Using a special virus to deliver a genetic tool that blocks ER-α gene activity successfully lowered ER-α levels in liver cancer cells within a day or two.
Scientific Claim
Lentivirus-mediated siRNA targeting ER-α significantly reduced ER-α mRNA and protein expression in Hep3B and HCCLM3 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines within 24-72 hours of infection, with statistical significance (P < 0.05) compared to control groups.
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
The study directly measured molecular changes in cell lines using validated techniques with statistical significance. The claim accurately describes what was observed in vitro without overgeneralizing.
Source Excerpt
“As shown in Figure 1(a), expression of ER-α was reduced as early as 24 hours after infection of ER-α siRNA. Seventy-two hours after infection the relative level of ER-α mRNA expression in cells of ER-α siRNA group was significantly decreased compared with that in the other groups (P < 0.05, resp.). In addition, the expression of ER-α protein was analyzed by western blot. The amount of ER-α protein in cells of ER-α siRNA group also decreased greatly after infection of 24, 48, and 72 hours (P < 0.05) (Figure 1(b)).”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting Evidence (1)
The study directly measured ER-α mRNA and protein levels using RT-PCR and western blot in two HCC cell lines after lentiviral siRNA treatment. The statistical significance (P < 0.05) confirms the knockdown effect was real and measurable in these specific cell cultures.
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