Figure 4.

The increased HER2 protein expression was responsible for the migration ability of HBx-expressing HCC cells. ((a), (b), (c), and (e)) Hep3Bx cells were transiently transfected with either si-control or si-HER2 for 4 days. Then, cells were either harvested or reseeded for further experiments. Gene silence of HER2 expression was confirmed by Western blot (a) (N = 3). The relative growth rate was determined by crystal violet staining (b) (N = 3). The migration of Hep3Bx cells was examined by Transwell migration assay for 48 hrs. The representative pictures of migrated cells were visualized and quantified (c) (N = 3). The expressions of metastatic factors were examined by Western blot (e) (N = 3). (d) The expressions of metastatic factors in both Hep3B and Hep3Bx cells were examined by Western blot (N = 3).