The use of NIH3T3 fibroblasts overexpressing different mutations of the EGF receptor shows that regulation of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (Fru-2,6-P-2) metabolism by EGF is mediated by the kinase activity of the EGF receptor and suggests a PLC gamma 1-mediated mechanism. The effect of several entracellular matrix components on glucose metabolism was assessed by incubating A431 cells and NIH3T3 fibroblasts with heparin, laminin, fibronectin, collagen and PG-I and PG-II proteoglycans and measuring the levels of Fru-2,6-P-2. Laminin increased the levels of Fru-2,6-P-2 and heparin decreased the levels of the metabolite, whereas the other molecules did not have any effect. No effect of laminin or heparin in glucose uptake by the cell was observed, Laminin was able to modulate the effects of EGF on Fru-2,6-P-2 concentration, suggesting cross-talk between these agents. (C) 1997 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.