Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2016
Abstract
Nickel compounds are known as human carcinogens. Chronic environmental exposure to nickel is a worldwide health concern. Although the mechanisms of nickel-induced carcinogenesis are not well understood, recent studies suggest that stem cells/cancer stem cells are likely important targets. This study examines the role of cancer stem cells in nickelinduced cell transformation. The nontransformed human bronchial epithelial cell line (Beas-2B) was chronically exposed to nickel chloride for 12 months to induce cell transformation. Nickel induced Beas-2B cell transformation, and cancer stemlike cells were enriched in nickel-transformed cell (BNiT) population. The BNiT cancer stem-like cells demonstrated enhanced self-renewal and distinctive differentiation properties. In vivo tumorigenesis studies show that BNiT cancer stemlike cells possess a high tumor-initiating capability. It was also demonstrated that superoxide dismutase 1 was involved in the accumulation of cancer stem-like cells; the regulation of superoxide dismutase 1 expression was different in transformed stem-like cells and nontransformed. Overall, the accumulation of stem-like cells and their enhanced stemness functions contribute to nickel-induced tumorigenesis. Our study provides additional insight into the mechanisms by which metals or other chemicals can induce carcinogenesis.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Toxicological Sciences
First Page
376
Last Page
387
Recommended Citation
Wang, L., Fan, J., Hitron, J., Son, Y., Wise, J., Roy, R., Kim, D., Dai, J., Pratheeshkumar, P., Zhang, Z., & Shi, X. (2016). Cancer stem-like cells accumulated in nickel-induced malignant transformation. Toxicological Sciences, 151 (2), 376-387. https://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfw044