Smoking carcinogen induced inflammation promotes lung carcinogenesis via IRAK4 activation

ABSTRACT: Even though smoking is associated with lung cancer, the exact molecular pathways that link carcinogens with inflammation and oncogenic transformation are not well elucidated. Nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and Benzo(α)pyrene (BaP) are two major carcinogens in cigarette smoke and have not been tested in models that mimic inhaled exposure for prolonged periods of time. We treated ICR mice with intratracheal delivery of NNK and BaP three times a week for 18 months to mimic chronic smoking exposure. Mice developed epithelial dysplasia followed by lung cancers at increased rates relative to controls. Histology revealed myeloid inflammation in murine lung tissues. Exposure of lung epithelial cells to cigarette smoking condensate led to increased production of pro-inflammatory IL-1. Downstream mediator of IL-1β signaling, Interleukin 1 receptor associated kinase–4 (IRAK4), was overexpressed in murine lung tissues exposed to carcinogens in vivo. Two-thirds of human lung cancer samples also exhibited overactivated IRAK4 expression. IRAK4 was found to localize in microtubules in lung cancer cell lines. Using mass spectrometry on isolated microtubules, we observed that IRAK4 inhibition was associated with decreased phosphorylation of tubular motility proteins including MYH9. Inhibition of IRAK4 resulted in decreased invasion in lung cancer cell lines and reduced growth of lung cancer xenografts. These data demonstrate that smoking associated carcinogens cause myeloid inflammation that can be linked to oncogenic transformation via IRAK4 activation.

INSTRUMENT(S): Orbitrap Fusion Lumos

ORGANISM(S): Homo Sapiens (human)

TISSUE(S): Lung

SUBMITTER: Simone Sidoli  

LAB HEAD: Simone Sidoli

PROVIDER: PXD053181 | Pride | 2024-10-23

REPOSITORIES: Pride