Exosome production and its regulation of EGFR during wound healing in renal tubular cells

In this study, we examined the relationship between exosome production and EGFR activation and the potential role of exosome in wound healing. EGFR activation occurred shortly after scratch wounding in renal tubular cells. Wound repair after scratching was significantly promoted by EGF and suppressed by EGFR inhibitor gefitinib. Interestingly, scratch wounding induced a significant increase of exosome production. The exosome production was decreased by EGF and increased by gefitinib, suggesting a suppressive role of EGFR signaling in exosome production. Conversely, inhibition of exosome release by GW4869 and manumycin A markedly increased EGFR activation and promoted wound healing. Moreover, exosomes derived from scratch-wounding cells could inhibit wound healing. Collectively, the results indicate that wound healing in renal tubular cells is associated with EGFR activation and exosome production. Although EGFR activation promotes wound healing, released exosomes may antagonize EGFR activation and wound healing.

Source: AJP: Renal Physiology - June 1, 2017 Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Zhou, X., Zhang, W., Yao, Q., Zhang, H., Dong, G., Zhang, M., Liu, Y., Chen, J.-K., Dong, Z. Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research