Kazanietz Lab > Research Projects > Regulation
Regulation of PKC Activity by Carcinogens
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants and may be the causative agents in human lung cancer. They are procarcinogens and require metabolic activation to exert their deleterious effects. PAHs require metabolic activation to exert their carcinogenic effects. Aldo-keto reductases (AKRs) oxidize PAH trans-dihydrodiol proximate carcinogens to their corresponding reactive and redox-active o-quinones. PAH o-quinones inhibit PKC isozymes, and therefore they can have epigenetic effects that can influence tumor promotion.
