Figure 7. Proposed model for Gene 33 in Cr(VI)-induced lung carcinogenesis.

Cr(VI) reduces the levels of Gene 33 mRNA and protein thereby inhibiting Cr(VI)-induced DNA damage that lead to genomic instability, cell transformation and carcinogenesis. Gene 33 may also reduce lung carcinogenesis by inhibiting lung epithelial cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, and slowing down cell migration.