Xiaohuan Gao
Tanzania
Research Article
HIF-1α and Resistance to Ionizing Radiation in Rectal Cancer
Author(s): Kelly Harris, Xiaohuan Gao, Sara Huerta-Yepez, Payal Kapur and Sergio HuertaKelly Harris, Xiaohuan Gao, Sara Huerta-Yepez, Payal Kapur and Sergio Huerta
Introduction: There is a wide range of responses to pre-operative chemoradiation (CRT) in patients with rectal cancer. Factors that dictate tumors response have not been identified. The objective of this study was to determine the role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) in in vitro and ex vivo models of rectal cancer. Methods: Levels of HIF-1α were assessed in radiosensitive (HCT-116) and a radioresistant (HT-29) cells. Radioresistant HT-29 cells were exposed to a potent radiosensitizing agent (a nitric oxide donor: DETANONOate [1 mM]) and IR followed by Western blot analysis with anti- HIF-1α antibodies. Patients with rectal cancer that were treated with CRT were separated based on good responders (≥ 50% reduction in tumor by comparing tumor size pre-operatively and postoperatively) compared to those that did not respond (<50% reduction in tumor). Bl.. View More»
