Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Receptor Endocytosis Assay in A549 Cells

Abstract

The following endocytosis assay has been optimized to assess EGF-stimulated EGFR endocytosis; but could be modified to assess other ligand-stimulated endocytosis of plasma membrane receptors (for which fluorochrome-conjugated ligands are available to track their receptor internalization). In brief, cells are treated with fluorescent EGF at 4 °C to allow binding to the receptor, but not internalization; then, endocytosis is allowed at 37 °C for different timepoints. For the setting up of this protocol we are really indebted to Dr. Letizia Lanzetti (Lanzetti et al., 2000).