Chronic Inhalation Exposure to Antimony Trioxide Exacerbates the MAPK Signaling in Alveolar Bronchiolar Carcinomas in B6C3F1/N Mice.

Antimony trioxide (AT) is used as a flame retardant in fabrics and plastics. Occupational exposure in miners and smelters is mainly through inhalation and dermal contact. Chronic inhalation exposure to AT particulates in B6C3F1/N mice and Wistar Han rats resulted in increased incidences and tumor multiplicities of alveolar/bronchiolar carcinomas (ABCs). In this study, we demonstrated Kras (43%) and Egfr (46%) hotspot mutations in mouse lung tumors (n = 80) and only Egfr (50%) mutations in rat lung tumors (n = 26). Interestingly, there were no differences in the incidences of these mutations in ABCs from rats and mice at exposure concentrations that did and did not exceed the pulmonary overload threshold. There was increased expression of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (Erk1/2) protein in ABCs harboring mutations in Kras and/or Egfr, confirming the activation of MAPK signaling. Transcriptomic analysis indicated significant alterations in MAPK signaling such as ephrin receptor signaling and signaling by Rho-family GTPases in AT-exposed ABCs. In addition, there was significant overlap between transcriptomic data from mouse ABCs due to AT exposure and human pulmonary adenocarcinoma data. Collectively, these data suggest chronic AT exposure exacerbates MAPK signaling in ABCs and, thus, may be translationally relevant to human lung cancers.

Roundup® confers cytotoxicity through DNA damage and Mitochondria-Associated apoptosis induction.

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are the most widely used pesticides in the world. The extensive use of them increases the potential human health risk, including the human inhalation toxicity risk. We studied the effect of the most famous GBH Roundup® (RDP) in the concentration range from 50 to 125 µg/mL on Mitochondria-Associated apoptosis and DNA damage in Human alveolar carcinoma cells (A549 cells). Alkaline comet assay, immunofluorescence assay and Flow Cytometric Analysis assay were employed to detect DNA damages and apoptosis of A549 cells. We found RDP caused concentration-dependent increases in DNA damages and proportion of apoptotic cells in A549 cells. RDP induced the DNA single-strand breaks and double-strand breaks; the collapse of mitochondrial membrane by increasing Bax/Bcl-2, resulting in the release of cytochrome c into cytosol and then activated caspase-9/-3, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in human lung tissue cells. The results demonstrate that RDP can induce A549 cells cytotoxic effects in vitro at the concentration lower than the occupational exposures level of workers, which means RDP has a potential threat to human health.

Detection of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Gene Mutation in Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Tissue by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Single Strand Conformational Polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Northeastern Region of Thailand

Background: The use of targeted specific genes in therapeutic and treatment decisions has been considered for lung cancer. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, which is over expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), was considered as one of the targeted specific genes. EGFR mutations in exons 18­21, which encode a portion of the EGFR kinase domain, were found in NSCLC patients and were associated with the response of EGFRtyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Therefore, a molecular technique for EGFR mutation detection has important benefits for therapy in NSCLC patients. This study aims to determine the EGFR mutations in patients with NSCLC using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) in exons 18-21. Methods: DNA samples were extracted from formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues of NSCLC patients who attended hospital. The extracted DNA was used as a template for the EGFR gene amplification. Results: Occurrence of EGFR mutations were found in 29 out of 50 cases (58%).The frequency of EGFR mutations by first PCR at exon 18, 19, 20 and 21 were 6 (12%), 19 (38%) 20 (40%) and at 21 (42%), respectively. By PCR-SSCP, the frequencies of EGFR mutations at exon 18, 19, 20 and 21 were 3(6%), 18(36%), 23(46%) and 13(26%), respectively. All of the mutations found were in agreement with DNA sequencings. Conclusion: The high frequency of EGFR mutations in NSCLC suggests that PCR-SSCP is a efficient screening method and useful for treatment plan.

