Metabolic mechanisms of naphthalene toxicity in lung

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 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Naphthalene (NA) is an acute respiratory toxicant and a potential human lung carcinogen. Human exposure to NA is widespread, but human susceptibility to NA toxicity is poorly understood. The verdict on human susceptibility to NA toxicity will have a significant impact on public health, could save many lives, but involves economic costs. The overall theme of this ViCTER program is to study mechanisms of lung toxicity, including tolerance, induced by NA, in order to improve assessment of human lung cancer risks from NA and other related toxicants. Three Aims are proposed, 1) to define whether NA is a genotoxic carcinogen through a direct mechanism; 2) to test the role of inflammatory cell estrogen production in NA-induced lung toxicity and tolerance; and 3) to identify cellular stress response for NA-induced lung toxicity and tolerance. These Aims significantly expand the scope of the current project by studying molecular and cellular events downstream of the initial bio-activation step, while the parent grant is focused on the NA bio-activation step. The consortium allows extensive collaborations among the participants, in sharing of animal models, unique skills (e.g., airway dissection), instruments, and molecular, cellular, and genotoxic perspectives. Data from the Aims will provide complementary views of the complex, multi-step process of NA-induced tissue damage and repair that lead to preneoplastic changes and eventual carcinogenesis. Aim 1 will provide much needed data on whether NA induces stable DNA adducts in the lung in vivo, and will translate our studies to a more human-like model system. The results would drive risk estimation, guide future mechanistic studies, and provide methodology and approaches for testing other carcinogens. Aim 2 will produce a novel knockout mouse model and establish role of macrophage-derived estrogen in NA-induced hyper proliferative response and tolerance, which precedes development of hyperplastic/dysplastic nodules. Aim 3 will identify the specific reactive oxygen species damage driving acute lung toxicity and signaling pathways that allow for NA-induced tolerance. The results would provide insight for potential mitigating agents and biomarkers for future translational studies to identify and protect at-risk individuals.