Fig. 7: Tumor cell growth regulatory mechanism mediated by miR-493-5p through IGF2-miR-483-3p inhibition.

a Tumor cell growth evaluated after IGF2 knockdown. Two distinct siRNAs were used to target IGF2 (siIGF2_A and siIGF2_B) in Hep3B cells, and scrambled siRNAs were used as negative controls. The number of cells was estimated at the indicated times using a cell viability assay. HepG2 and Huh-7 cells were considered resistant to IGF2 silencing given the absence of cell growth inhibition after transfection (Supplementary Fig. 11). b Mature miR-483 (3p and 5p) and c pri-miR-483 expression levels after experimental re-expression of miR-493-5p in HCC cells. Total RNA was extracted 72 h after cell transfection for RT-qPCR analysis. d Tumor cell growth assessment after miR-483-3p knockdown. Hep3B, HepG2, and Huh-7 cell growth was determined after transfection with miR-483-3p inhibitors (see Supplementary Fig. 1C for miR-483-3p inhibition control). Cells transfected with control inhibitors were used as a reference. All experimental data shown in the figure represent the mean ± SD. Statistical differences in miRNA expression measurement and cell growth assays relative to control siRNAs or control miRNA mimics and inhibitors were evaluated with a t-test: *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, and ***p < 0.001. NS, not significant