Molecular mechanisms of nickel carcinogenesis

Toxicol Lett. 2002 Feb 28;127(1-3):69-75. doi: 10.1016/s0378-4274(01)00485-4.

Abstract

Humans are exposed to carcinogenic nickel (Ni) compounds both occupationally and environmentally. In this paper, molecular mechanisms of nickel carcinogenesis are considered from the point-of-view of the uptake of nickel sulfide particles in cells, their dissolution and their effects on heterochromatin. Molecular mechanisms by which nickel induces gene silencing, DNA hypermethylation and inhibition of histone acetylation, will be discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Carcinogens / adverse effects*
  • Carcinogens / pharmacokinetics
  • Carcinogens / toxicity
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • DNA Damage
  • DNA Fragmentation / drug effects
  • DNA Methylation / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Gene Silencing / drug effects
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Nickel / adverse effects*
  • Nickel / pharmacokinetics
  • Nickel / toxicity

Substances

  • Carcinogens
  • Histones
  • Nickel