Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) functions in cooperative integrin-growth factor receptor mediated signaling to control cell survival and proliferation. The effect of tyrosine kinase inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on radiation survival and growth was valuated in human FaDu squamous cell carcinoma cells expressing different forms of ILK as well as in ILK wildtype and ILK knockout fibroblasts. The data demonstrate a prosurvival role of adhesion and an antisurvival role of ILK upon irradiation. Inhibition of EGFR-tyrosine kinase does not affect the intrinsic cellular radiosensitivity of cells grown on fibronectin. Thus, simultaneous targeting of adhesion and growth factor receptor-mediated signaling might potently improve anticancer strategies.
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