LncRNA DUXAP10 Up-Regulation and the Hedgehog Pathway Activation Are Critically Involved in Chronic Cadmium Exposure-Induced Cancer Stem Cell-Like Property

Cadmium-induced malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelia BEAS-2B cells was accomplished by a nine-month low dose Cd exposure. The Cd-exposed cells formed significantly more colonies in soft agar, displayed CSC-like properties and formed tumors in nude mice.