Fig. 2

MiR-214 increased the TAM/FUL-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. a MCF7 cells were transfected with 100 nM miR-214 mimics (214 m) or inhibitors (214i) for 24 h. Cells were then treated with 5 μM 4-OHT or 1 μM FUL for 72 h. Cell viability was estimated by the MTT assay. b MCF7 cells were transfected with 100 nM miR-214 mimics (214 m) or negative control (NC). Cells were then treated with or without 5 μM 4-OHT for 48 h. Annexin V-PI double staining was performed by flow cytometry. Bar graphs indicated the percentage of apoptotic cells. Data represent mean ± SD of three experiments. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01 vs. negative control (NC), ^# P < 0.05 vs. negative control treated with 4-OHT (NC + 4-OHT) (c) Western blotting was performed to analyze the expression of apoptotic proteins Bax, Bcl-2, c-PARP (cleaved PARP), cleaved-caspase-9 (c-capase-9) and autophagic protein LC3-II. Bar graphs indicated relative levels of Bax/Bcl-2, c-PARP, c-capase-9 and LC3-II normalized to β-actin. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01 vs. vehicle control, ^## P < 0.01 vs. negative control (NC)