Fig. 3
Loss of PC4 inhibits metastasis of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. a GSEA comparing the gene sets of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in PC4high (n = 78) and PC4low (n = 77) breast cancer patients. Data were obtained from GSE9893. NES means normalized enrichment score. b Cell invasive capacity was detected using the transwell assay after PC4 knockdown in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. c Statistical analysis of the data derived from (c). Experiments were repeated three times independently. d Cell migration capacity was measured using the wound healing assay after PC4 knockdown in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. e Statistical analysis of the data derived from (d). Experiments were repeated three times independently. f EMT markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin) were detected by western blotting in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells after PC4 knockdown. g The mRNA levels of EMT markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin) were detected by qPCR in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells after PC4 knockdown. h Tail vein injection of PC4-knockdown and control MDA-MB-231 cells in NOD/SCID mice were used to establish lung metastasis model. Lung tissue was dissected and photographed at the endpoint. i Statistical analysis of lung metastatic lesions per mouse in PC4 knockdown groups and control group. j Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of lung tissue in PC4 knockdown groups and control group. k Statistical analysis of lung metastatic nodules per lung section in PC4 knockdown groups and control group. l EMT markers (E-cadherin and Vimentin) were detected by western blot in dissected xenografts. All data indicate the mean ± SD, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001.