BackgroundAmbient ne particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) is one of the main environmental air pollutants that closely related to the development of lung cancer, but the mechanisms are unclear.
ResultsIn this study, A549 cells were exposed to ambient PM 2.5 to investigate the alterations of biological behaviors, and the possible role of miR-582-3p in the effects was further explored. The ndings showed that that PM 2.5 exposure could signi cantly enhance the biological behaviors of A549 cells, and promote their EMT transformation, especially at relatively low doses. Over-activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and increased expression of miR-582-3p were also found in A549 cells after PM 2.5 exposure.After the knockdown of miR-582-3p in A549 cells, the effects of PM 2.5 on malignant biological behavior changes, EMT and the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were all signi cantly alleviated. Furthermore, the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway also inhibited the EMT process of A549 cells, which was rescued by the overexpression of miR-582-3p.
ConclusionThis study showed that ambient PM 2.5 can up-regulate the expression of miR-582-3p, consequently activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby enhance EMT transformation and promote the malignant biological behaviors of A549 cells. These ndings provide evidence for further research into the mechanisms by which exposure to PM 2.5 in the environment promotes lung cancer.