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Characterization of arsenic-induced cancer stem-like cells

  • Qingshan Chang
  • , Zhuoyue Bi
  • , Yao Fu
  • , M’ Kya Anique Rice
  • , Qian Zhang
  • , Priya Wadgaonkar
  • , Bandar Almutairy
  • , Wenxian Zhang
  • , Yongju Lu
  • , Liping Xu
  • , Chitra Thukar
  • , Fei Chen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Arsenic is a well-known human carcinogen. However, the mechanisms underlying arsenic-induced carcinogenesis remain elusive. Here we show that chronic and low level of arsenic stress induces transformation of the human bronchial epithelial cells, BEAS-2B, and that some of the transformed cells show characteristics of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). Meanwhile, we demonstrate that arsenic stress dedifferentiates CD61+ BEAS-2B cells into CSC-like CD61 cells featured with noncanonical epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), enhanced chemoresistance, and metastasis. Finally, we show that oncogene c-Myc expression is associated with arsenic-induced tumor initiation and progression. Altogether, our findings highlight a unique mechanism of arsenic-induced transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells and provide a novel therapeutic target for arsenic-initiated lung cancer.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMethods in Molecular Biology
PublisherHumana Press Inc.
Pages293-303
Number of pages11
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

Publication series

NameMethods in Molecular Biology
Volume2117

Keywords

  • Arsenic
  • Cancer
  • Cancer stem cells
  • Environment
  • Transformation

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