Expression and Functional Role of NAD(P)H:quinone Oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in Glycidyl Methacrylate-Induced Malignant Transformation of Lung Epithelial Cells

NQO1 expression was measured by reverse transcription quantitative PCR and Western blotting. After siRNA-mediated NQO1 knockdown, proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were analyzed. Intracellular reactive oxygen species were detected using 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, and the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway was examined, with N-acetyl-L-cysteine used to modulate oxidative stress.

Long-term GMA exposure induced stable malignant phenotypes with increased migration, invasion, and proliferation and tumor formation in vivo. NQO1 mRNA and protein levels were markedly upregulated in transformed cells . NQO1 knockdown significantly suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis .

GMA increased ROS and upregulated Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, whereas NAC reduced ROS and downregulated pathway proteins. NQO1 was also highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma cells and tissues , suggesting that it may promote malignant progression through the ROS-mediated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.