Fig. 2: Downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) using small interfering RNA (siRNA) increases the radiosensitivity of radioresistant oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. | Laboratory Investigation

Fig. 2: Downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) using small interfering RNA (siRNA) increases the radiosensitivity of radioresistant oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells.

From: The antioxidative stress regulator Nrf2 potentiates radioresistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma accompanied with metabolic modulation

Fig. 2

A The mRNA levels of Nrf2 in SAS cells, HSC-2 cells, and their respective clinically relevant radioresistant (CRR) clones transfected with control, si/Negative, or si/Nrf2 transfection. At 48 h after transfection, total RNA was extracted, and Nrf2 mRNA expression as analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results are presented as the mean ± SD of three independent experiments. B Nrf2 protein expression in SAS, HSC-2, and CRR cells following control, si/Negative, or si/Nrf2 transfection. At 48 h after transfection, the nuclear fraction was prepared, and then phosphorylated Nrf2 (phospho-Nrf2) protein expression was examined via Western blotting. C The effects of Nrf2 downregulation on radiosensitivity in OSCC and CRR cells. At 48 h after control, si/Negative, or si/Nrf2 transfection, cells were exposed to 2, 6, or 10 Gy of X-ray radiation. Then, the surviving fraction was determined using a modified high-density survival assay. *p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01.

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