Proteomic analyses of arsenic-induced cell transformation with SELDI-TOF ProteinChip technology

In this study, we demonstrated that low levels (1.5 microM) of arsenite induces B[a]P-treated lung cell transformation. We then used a proteomic approach to identify protein expression by ProteinChips, which could potentially be important for transformation induced by this toxic metal. Most of the protein peaks in cell extracts of all samples, including the control, B[a]P-treated, and B[a]P + As-treated cells are identical. However, surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight (SELDI-TOF) analysis with Cu-ProteinChips and WCX-ProteinChips revealed several dramatically different protein peaks that appeared in lung cells after being transformed by a treatment of 1.5 microM arsenite for 12 weeks. SAX2 ProteinChip also identified a prominent protein peak that was preferentially expressed in control cells. Interestingly, by using a SAX2 chip, we were able to detect several protein peaks that increased their expression in lung epithelial cells (LEC) treated with only B[a]P. Identification and characterization of these proteins may reveal the molecular basis of As-induced cell transformation and provide insight into the mechanisms by which arsenic induces carcinogenesis.