A Truncated Snail1 Transcription Factor Alters the Expression of Essential EMT Markers and Suppresses Tumor Cell Migration in a Human Lung Cancer Cell Line.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is necessary for metastasis. Zinc- finger domain-containing transcription factors, especially Snail1, bind to E-box motifs and play a crucial role in the induction and regulation of EMT. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized if C-terminal region of Snail1 (CSnail1) may competitively bind to E-box and block cancer metastasis. METHODS: The CSnail1 gene coding sequence was inserted into the pIRES2-EGFP vector. Following transfection of A549 cells with the designed construct, EMT was induced with TGF-ß1 and the expression of essential EMT markers was evaluated by real-time PCR and immunoblotting. We also monitored cell migration. RESULTS: CSnail1 inhibited TGF-ß1-induced N-cadherin and vimentin mRNA expression and increased ß-catenin expression in transfected TGF-ß1-treated A549 cells. A similar finding was obtained in western blotting. CSnail1 also blocked the migration of transfected cells in the scratch test. CONCLUSION: Transfection of A549 cells with CSnail1 alters the expression of essential EMT markers and consequently suppresses tumor cell migration. These findings confirm the capability of CSnail1 in EMT blocking and in parallel to current patents could be applied as a novel strategy in the prevention of metastasis.

Novel dihydroartemisinin derivative DHA-37 induces autophagic cell death through upregulation of HMGB1 in A549 cells.

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and its analogs are reported to possess selective anticancer activity. Here, we reported a novel DHA derivative DHA-37 that exhibited more potent anticancer activity on the cells tested. Distinct from DHA-induced apoptosis, DHA-37 triggered excessive autophagic cell death, and became the main contributor to DHA-37-induced A549 cell death. Incubation of the cells with DHA-37 but not DHA produced increased dots distribution of GFP-LC3 and expression ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I, and enhanced the formation of autophagic vacuoles as revealed by TEM. Treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA, LY294002, or chloroquine could reverse DHA-37-induced cell death. In addition, DHA-37-induced cell death was associated significantly with the increased expression of HMGB1, and knockdown of HMGB1 could reverse DHA-37-induced cell death. More importantly, the elevated HMGB1 expression induced autophagy through the activation of the MAPK signal but not PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. In addition, DHA-37 also showed a wonderful performance in A549 xenograft mice model. These findings suggest that HMGB1 as a target candidate for apoptosis-resistant cancer treatment and artemisinin-based drugs could be used in inducing autophagic cell death.

Comparative study of cyto- and genotoxic potential with mechanistic insights of tungsten oxide nano- and microparticles in lung carcinoma cells.

The exigency of semiconductor and super capacitor tungsten oxide nanoparticles (WO3 NPs) is increasing in various sectors. However, limited information on their toxicity and biological interactions are available. Hence, we explored the underlying mechanisms of toxicity induced by WO3 NPs and their microparticles (MPs) using different concentrations (0-300 µg ml-1 ) in human lung carcinoma (A549) cells. The mean size of WO3 NPs and MPs by transmission electron microscopy was 53.84 nm and 3.88 µm, respectively. WO3 NPs induced reduction in cell viability, membrane damage and the degree of induction was size- and dose-dependent. There was a significant increase in the percentage tail DNA and micronuclei formation at 200 and 300 µg ml-1 after 24 hours of exposure. The DNA damage induced by WO3 NPs could be attributed to increased oxidative stress and inflammation through reactive oxygen species generation, which correlated with the depletion of reduced glutathione content, catalase and an increase in malondialdehyde levels. Cellular uptake studies unveiled that both the particles were attached/surrounded to the cell membrane according to their size. In addition, NP inhibited the progression of the cell cycle in the G2 /M phase. Other studies such as caspase-9 and -3 and Annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate revealed that NPs induced intrinsic apoptotic cell death at 200 and 300 µg ml-1 concentrations. However, in comparison to NPs, WO3 MPs did not incite any toxic effects at the tested concentrations. Under these experimental conditions, the no-observed-significant-effect level of WO3 NPs was determined to be ≤200 µg ml-1 in A549 cells.

Celecoxib normalizes the tumor microenvironment and enhances small nanotherapeutics delivery to A549 tumors in nude mice.

