Figure 4From: MicroRNA-497 increases apoptosis in MYCN amplified neuroblastoma cells by targeting the key cell cycle regulator WEE1siRNA mediated inhibition of WEE1 results in decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis in vitro. (A) Kaplan-Meier plots for EFS and OS in 88 neuroblastoma patients (Amsterdam) based on median WEE1 mRNA expression. P values were obtained using log-rank test. Box and whiskers plots represent the expression of WEE1 in a cohort of 88 primary neuroblastoma tumors. Samples are grouped according to known risk factors and expression compared in each of; MYCN amplified versus Non MYCN amplified and INSS Stage 4 versus INSS Stage 1,2,3,4S. Statistical differences in median expression were analysed using two sided Mann–Whitney U tests. Dark shading indicates known higher risk factor. HR= Hazard Ratio. (B) Neuroblastoma MYCN-amplified cell lines Kelly (n=3), CHP-212 (n=3) and non-MYCN-amplified SK-N-AS (n=3) were transfected with siWEE1 /siNegative control (siNeg Control). Viability of cells was measured by MTS assay at 24 hr, 48 hr, 72 hr and 96 hr post transfection. (C) Mean percentage of annexin V+ Kelly, CHP-212 and SK-N-AS cells, from at least three independent experiments at 96 hr post transfection with siWEE1 /siNegative control (siNeg Control). (D) Images of siWEE1 inhibited cells versus siNegative controls (siNeg Control) in Kelly, CHP-212 and SK-N-AS.Back to article page