Œ±3Œ≤1 integrin promotes radiation-induced migration of meningioma cells
Authors: Jasti S Rao
Sanjeeva Mohanam
Meena Gujrati
Reshu Gupta
Jeffrey D Klopfenstein
Venkateswara Rao Gogineni
Arun Kumar Nalla
Journal: International Journal of Oncology (2011)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: Cell motility; microenvironment; signal transduction; cytoskeleton rearrangement; cancer cells
Affiliations: Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, One Illini Drive, Peoria, IL 61605, USA.

Abstract:  Cell motility is influenced by the microenvironment, signal transduction and cytoskeleton rearrangement. Cancer cells become resistant to these control mechanisms and gain the ability to move throughout the body and invade healthy tissues, which leads to metastatic disease. Integrins respond to context-dependent cues and promote cell migration and survival in cancer cells. In the present study, we analyzed the role of integrins in radiation-induced migration of meningioma cells. Migration and cell proliferation assays revealed that radiation treatment (7 Gy) significantly increased migration and decreased proliferation in two cell lines, IOMM-Lee and CH-157-MN. Œ±3 and Œ≤1 integrins were overexpressed at both the protein and transcript levels after radiation treatment and a function-blocking Œ±3Œ≤1 antibody inhibited the radiation-induced migration. Immunofluorescence studies illustrated the localization of Œ±3 integrin and F-actin at the migration front of irradiated cells. Further, an increase in phosphorylation of FAK and ERK was observed, while both FAK phosphorylation inhibitor and FAK shRNA inhibited ERK phosphorylation and downregulated uPA and vinculin. In addition to the co-localization of FAK and ERK at the migration front, these FAK-inhibition results link the downstream effects of ERK to FAK. Correspondingly, U0126 quenched ERK phosphorylation and reduced the expression of molecules involved in migration. Furthermore, brain sections of the animals implanted with tumors followed by radiation treatment showed elevated levels of Œ±3 integrin and active ERK. Taken together, our results show that radiation treatment enhances the migration of meningioma cells with the involvement of Œ±3Œ≤1 integrin-mediated signaling via FAK and ERK. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Figures 2 and 4: * Marked in green: The GAPHD from the Western blot shown in Figure 2A looks very similar to the GAPDH blot shown in Figure 4D. * Marked in red: The pFAK blot shown in Figure 4A looks similar to the pFAK blot in Figure 4C, but represents different experiments.  , 
 Figure 6C: two of the mouse panels appear to be showing the same photo - shown in pink.  , 
 February 2021 retraction, found here: https: www.spandidos-publications.com 10.3892 ijo.2021.5189  Following the publication of the above paper, we were contacted by the University of Illinois at Chicago, to request the retraction of the above article. Following a formal institutional investigation, the investigation panel concluded that the images in question had falsifying elements. Regarding the above study, the specific allegations that were investigated were that of falsifying elements of Fig. 2A, right panel, row 3, columns 2, 3 and 4 and Fig. 4D, left panel, row 5, columns 1, 2 and 3; Fig. 4A, row 1, columns 2, 3 and 4, and Fig. 4C, row 1, columns 5, 6 and 7; and Fig. 6C, row 1, column 3, and row 2, column 1. Following a review of this paper conducted independently by the Editor of International Journal of Oncology, the Editor concurred with the conclusions of the investigation panel, and therefore the above paper has been retracted from the publication. We also tried to contact the authors, but did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for the inconvenience caused. Paper reported to the journal by me in February 2016. , 
 See also https: retractionwatch.com 2021 03 15 falsifying-elements-prompt-retraction-of-three-more-papers-by-former-peorian-of-the-year ,