Barriers presented by the tumor microenvironment including the abnormal tumor vasculature and interstitial matrix invariably lead to heterogeneous distribution of nanotherapeutics. Inspired by the close association between cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor-associated angiogenesis, as well as tumor matrix formation, we proposed that tumor microenvironment normalization by COX-2 inhibitors might improve the distribution and efficacy of nanotherapeutics for solid tumors. The present study represents the first time that celecoxib, a special COX-2 inhibitor widely used in clinics, was explored to normalize the tumor microenvironment and to improve tumor nanotherapeutics delivery using a human-derived A549 tumor xenograft as the solid tumor model. Immunofluorescence staining of tumor slices demonstrated that oral celecoxib treatment at a dose of 200 mg/kg for two weeks successfully normalized the tumor microenvironment, including tumor-associated fibroblast reduction, fibronectin bundle disruption, tumor vessel normalization, and tumor perfusion improvement. Furthermore, it also significantly enhanced the in vivo accumulation and deep penetration of 22-nm micelles rather than 100-nm nanoparticles in tumor tissues by in vivo imaging and distribution experiments and improved the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel-loaded micelles in tumor xenograft-bearing mouse models in the pharmacodynamics experiment. As celecoxib is widely and safely used in clinics, our findings may have great potential in clinics to improve solid tumor treatment.

Morphine Suppresses Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation Through the Interaction with Opioid Growth Factor Receptor: An In Vitro and Human Lung Tissue Study.

BACKGROUND: There have been inconsistent reports on whether opioids promote or inhibit lung cancer growth. In this study, we suggest that opioid growth factor receptor (OGFR), a negative regulator of cell proliferation, is a binding site of morphine and is involved in subsequent morphine-induced lung cancer growth suppression. METHODS: The expression and distribution of OGFR in human lung cancer tissues and cell lines were assessed with immunohistochemistry and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The human lung cancer cell line, H1975 (adenocarcinoma), which overexpressed OGFR but not µ-opioid receptors, was selected for further analysis to verify the interaction between morphine and OGFR and the impact of morphine on cancer cell growth. RESULTS: OGFR was expressed in lung cancer tissues and all cancer cell lines tested. Adenocarcinoma showed a higher OGFR expression than squamous cell carcinoma (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction relative quantitation value: median [interquartile range], 13.1 [9.3-20.0] vs 4.3 [2.2-6.6]; P = 0.003). OGFR expression showed an inverse correlation with cell proliferation (r = -0.92, P = 0.0001). Morphine treatment reduced the median H1975 cell number by approximately 23% (P = 0.03). Growth suppression by morphine was attenuated when OGFR was knocked down. A confocal experiment demonstrated binding of morphine to OGFR. Growth suppression by morphine occurred in the S phase of the cell cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Lung cancer tissues and cell lines express OGFR. Morphine interacts with OGFR and may suppress lung cancer progression.

Abberent expression of oncogenic and tumor-suppressive microRNAs and their target genes in human adenocarcinoma alveolar basal epithelial cells.

CONTEXT: Lung cancer is one of the most serious types of cancer that often diagnosed at advanced stage. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding molecules which silence gene expression of target gene (s) at posttranscriptional level. They are key regulators of cell cycle, apoptosis, anti-cancer drug responsiveness and metastasis. AIMS: Identification of the differential expression level of miR-15a/16, miR-21, miR-34a, miR-126, miR-128 and miR-210 in A549 cell line versus normal tissues and their correlation with selected corresponding target genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A549 cell line was cultured in F-12K medium and miRNA was extracted from normal tissues (2-3 cm adjacent to tumor tissue) and A549 cell line. cDNA was synthesized with specific stem-loop primers for each miRNA, while OligodT primer was used for target genes cDNA synthesis. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze the expression pattern of miRNAs and target genes in A549 and normal non-small cell lung carcinoma. (NSCLC) tissues. RESULTS: miR-15a/16, miR-34a, miR-126 and miR-128 were down-regulated significantly. (>2-fold change), while miR-21 and miR.210 were up-regulated in A549. Bcl-2 as miR-34a target gene was down-regulated while Hif-1α and Akt-3 were up-regulated that might be miR-210 and miR-34a target genes, respectively. CONCLUSION: The significant differential expression level of these miRNAs made them as candidate biomarkers in NSCLC tumor tissues of patients. Perhaps Bcl-2 down-regulation and Akt-3 up-regulation can be linked with survival signals in A549 cell line. We can conclude that Bcl-2 and Akt-3 might be therapeutic targets to inhibit cell proliferation in NSCLC.

