New Functional Proteins Identified by Proteomic Analysis in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-mediated Signaling Pathway and Application for Practical Use

To clarify the whole picture of epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling pathway, we identified proteins from the EGF-stimulated A431 cells by anti-phospho-tyrosine antibody column chromatography. Over 150 proteins were detected including previously unidentified proteins as well as well-studied proteins. Among these proteins, we picked up four proteins that had not been known in EGF signaling pathway and analyzed their functions. We report the functions of these proteins in this article. 1) CFBP interacts with CD2AP family proteins and functions as a key component in downregulation of EGF receptor protein level following EGF stimulation. 2) Ymer is found to be phosphorylated and ubiquitinated upon EGF stimulation, and functions as a regulator for the downregulation and endocytosis of EGF receptor. 3) CLPABP binds to mitochondria-specific phospholipids, cardiolipin, through its PH domain, and its complex includes various proteins related to mRNA metabolism. 4) GAREM is associated with Grb2 and Shp2. Each association affects the ERK activity. Finally, we discuss the possibilities that these proteins can be used as a novel biomarker protein for cancer and other diseases.