Detection of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors and E‐Cadherins in the Basolateral Membrane of A431 Cells by Laser Scanning Fluorescence Microscopy

Abstract

We have examined the localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors and E-cadherins in cultured A431 cells, an epidermoid carcinoma cell line, using a laser scanning fluorescence microscope. The fluorescence signals generated by monoclonal antibodies against EGF receptor and E-cadherin were localized mainly in the cell-cell contact sites, about 3 microns in width. When these areas for cell adhesion were scanned perpendicularly, fluorescence was detected from a point 4 microns from the cell base for a distance of 8 microns towards the cell surface (about 16 microns from the cell base). These data suggest the subcellular localization of EGF receptors and E-cadherins in the basolateral membrane of A431 cells.