NF-E2-related factor 2 serves a key function in resistance to malignant transformation of BEAS-2B cells induced by coal tar pitch.

Coal tar pitch (CTP) is a key factor in the development of occupational lung cancer. In order to investigate the function of the anti-oxidative signaling pathway regulated by NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) during cancer development, BEAS-2B cells were cultured with CTP extract for 30 passages. It was revealed that malignant transformation occurred in cells between the 20 and 30th passage. The expression levels of Nrf2 and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were promoted throughout the CTP exposure culture, and there was a positive linear correlation between the expression levels of Nrf2 and NQO1. Following knockdown of Nrf2 expression, the level of NQO1 decreased markedly and malignant transformation was more likely to occur. It was hypothesized that CTP may be toxic to BEAS-2B cells, which may lead to malignant transformation. Nrf2 was a quick response factor: Counteracting cytotoxicity by promoting the expression of anti-oxidative genes. Thus, Nrf2 was associated with the malignant transformation of BEAS-2B cells exposed to CTP and may be a potential therapeutic target.