Fig. 8: A model for the transition from sensitive cells to persister cells during EGFR kinase inhibition.

The cartoon depicts dynamic process as EGFR kinase inhibition elongates. Phenotypically, cells first remain nearly normal then experience rapid number decline and finally a small fraction transform into persister cells. Accordingly, the activity of EGFL7/NOTCH signaling is low in the first stage, increasing during the decimation phase and maintain high since then, decelerating the decline of c-Myc and ultimately contributing to the formation persister cells. Knockdown of EGFL7 largely disturbs this process and results in a lower fraction of persister cells.