Nickel exposure induces persistent mesenchymal phenotype in human lung epithelial cells through epigenetic activation of ZEB1.

ABSTRACT: Nickel (Ni) is an environmental and occupational carcinogen, and exposure to Ni is associated with lung and nasal cancers in humans. Furthermore, Ni exposure is implicated in several lung diseases including chronic inflammatory airway diseases, asthma, and fibrosis. However, the mutagenic potential of Ni is low and does not correlate with its potent toxicity and carcinogenicity. Therefore, mechanisms underlying Ni exposure-associated diseases remain poorly understood. Since the health risks of environmental exposures often continue post exposure, understanding the exposure effects that persist after the termination of exposure could provide mechanistic insights into diseases. By examining the persistent effects of Ni exposure, we report that Ni induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EM

SUBMITTER: Jose CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5930076 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature