Gint4.T-mediated delivery of STAT3 siRNA in NSCLLC cells
(A) Scheme of Gint4.T-STAT3 conjugate. (B and C) Calu-1 NSCLC cells (PDGFRβ+) were left untreated (NT) or treated with 400 nmol/L Gint4.T, Gint4.T-STAT3 or control chimera (CtrlApt-STAT3) or transfected with STAT3 siRNA duplex (siSTAT3) for 72 h as indicated. STAT3 mRNA (B) or protein (C) levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR or immunoblotting, respectively. Ctrl indicates the control with lipofectamine-2000 alone. In (B), error bars depict the mean ± SD (n = 2). (D) A549 NSCLC cells (PDGFRβ-) were left untreated (NT) or treated with 400 nmol/L aptamers or conjugates or transfected with STAT3 siRNA duplex (siSTAT3) for 72 h. STAT3 protein levels were analyzed by immunoblotting. In (C) and (D), Vinculin antibody was used as protein loading control. Treat: Treatment; Transf.: transfection. Statistics were calculated by t test (vs. NT): ∗p < 0.05.