High STRN Expression Promotes HCC Invasion and Migration but Not Cell Proliferation or Apoptosis through Facilitating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Figure 4

Modulation of STRN expression in Huh7 cells influences the EMT or MET process in vitro. (a) Morphological changes of Huh7 cells with STRN downregulation and overexpression were observed by microscopy, and representative images are shown (original magnification, ×200). (b) qRT-PCR assay was performed to measure the mRNA level of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and the mesenchymal marker Vimentin in Huh7 cells with dual-directional regulation of STRN expression. (c) Effect of STRN on the expression of EMT-related proteins. E-cadherin and Vimentin were examined in Huh7 cells with STRN downregulation and overexpression by Western blot analysis. (d) Immunofluorescence assay was performed to assess the expression of markers of epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes (original magnification, ×200). and vs. either control or NC (b, c); and vs. NC (d). Abbreviations: NC: negative control; OE: overexpression.

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