Differential pattern of HIF-1α expression in HNSCC cancer stem cells after carbon ion or photon irradiation: one molecular explanation of the oxygen effect.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are resistant to standard treatments, partly due to cancer stem cells (CSCs) localised in hypoxic niches. Compared to X-rays, carbon ion irradiation relies on better ballistic properties, higher relative biological effectiveness and the absence of oxygen effect. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is involved in the resistance to photons, whereas its role in response to carbon ions remains unclear.

Methods

Two HNSCC cell lines and their CSC sub-population were studied in response to photons or carbon ion irradiation, in normoxia or hypoxia, after inhibition or not of HIF-1α.

Results

Under hypoxia, compared to non-CSCs, HIF-1α is expressed earlier in CSCs. A combined effect photons/hypoxia, less observed with ca

SUBMITTER: Wozny AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5482725 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature