Epidermal growth factor induces redistribution of actin and alpha-actinin in human epidermal carcinoma cells.

We have examined the possibility that epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced morphological changes in human epidermoid carcinoma (A-431) cells are related to a reorganization of specific cytoskeletal elements affected by the hormone. It was found that EGF induced striking changes in the distribution of actin and a-actinin within these cells. After 30-45 min of exposure to EGF there was a marked decrease in the degree of organization of the microfilament bundles and appearance of diffuse and punctuate labeling of actin and a-actinin. These effects were transient and upon prolonged incubation for 8 h or more in the presence of EGF, the normal, well organized patterns of actin and a-actinin were restored.