siRNA-targeted COL8A1 inhibits proliferation, reduces invasion and enhances sensitivity to D-limonence treatment in hepatocarcinoma cells
Authors: Xiaoyan Mao
Yongji Liu
Li Jia
Yongfu Zhao
Henggui Xu
Bo Wang
Journal: IUBMB Life (2009)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: COL8A1; gene expression; hepatocarcinoma; RNA interference; proliferation
Affiliations: Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China.

Abstract:  The COL8A1 (collagen type VIII, alpha-1) gene, which encodes the alpha 1 chain of collagen, type VIII, may modulate migration, proliferation and adherence of various cells. Only very sparse information exists on COL8A1 expression in hepatocarcinoma. To investigate the possible role of COL8A1 in the mouse hepatocarcinoma cell line Hca-F with highly metastatic potential in the lymph nodes, we used an RNA interference (RNAi) approach to silence COL8A1 expression. The results showed that a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted against COL8A1 significantly impeded Hca-F cells proliferation and colony formation in soft agar. This reduction of COL8A1 expression also led to the decreased invasion of Hca-F cells dramatically in vitro. Furthermore, the downregulation of COL8A1 expression also sensitized cells to the action of D-limonene. These data together provide insights into the function of COL8A1 and suggest that COL8A1 might represent a new potential target for gene therapy in hepatocarcinoma. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
  Figure 3. Silencing of COL8A1 reduces the invasive ability of Hca-F cells in vitro. In vitro ECMatrix gel analysis is performed. (A) Wright-Giemsa staining results of the lower surface filters showed that the cells passed through the filter and attached to the lower side of the filter (3200). Note overlap between lefthand and middle panels (with the addition of a few cells). ![file] , 
 It is also helpful to compare Fig 3 against Fig 4B from  Modification of glycosylation mediates the invasive properties of murine hepatocarcinoma cell lines to lymph nodes [(Zhang et al 2013)] - here at bottom. ![file] The lefthand and middle panels of 3 both overlap with the lefthand panel of 4B. The righthand panel of 3 overlaps with the 3rd panel of 4B. , 
 Fig 2C. ![file] Could the authors comment on the unexpected similarities among cell colonies? , 
 Fig 1B. Here compared with *[at right]* Fig 1B from  CD147 depletion down-regulates matrix metalloproteinase-11, vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression and the lymphatic metastasis potential of murine hepatocarcinoma Hca-F cells [(Jia et al 2007)] . ![file] Third lane is identified differently in the two copies. Also, of course, COL8A1 is not VEGF-A. , 
 Fig 1A. The GAPDH control is horizontally flipped from its first appearance in Fig 1 of  Caveolin-1 up-regulates CD147 glycosylation and the invasive capability of murine hepatocarcinoma cell lines [(Jia et al 2006)] (here at right). Lanes relabelled. ![file] , 
 #3 Fig 2C again: ![file] Previous appearance of the left-hand panel in Fig 2B of  CD147 regulates vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression, tumorigenicity, and chemosensitivity to curcumin in hepatocellular carcinoma [(Jia et al 2007)] . ![file] The 2007 version lacks the obvious manipulations. , 
 Now comparing Figure 2 in its entirety against Figures 2A, 2B, 2C of  Silencing CD147 inhibits tumor progression and increases chemosensitivity in murine lymphoid neoplasm P388D1 cells [(Li Jia et al 2009)] . ![file] It appears that COLA81 manipulations affect the proliferation of Hca-F cells in **exactly the same way* as CD147 manipulations affect P388D1 cells. Even producing identical colonies (in multiple copies). Perhaps this phenomenon is worth a paper in itself? , 
 #6 Fig 2C again: ![] and Fig 2B from Jia et al (2007): ![] A third sighting: Fig 2C from  Differential expression of Axl in hepatocellular carcinoma and correlation with tumor lymphatic metastasis [(He et al 2010)] . ![] , 
 #4 Extension! At lower left: present Fig 1B. At upper left: Figure 1E from  siRNA targeted against matrix metalloproteinase 11 inhibits the metastatic capability of murine hepatocarcinoma cell Hca-F to lymph nodes [(Jia et al 2007)] . At right: Figure 1B from  CD147 depletion down-regulates matrix metalloproteinase-11, vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression and the lymphatic metastasis potential of murine hepatocarcinoma Hca-F cells [(Jia et al 2007)] . ![file] ,