Fig. 2: HOTAIR knockdown potentiated radiosensitivity of CRC cells.

a, b sw480 and HCT116 cells were transfected with siHOTAIR#1, siHOTAIR#2, siHOTAIR#3, or a scramble control siRNA (scrambled). Forty-eight hours later, HOTAIR level was measured by RT-qPCR assay. c, d SW480 and HCT116 cells were transfected with siHOTAIR or its scramble control. At 24 h after transfection, cells were exposed to 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 Gy of IR and then maintained for about 2 weeks. Next, the number of positive colonies were measured using a microscope and the survival fractions were calculated. e–i SW480 and HCT116 cells were transfected with siHOTAIR or its scramble control for 24 h prior to the treatment with or without sham or 4 Gy of IR. e, f After 24 h of irradiation, cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. g, h Cell apoptotic rate was estimated using a flow cytometry at 24 h post irradiation. i Protein levels of LC3 I, LC3 II, p62, cleaved caspase 3, Bax, and Bcl-2 were determined at 24 h after irradiation. *P < 0.05.