HIF-1α & HIF-2α Double Silenced MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells Show Reduced Invasion & Degradation of the Extracellular Matrix

Tariq Shah¹, Balaji Krishnamachary¹, Flonne Wildes¹, Yelena Mironchik¹, Zaver M. Bhujwalla¹

The hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) is a master regulator of hypoxia inducible genes several of which facilitate invasion and metastasis. Here, using our MR-compatible cell perfusion assay, we investigated the effect of HIF-1α and HIF-2α silencing on the ability of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells to invade and degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM). MDA-MB-231 HIF double knocked down cells showed a significant decrease in invasion and ECM degradation, as well as altered metabolism. These data demonstrate the importance of silencing both HIF-1 and 2α; to reduce ECM degradation and invasion in this triple negative aggressive and metastatic breast cancer cell line.