FIGURE 2.

Knockdown of Ron expression by small interfering RNA-induced apoptosis. HCT116 cells were transfected with either a nonspecific siRNA or Ron-specific siRNA (Smartpool, Dharmacon). A, message levels of Ron were determined at 24 h. B, Ron Smartpool and two individual siRNA duplexes were transfected into HCT116 cells and caspase 3 induction was measured 48 h later. Values are the means of three replicates. Error bars indicate S.E. C, protein expression of Ron and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage was determined in HCT116 cells 48 h post siRNA transfection. Actin was used to normalize sample loading. GAPDH, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.