Tobacco smoke-induced lung cell proliferation mediated by tumor necrosis factor alpha converting enzyme and amphiregulin.

Cells dividing at the time of carcinogen exposure are at particular risk for neoplasia. Tobacco smoke contains numerous carcinogens and we find that smoke, in the absence of exogenous growth factors, is capable of stimulating cell proliferation. The smoke-triggered mechanism includes the generation of oxygen radicals, which in turn stimulate tumor necrosis factor alpha converting enzyme (TACE, ADAM 17 metalloproteinase) to cleave transmembrane amphiregulin, a ligand for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The binding of amphiregulin to EGFR then stimulates proliferation of lung epithelial cells. These results shed light on the pathogenesis of lung cancer, suggest novel drug targets for the reduction of cancer risk in smokers, and provide insight into how EGFR integrates responses to diverse noxious stimuli.