Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Mediates Cell Proliferation Enhanced by Benzo[a]pyrene in Human Lung Cancer 3D Spheroids.

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.