Molecular and genetic changes in asbestos-related lung cancer.
Asbestos-exposure is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Asbestos is known to induce DNA and chromosomal damage as well as aberrations in signalling pathways, such as the MAPK and NF-kappaB cascades, crucial for cellular homeostasis. The alterations result from both indirect effects through e.g. reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and direct mechanical disturbances of cellular constituents. This review describes the current knowledge on genomic and pathway aberrations characterizing asbestos-related lung cancer. Specific asbestos-associated molecular signatures can assist the development of early biomarkers, molecular diagnosis, and molecular targeted treatments for asbestos-exposed lung cancer patients.
Nymark
Penny
P
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 00250 Helsinki, Finland. penny.nymark@ttl.fi
Wikman
Harriet
H
Hienonen-Kempas
Tuija
T
Anttila
Sisko
S
D001194:Asbestos / Q000633:toxicity*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004249:DNA Damage; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D017354:Point Mutation; D026361:Reactive Nitrogen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D026361:Reactive Nitrogen Species; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D001194:Asbestos