Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is activated by the ligand, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a component of smoke that is implicated in lung carcinogenesis in humans. However, the role of B[a]P and AhR in lung cancer malignancy is not well known. In this study, we analyzed the effects of B[a]P and AhR in the 3 D spheroids of human lung cancer cells in vitro. In these spheroids, B[a]P and AhR enhanced cancer cell proliferation. These results suggest that the AhR-dependent effects of B[a]P on cell proliferation may contribute to the adverse effects of continuous smoking with respect to lung cancer malignancy.
Declaration of interest
The authors declare no competing financial interest associated with this manuscript.