Fig. 3: FUT2-mediated fatty acid synthesis promotes CRC cell proliferation and metastasis.

SW480 and DLD-1 cells were transfected with FUT2-shRNA, and then CCK8 assay (A) and colony formation assay (B) were performed to assess the proliferative capacity of cells with or without 50 μM palmitic acid. Data shown are mean ± SD; n = 3 samples. SW480 and DLD-1 cells transfected with FUT2-shRNA or FUT2/Lv105. After transfection, cells were treated with 50 μM palmitic acid (C) or 50 μM orlistat (D) for 24 h and then transwell assay was performed. The number of migrating/invading cells was quantified using Image J software. Scale bar represents 50 μm. Data shown are mean ± SD; n = 3 samples. E SW480 cells were transiently transfected with FUT2-siRNA, and then stained with phalloidin to evaluate intracellular cytoskeleton organization. Green fluorescence signals were captured and visualized through a fluorescent microscope using constant fluorescence parameters explained in the methods section: scale bar, 50 μm. F SW480 cells were transiently transfected with FUT2/Lv105. After transfection, the cells were treated with orlistat (50 μM) for 24 h, and then stained with phalloidin to evaluate intracellular cytoskeleton organization. Green fluorescence signals were captured and visualized through a fluorescent microscope using constant fluorescence parameters explained in the methods section: scale bar, 50 μm. Statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA using the Bonferroni post-hoc test, with *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001, ns: not significant.