Persistent effects of Libby amphibole and amosite asbestos following subchronic inhalation in rats.

BACKGROUND: Human exposure to Libby amphibole (LA) asbestos increases risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and non-malignant respiratory disease. This study evaluated potency and time-course effects of LA and positive control amosite (AM) asbestos fibers in male F344 rats following nose-only inhalation exposure. METHODS: Rats were exposed to air, LA (0.5, 3.5, or 25.0 mg/m(3) targets), or AM (3.5 mg/m(3) target) for 10 days and assessed for markers of lung inflammation, injury, and cell proliferation. Short-term results guided concentration levels for a stop-exposure study in which rats were exposed to air, LA (1.0, 3.3, or 10.0 mg/m(3)), or AM (3.3 mg/m(3)) 6 h/day, 5 days/week for 13 weeks, and assessed 1 day, 1, 3, and 18 months post-exposure. Fibers were relatively short; for 10 mg/m(3) LA, mean length of all structures was 3.7 µm and 1% were longer than 20 µm. RESULTS: Ten days exposure to 25.0 mg/m(3) LA resulted in significantly increased lung inflammation, fibrosis, bronchiolar epithelial cell proliferation and hyperplasia, and inflammatory cytokine gene expression compared to air. Exposure to 3.5 mg/m(3) LA resulted in modestly higher markers of acute lung injury and inflammation compared to AM. Following 13 weeks exposure, lung fiber burdens correlated with exposure mass concentrations, declining gradually over 18 months. LA (3.3 and 10.0 mg/m(3)) and AM produced significantly higher bronchoalveolar lavage markers of inflammation and lung tissue cytokines, Akt, and MAPK/ERK pathway components compared to air control from 1 day to 3 months post-exposure. Histopathology showed alveolar inflammation and interstitial fibrosis in all fiber-exposed groups up to 18 months post-exposure. Positive dose trends for incidence of alveolar epithelial hyperplasia and bronchiolar/alveolar adenoma or carcinoma were observed among LA groups. CONCLUSIONS: Inhalation of relatively short LA fibers produced inflammatory, fibrogenic, and tumorigenic effects in rats which replicate essential attributes of asbestos-related disease in exposed humans. Fiber burden, inflammation, and activation of growth factor pathways may persist and contribute to lung tumorigenesis long after initial LA exposure. Fiber burden data are being used to develop a dosimetry model for LA fibers, which may provide insights on mode of action for hazard assessment.

Downregulation of LRRC8A protects human ovarian and alveolar carcinoma cells against Cisplatin-induced expression of p53, MDM2, p21Waf1/Cip1, and Caspase-9/-3 activation.

The leucine-rich repeat containing 8A (LRRC8A) protein is an essential component of the volume-sensitive organic anion channel (VSOAC), and using pharmacological anion channel inhibitors (NS3728, DIDS) and LRRC8A siRNA we have investigated its role in development of Cisplatin resistance in human ovarian (A2780) and alveolar (A549) carcinoma cells. In Cisplatin-sensitive cells Cisplatin treatment increases p53-protein level as well as downstream signaling, e.g., expression of p21(Waf1/Cip1), Bax, Noxa, MDM2, and activation of Caspase-9/-3. In contrast, Cisplatin-resistant cells do not enter apoptosis, i.e., their p53 and downstream signaling are reduced and caspase activity unaltered following Cisplatin exposure. Reduced LRRC8A expression and VSOAC activity are previously shown to correlate with Cisplatin resistance, and here we demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition and transient knockdown of LRRC8A reduce the protein level of p53, MDM2, and p21(Waf1/Cip1) as well as Caspase-9/-3 activation in Cisplatin-sensitive cells. Cisplatin resistance is accompanied by reduction in total LRRC8A expression (A2780) or LRRC8A expression in the plasma membrane (A549). Activation of Caspase-3 dependent apoptosis by TNFα-exposure or hyperosmotic cell shrinkage is almost unaffected by pharmacological anion channel inhibition. Our data indicate 1) that expression/activity of LRRC8A is essential for Cisplatin-induced increase in p53 protein level and its downstream signaling, i.e., Caspase-9/-3 activation, expression of p21(Waf1/Cip1) and MDM2; and 2) that downregulation of LRRC8A-dependent osmolyte transporters contributes to acquirement of Cisplatin resistance in ovarian and lung carcinoma cells. Activation of LRRC8A-containing channels is upstream to apoptotic volume decrease as hypertonic cell shrinkage induces apoptosis independent of the presence of LRRC8A.

