Conclusion
PLA may provide a new tool for detection and quantitation of EGFR homodimers in NSCLC and other tumors.
Methods
A proximity ligation assay (PLA) was applied to detect EGFR homodimers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and tissue specimens.
Results
PLA signals corresponding to EGFR homodimers were higher in NSCLC cell lines and tissue specimens positive for activating EGFR mutations than in those wild type (WT) for EGFR. Stimulation with EGF in NSCLC cells WT for EGFR or forced overexpression of EGFR in Ba/F3 cells resulted in marked EGFR homodimerization. The extent of EGFR homodimerization appeared related to that of EGFR autophosphorylation in NSCLC cells WT for EGFR.