Fig. 7: Effects of RNF126 and PTEN on BCa cell progression in vivo.

A, B The qRT-PCR and western blotting showed the stable knockdown of RNF126 and PTEN mRNA and protein levels in T24 cells. C LV-control, LV-shRNF126, LV-shPTEN and LV-shRNF126 + shPTEN T24 cells were subcutaneously injected into four groups mice to generate the xenograft models. When the mice grew for 5 weeks, the xenografts were taken out and photographed (n = 8). D Tumor volume growth of BCa cells was measured twice a week until it grew for 5 weeks. E After the mice were sacrificed, the tumor weight was measured. F IHC demonstrated the expression of RNF126, PTEN and Ki67 proteins in tumors. Scale bar = 100 μm. G, H The mice’s tails were intravenous injected the LV-control, LV-shRNF126, LV-shPTEN and LV-shRNF126 + shPTEN T24 cells to establish the pulmonary metastasis models (n = 3). The BCa cell migration capacity was demonstrated by the fluorescence of pulmonary metastases. I After injection for 8 weeks, the mice were sacrificed and the lungs were taken out. Then, the lungs were stained with HE. The arrows denote the tumors transferred to the lungs. Scale bar = 100 μm. J The quantification of pulmonary metastases was determined by counting the metastatic nodules. ***p < 0.001, **p < 0.01, *p < 0.05.