Using a human bronchial epithelial cell-based malignant transformation model to explore the function of hsa-miR-200 family in the progress of PM2.5-induced lung cancer development

Numerous studies have revealed that ambient long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is significantly related to the development of lung Cancer, but the molecular mechanisms of PM_2.5 exposure-induced lung Cancer remains unknown. As an important epigenetic regulator, MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in responding to environment exposure and various diseases including lung Cancer development. Here we constructed a PM_2.5-induced malignant transformed cell model and found that miR-200 family, especially miR-200a-3p, was involved in the process of PM_2.5 induced lung Cancer. Further investigation of the function of miR-200 family (miR-200a-3p as a representative revealed that miR-200a-3p promoted cell migration by directly suppressing TNS3 expression. These results suggested that ambient PM_2.5 exposure may increase the expression of miR-200 family and then promote the proliferation and migration of lung Cancer cells. Our study provided novel model and insights into the molecular mechanism of ambient PM_2.5 exposure-induced lung Cancer.

Cell migration; Malignant transformation cell model; Particulate matter; TNS3; miR-200 family.