EMT and stem cell-like properties associated with HIF-2α are involved in arsenite-induced transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Arsenic is well-established as a human carcinogen, but the molecular mechanisms leading to arsenic-induced carcinogenesis are complex and elusive. It is not been determined if the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem cell-like properties contribute in causing to carcinogen-induced malignant transformation and subsequent tumor formation.

Methods

To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying EMT and the emergence of cancer stem cell-like properties during neoplastic transformation of human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells induced by chronic exposure to arsenite. HBE cells were continuously exposed to arsenite. Spheroid formation assays and analyses of side populations (SPs) were performed to confirm that arsenite induces the acquired EMT and cancer

SUBMITTER: Xu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3360629 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature