Suppression of the EGF-dependent induction of c-myc proto-oncogene expression by transforming growth factor beta in a human breast carcinoma cell line.

Alterations in c-myc proto-oncogene expression after treatment of human mammary carcinoma MDA-468 cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and/or transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) have been investigated. A stimulation of c-myc messenger RNA was detected within 60 min after treatment with EGF. This induction persisted for at least 24 hr, albeit to a lower extent. The early and late increase in c-myc mRNA levels induced by EGF were inhibited by the presence of TGF beta. TGF beta alone induced little change in c-myc mRNA levels. The effect of TGF beta represents a novel action of this hormone at the level of gene expression.