Integrated spectroscopic and morphological analyses reveal cellular shifts in gene-silenced melanoma CSCs.

ABSTRACT: Intratumoral heterogeneity remains a major barrier to durable cancer therapies, largely driven by the persistence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this study, we employed an integrated, multi-scale approach to investigate how melanoma CSCs respond to siRNA-mediated silencing of three key regulatory genes: KLF4, SHH, and HIF1α. Using a combination of morphological, molecular, spectroscopic, and elemental analyses, we explored structural and biochemical consequences of gene knockdown. Gene silencing resulted in significant changes in cell shape and size, reduced F-actin organization, and decreased PFN1 expression, indicating a loss of stem-like properties. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy revealed shifts in biomolecular composition, notably a reduction in amide III intensity and an increase in lipid est

SUBMITTER: Ozdil B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12379142 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature