Müllerian inhibiting substance blocks autophosphorylation of the EGF receptor by inhibiting tyrosine kinase

The fetal regressor Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS), in concentrations as low as picomolar, inhibited the growth of A-431 cells and the autophosphorylation of its epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. The inhibition of membrane phosphorylation was due neither to the reduction of the total number of EGF receptor binding sites, nor to stimulation of intrinsic phosphatases, but rather to inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity. MIS control of EGF receptor autophosphorylation by tyrosine kinase may be one mechanism by which Mullerian duct regression in the embryo and the inhibition of A-431 proliferation is initiated. In addition, MIS as an inhibitor of phosphorylation may furnish a tool to probe the role of membrane phosphorylation in growth control.