine phosphorylation is further enhanced. The inhibitory effect of PMA on EGF-dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation is reversed if cells are pre-incubated with a combination of Na3VO4 and NaF, two known inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase activity. Protein tyrosine phosphatase activity of cell homogenate was measured on immunopurified EGF receptor, and was found to be enhanced in PMA-treated cells. These data suggest that the inhibitory effect of PMA on EGF-dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation in HER14 cells may be mediated by protein tyrosine phosphatase activity.