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Fig. 4 | Molecular Cancer

Fig. 4

From: Blockade of autophagy reduces pancreatic cancer stem cell activity and potentiates the tumoricidal effect of gemcitabine

Fig. 4

Blockade of autophagy by genetic knockdown suppresses tumor formation and sensitized pancreatic CSCs to gemcitabine. a The control, shATG5, shATG7 and shBECN1 cells were cultured for 48 h. Cell growth was analyzed by MTT assay (left panel). The percentages of apoptotic cells were determined by annexin V staining using flow cytometry (right panel). b The control, shATG5, shATG7, and shBECN1 cells were subcutaneously inoculated into the flanks of NOD/SCID mice. Each group contained 5 mice. The tumor volume was measured once weekly for 8 weeks, and the tumor weight was measured at the end of the experiment. c The bulk cells and the sphere-forming cells from the control, shATG5, shATG7 and shBECN1 cells were treated with gemcitabine for 48 h. The viability of the cells was determined by MTT assay. d The control, shATG5, shATG7, and shBECN1 cells were subcutaneously inoculated into the flanks of NOD/SCID mice. When the tumor volume reached 62.5 mm3, gemcitabine (GEM) was given intraperitoneally to mice at a dosage of 100 mg/kg once weekly for 4 weeks. e PANC-1 cells were subcutaneously inoculated into the flanks of NOD/SCID mice. When the tumor volume reached 62.5 mm3, mice were injected intraperitoneally with GEM (100 mg/kg), CQ (60 mg/kg), and their combination once weekly for 4 weeks. The tumor volume was measured every week after the first injection of each agent. The tumor weight in the lower panel was measured at the end of the experiment. Each group contained 3 mice. Values represent means ± SE. NS, not significant; *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001, significant differences between groups

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