No evidence for viral sequences in five lepidic adenocarcinomas (former "BAC") by a high-throughput sequencing approach.

BACKGROUND: The hypothesis of an infectious etiology of the formerly named bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma (BAC) has raised controversy. We investigated tumor lung tissues from five patients with former BAC histology using high-throughput sequencing technologies to discover potential viruses present in this type of lung cancer. Around 180 million single reads of 100 bases were generated for each BAC sample. RESULTS: None of the reads showed a significant similarity for Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and no other viruses were found except for endogenous retroviruses. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we have demonstrated the absence of JSRV and other known human viruses in five samples of well-characterized lepidic adenocarcinoma.

Kras, Egfr, and Tp53 Mutations in B6C3F1/N Mouse and F344/NTac Rat Alveolar/Bronchiolar Carcinomas Resulting from Chronic Inhalation Exposure to Cobalt Metal.

Rodent lung tumors are morphologically similar to a subtype of human lung adenocarcinomas. The objective of this study was to evaluate Kirsten rat sarcoma oncogene homolog (Kras), epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr), and tumor protein 53 (Tp53) mutations, which are relevant to human lung cancer, in cobalt metal dust (CMD)-induced alveolar/bronchiolar tumors of B6C3F1/N mice and F344/NTac rats. Kras mutations were detected in 67% (mice) and 31% (rats) of CMD-induced lung tumors and were predominantly exon 1 codon 12 G to T transversions (80% in mice and 57% in rats). Egfr mutations were detected in 17% (both mice and rats) of CMD-induced lung tumors and were predominantly in exon 20 with 50% G to A transitions (mice and rats). Tp53 mutations were detected in 19% (mice) and 23% (rats) of CMD-induced lung tumors and were predominant in exon 5 (mice, 69% transversions) and exon 6 (rats, all transitions). No mutations were observed for these genes in spontaneous lung tumors or normal lungs from untreated controls. Ames assay indicated that CMD is mutagenic in the absence but not in the presence of S9 mix. Thus, the mutation data (G to T transversions) and Ames assay results suggest that oxidative damage to DNA may be a contributing factor in CMD-induced pulmonary carcinogenesis in rodents.

Frequency of EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer patients: screening data from West Siberia.

BACKGROUND: Incorporation of molecular analysis of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene into routine clinical practice has shown great promise to provide personalized therapy of the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the developed world. However, the genetic testing of EGFR mutations has not yet become routine clinical practice in territories remote from the central regions of Russia. Therefore, we aimed to study the frequency of major types of activating mutations of the EGFR gene in NSCLC patients residing in West Siberia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined EGFR mutations in exons 19 and 21 in 147 NSCLC patients (excluding squamous cell lung carcinomas) by real time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: EGFR mutations were detected in 28 of the 147 (19%) patients. There were 19 (13%) cases with mutations in exon 19 and 9 cases (6%) in exon 21. Mutations were more frequently observed in women (42%, p=0.000) than in men (1%). A significantly higher incidence of EGFR mutations was observed in bronchioloalveolar carcinomas (28%, p=0.019) and in adenocarcinomas (21%, p=0.024) than in large cell carcinomas, mixed adenocarcinomas, and NOS (4%). The EGFR mutation rate was much higher in never-smokers than in smokers: 38% vs. 3% (p=0.000). The frequency of EGFR mutations in the Kemerovo and Tomsk regions was 19%. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of molecular analysis of the EGFR gene into routine clinical practice will allow clinicians to provide personalised therapy, resulting in a significant increase in survival rates and improvement in life quality of advanced NSCLC patients.

