PM2.5 regulates the progression of lung adenocarcinoma through the axis of HCG18, miR-195 and ATG14

Abstract

Relevant studies have indicated the association of HCG18 with tumour occurrence and progression. In this study, we observed that PM_2.5 can enhance the growth of lung adenocarcinoma cells by modulating the expression of HCG18. Further investigations, including overexpression and knockout experiments, elucidated that HCG18 suppresses miR-195, which in turn upregulates the expression of ATG14, resulting in the upregulation of autophagy. Consequently, exposure to PM_2.5 leads to elevated HCG18 expression in lung tissues, which in turn increases Atg14 expression and activates autophagy pathways through inhibition of miR-195, thereby contributing to oncogenesis.