DNA repair gene deficiency does not predispose human bronchial epithelial cells to benzo(a)pyrene-induced cell transformation

► We established a series of defective human bronchial epithelial cell (HBE) models in DNA repair gene. ► The defective HBE cell models were more sensitive in BaP-induced DNA damages. ► The suppression of DNA repair gene could not shorten the latency of BaP-induced cell transformation. ► Silencing of a single DNA repair gene does not confer cells susceptible to chemical-induced cell transformation.