Efficacy analysis of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on rare non-small cell lung cancer patients harboring complex EGFR mutations.

The efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is related to EGFR mutations. Although the p.L858R point mutation in exon 21 and the in-frame deletion mutation in exon 19 are well known, efficacy of EGFR-TKI in patients with more than one EGFR mutation is not well understood. 799 NSCLC patients were screened for EGFR mutations. Of the 799 patients, 443 (55.4%) had mutations, out of which 22 (2.75%) had multiple complex mutations. Most multiple mutations (20/22) harbored common mutations such as the p.L858R point mutation in exon 21 and the in-frame deletion mutation in exon 19. 11 out of 22 patients who had multiple EGFR mutations underwent TKI therapy and primary end-points of progression free and overall survival were determined. Our analysis revealed that cases with multiple mutations had similar end-point outcomes as single mutation to TKI therapy. Report of these cases will be helpful in decision making for treatment of NSCLC patients harboring multiple EGFR mutations.

Evaluation of the new IASLC/ATS/ERS proposed classification of adenocarcinoma based on lepidic pattern in patients with pathological stage IA pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The International association for the study of cancer (IASLC)/American thoracic society (ATS)/European respiratory society (ERS) has established a new subclassification of lung adenocarcinoma, especially for the lepidic pattern component, formerly called bronchioloalveolar adenocarcinoma (BAC). According to the new classification, BAC has been classified into the following 4 main subtypes: adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), invasive adenocarcinoma (IA), and variants of invasive adenocarcinoma (VIA). An observational study was conducted to validate this classification in patients with pathological stage IA pulmonary adenocarcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 147 patients treated for pathological stage IA lung adenocarcinoma by complete resection at Osaka University Medical Hospital from January 1993 to December 2002 were assessed. The tumor specimens of the cohort were classified into the 4 subgroups. In addition, these groups were compared for various prognostic factors. RESULTS: Adenocarcinoma in situ was observed in 30 patients, MIA in 8, IA in 104, and VIA in 5 patients, with 5-year survival rates of 100, 100, 85.5, and 60.0 %, respectively. The relationship between the histological classification and K-ras mutation was significant (p < 0.001), especially when comparing the VIA group with the others (p ≪ 0.001). Ki67-labeling indices were significantly different between the AIS and IA groups (p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: This study validated the proposed IASLC/ATS/ERS classification for pulmonary adenocarcinoma in patients with pathological stage IA pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The difference between AIS and IA may depend on the proliferation of the carcinoma. In addition, the difference between VIA and the other adenocarcinoma types may depend on genetic factors, especially K-ras mutations.

CXCL16 and CXCR6 are coexpressed in human lung cancer in vivo and mediate the invasion of lung cancer cell lines in vitro.

Despite advances in early diagnosis and multimodality therapy for cancers, most of lung cancer patients have been locally advanced or metastatic at the time of diagnosis, suggesting the highly progressive characteristic of lung cancer cells. The mechanisms underling invasiveness and metastasis of lung cancer are yet to be elucidated. In the present study, immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of CXCL16-CXCR6 in human lung cancer tissues. It was demonstrated that similar to CXCL12 and CXCR4, CXCL16 and CXCR6 were also coexpressed in human primary lung cancer tissues. After confirming the functional existence of CXCL16 and CXCR6 protein in A549, 95D and H292 cells by ELSA and flow cytometry analysis, we further explored the significance of CXCL16-CXCR6 axis in the biological functions of lung cancer cell lines in vitro. It was found that CXCL16 had no effects on the PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) expression of A549, 95D and H292 cells. However, both exogenous CXCL16 and CM (conditioned medium from A549, 95D or H292) significantly improved the in vitro viability and invasion of three lung cancer cell lines. The neutralizing antibody to CXCL16 or down-regulation of CXCR6 was able to inhibit the increased viability and invasiveness of A549, 95D and H292 cells stimulated by CXCL16 or CM. Our results imply that CXCL16-CXCR6 axis is involved in the regulation of viability and invasion rather than PCNA expression of lung caner cells, which opens the door for better understanding the mechanisms of lung tumor progression and metastasis.