Figure 4

Tumor suppressive effects of miR-3188 KO in vivo. (a) The subcutaneous tumors derived from the miR-3188 KO clones were smaller in size than control clones (n=5 each group). (b) Tumor growth curves show that the tumors derived from the miR-3188 KO clones grew significantly slower than those from control clones at all time points (at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28 days). Histograms indicate the average tumor weight of each group at the time of killing (n=5 each group). (c) The expression status of ZHX2, Notch signaling, TUNEL, and Ki67 in the xenograft tumor tissues detected by immunohistochemical analysis. (d) The orthotopic tumor implantation assays demonstrated that the liver tumors (right lobe) derived from HepG2-miR-3188 KO clones were markedly smaller in size compared with control group 30 days after orthotopic implantation (n=5 each group). Representative Ki67 staining of miR-3188 KO and control clone generated orthotopic liver tumor tissues. (e) The intraperitoneal tumor implantation assays showed that liver tumors derived from HepG2-miR-3188 KO clones were markedly smaller in size and less in number compared with control clones 21 days after peritoneal injection (n=5 each group). Representative H&E staining of liver tumor tissues derived from miR-3188 KO and control clones. *P<0.05, **P<0.01