Abstract
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. microRNA expression in human bronchial epithelium cells is altered by radon, with particular reference to upregulation of miR-16, miR-15, miR-23, miR-19, miR-125, and downregulation of let-7, miR-194, miR-373, miR-124, miR-146, miR-369, and miR-652. These alterations alter cell cycle, oxidative stress, inflammation, oncogene suppression, and malignant transformation. Also DNA methylation is altered as a consequence of miR-29 modification induced by radon. Indeed miR-29 targets DNA methyltransferases causing inhibition of CpG sites methylation. Massive microRNA dysregulation occurs in the lung due to radon expose and is functionally related with the resulting lung damage. However, in humans this massive lung microRNA alterations only barely reflect onto blood microRNAs. Indeed, blood miR-19 was not found altered in radon-exposed subjects. Thus, microRNAs are massively dysregulated in experimental models of radon lung carcinogenesis. In humans these events are initially adaptive being aimed at inhibiting neoplastic transformation. Only in case of long-term exposure to radon, microRNA alterations lead towards cancer development. Accordingly, it is difficult in human to establish a microRNA signature reflecting radon exposure. Additional studies are required to understand the role of microRNAs in pathogenesis of radon-induced lung cancer.
Highlights
Lung cancer is the most common killing cancer in humans [1]
This is confirmed by the results of the Torres-Durán et al study, which showed the dependence of the degree of risk of radon-induced lung cancer on the dose of radon exposure
Epigenetic Factors in the Development of Radon-Induced Lung Cancer miRNAs are engaged in the regulation of cellular processes induced by radiation and, miRNAs can potentially be used as biomarkers to assess the degree of exposure to radiation in humans [11,85,86]
Summary
Lung cancer is the most common killing cancer in humans [1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed lung cancer as the leading cause of death worldwide. By 2030, it is estimated that the number of lung cancer deaths will rise to 10 million per year [3]. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer being responsible for approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year in USA [5]. The WHO considers radon as the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoke [4]. The epigenetic basis of lung cancer is related primarily to changes in the profile of microRNA (miRNA). We consider the change of miRNA profiles as related to radon exposure focusing on the current knowledge of epigenetic changes associated with radon exposure and lung cancer. The definition of a radon related miRNA signature represents a milestone for the secondary prevention of radon associated lung cancer in exposed populations
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
